It’s been a long time since I’ve made the time to do something crafty, but I’m hoping to change all that this year. I have a huge list of things I want to make for around the house, and one of the top categories is holiday decorations. I see so many cute ideas out there!
Since Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and I don’t really have very many decorations for that holiday (gasp!), I decided to start there. I wanted something cute, but not something that would take too long, since I’m so busy with school right now. So block letters it is!
Here is what you would need for this project:
- Wooden block letters (I found these at Michael’s)
- Acrylic Paint
- Scrapbook paper in various patterns
- Mod Podge
- Paint brushes or sponges
Not pictured:
- Pencil for tracing
- Scissors
- Sparkle Mod Podge
First thing to do is trace your letters onto the scrap paper. Put the paper to the side for now, and then paint the outside edge of your letters. You can paint the front and/or back as well, but since one side is covered by paper, and the other side will be facing the wall, I left that part out. I ended up doing 2 coats on each letter, but I think three would have been even better. It depends on the thickness of your paint, but I would do at least two coats. I also suggest doing a coat of primer if your letters are not white, so it will cut down on the painting time.
You should wait at least a few hours for the paint to dry. I was too eager, and ended up smearing the paint and having to retouch one of the “X” sides. Patience is a virtue here!
While you’re waiting for the paint to dry, cut out the letter shapes. Put them to the side again, but close by, because you will need them for the next step.
Once your paint is pretty much dry, you’ll want to break out the Mod Podge. Put a nice thin layer of Mod Podge on the front side of your letters, and another thin layer on the back of the paper. Place the paper gently on the letter, making sure it adheres completely and the edges are pretty much spot on. Don’t worry if it overlaps a bit on some parts, it can be fixed later. Spread another thin layer of Mod Podge over the top of the paper. Make sure the paper is smooth over the letter. I find that running the edge of a credit card gently over the paper works better than using my hands.
It’s easiest to work on each letter separately, so you aren’t rushing. Let it dry for about 30 minutes, and then put another final coat of Mod Podge on the front. I ended up using sparkle Mod Podge as my final coat, to give it a bit of extra shimmer!
Let it dry overnight, and then trim off any edges that are sticking out. Voila! A cute, quick decoration for the holidays.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
That is super cute. I have to admit, I have no idea what Modge Podge it but I see it in a bunch of craft tutorials so I probably should figure it out. If I can find the time I am totally going to do this!
Thanks for stopping by! Mod Podge is awesome! It’s a glue/sealer/finish, and you can use it on wood, paper, cloth, glass, lots of stuff! I totally recommend keeping at least one bottle with your craft supplies!
I think you mean VOILA not viola, lol. Aside from that, great tutorial!
Oops! lol Thanks for catching that, I was typing too fast for my own good.
I LOVE this tutorial! I especially love the XOXO, in my family we say 143 (I Love You) all the time, this would be a super cute way to incorporate that into Valentine’s day decorations!
Cool!! You just inspired me to do more DIY projects!
aww this is such a cute craft!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
So pretty – I really love how detailed these are
This is very cute, it would be darling for a young girl’s bedroom or nursery!
So cute- love it! Fantastic for a girls bedroom!
Love the scrapbook paper colors and textures you chose. Love that you used pre-made letters to make this a project even those who aren’t crafty can do.
Adorable craft idea. I pinned it into my Craft Ideas board. I am not super crafty so this one looks easy enough.
That ends up gorgeous! Almost like it was bought from the store!
OH my goodness, that is such a cute idea! I have never done a craft like this but I bet my kids would love it and it seems easy enough for them to do!
These are so adorable! I will try to make some this weekend and will let you know how they turn out! thanks for posting! I came from the Sugar Bee Crafts Tuesday Party
that looks cute. totally pinning it!
This is just darling! Love!! I’d love for you come on over and share it at Finding the Pretty & Delicious Linky Party.
http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/finding-the-pretty-delicious-linky-party-2/
This is so cute and how simple! I love the red border of the sides! This would look so cute on a mantle!
so sweet!
Would love it if you could share this on my Link Party!
Natasha @ http://www.serenityyou.com
Adorable letters for Valentine’s Day!! Super cute-
Just stopping in from Cowgirl up!
Mandy@ The Hankful House
Oh how Cute! Love this Idea and love the papers that you used. Thanks for Sharing! Would love for you to come visit my blog sometime. :0)
cindys-greencricut.blogspot.com
These are so pretty! I love letter art so thanks for the tutorial! I’ll have to try this sometime soon and if all goes well, I’d like to make some letters for my son’s room.
I’d love to have you come link up to my Family Fun Friday linky (special Valentine’s Day edition) at http://www.momsandmunchkins.ca/2013/02/08/family-fun-friday-20130208/
Happy Friday!