I decided to make my own wooden wall letters for my son’s bedroom makeover. I know you can buy the letters at the craft store, but I already had the wood and the means to make my own template, so I chose to DIY. I think ultimately that I just like to use my power tools, so any excuse to cut wood and I am in.
I started to make the templates with my favorite friend, Cameron. I used the “Berlin Sans FB” font on each letter. I made each letter the same in size and had Cameron cut them out for me.
I placed the letters on my plywood board and traced each one.
This is the fun part, cutting them out with my jigsaw.
Once they were all cut out, I sanded down the rough edges.
Hand painted the edges with black paint and let them dry.
I chose scrapbook paper in the black, whites and reds, all the colors of my son’s bedroom. My son’s school colors are black, white and red, which allowed me to use the scrapbook paper with his school name. I also choose the music notes and instrument paper as he plays the saxophone, tuba and sings and performs in the stage choir.
I had to trace the letters by hand, and allow for a 1/4 inch on the inside when I hand cut them out. I wanted them to show the black paint as an accent. I could not use Cameron for this as his cuts are straight and perfect and mine have a heavy hand of hand cut. Tracing them allowed me to match my imperfections.
Applied a layer of Mod Podge and placed the paper on top and sealed with another layer of Mod Podge. Incase you missed the painting of the shelves and bedside table or my lamp makeover, you can click the links to follow along with the bedroom makeover.
Come join some of my blogging friends as we all used a jigsaw to create some great DIY projects. We are inspiring and empowering women to pick up a power tool and give it a try.
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Krista @ the happy housie says
These are awesome- you did a fabulous job! I’m impressed with your jigsaw skills!
Designed Decor says
Thanks Krista! It was kinda hard to hold a steady hand while using the jigsaw!
Jeanie @ create&babble says
These are better than any store-bought letters! I love how unique they are!
Designed Decor says
Thanks Jeanie! I like to be unique and do things myself and I know you can relate to that!
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
DeeDee your letters much nicer than the ones you can buy because of the cool font style – unlike the limited selection available. The scrapbook paper combinations you used are fabulous. Just love it!
Designed Decor says
Thanks Marie! It is good to be unique and have your own fonts!
Paula@SweetPea says
Your son has to be thrilled with this DIY! The scrapbook paper makes a great accent for the letters. A few years ago I made similar letters for my classroom wall and each year when I get a new group they always love it. Who knows? Your letters could end up in a dorm room some day!
Designed Decor says
Paula, I am taking him to his dorm this week! (tears in my eyes) I have to ask him if he wants these to go with him or stay in his room for when he is home!
Christy @Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says
I know these are a great addition to your son’s room. Love the papers you chose! XO
Designed Decor says
Thanks Christy! The great thing is you can simply change the paper with the decor!
Cher @ Designs by Studio C says
Love the letters! You make it look so easy and I really love the paper choices!
Designed Decor says
Cher, it was pretty easy. I sanded down the areas that I did not have a clean cut, but you can;t tell!
Wendi @ H2OBungalow says
DeDe… I have no doubt your son loved adding his name to his room! love the idea of Mod Podging them with paper that has meaning to him too. Thnks for sharing your project with the Power Tool Challenge group!
Designed Decor says
Thanks Wendi! Here’s to many more projects with the PTC group!
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Those are so fun and I know you boy loved them! Simple and easy-to-do decor. Fantastic!
Designed Decor says
Thanks Larissa! They were fun to make!
Emily says
wow!! you have some awesome saw skills! I’m so impressed how the wood cut outs look just like the font on the paper ones… You should start taking orders ;o)
Designed Decor says
Thanks Emily! I love my power tools!
Sarah fuller says
These are such cute and unique letters.
DesignedByBH says
I love these! What a neat idea! Man, I need some tools… 🙂
– Brooke –
Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint says
DeDe, I love that you cut out your own letters and the choice in scrap paper is so darn cute. When I first saw your photo, I thought you must be the only house in Ohio that the sun shines on… LOL
xoxo
Denyse
Designed Decor says
Thanks Denyse! I cut out the letters before the yuk winter weather! Sometimes it takes me that long to complete a project!
Stephanie says
I absolutely love how these turned out! I like how you painted the edges,.
Inspire Me Heather says
Wow, your letters look so good! That’s great that you could choose whatever font and size you want too and cut them yourself. Looking forward to seeing more of your DIY’s and that room reveal!
Designed Decor says
Thanks Heather! I love my Silhouette! I have made many home decor projects using it! Looking forward to seeing all of your great creations too!
Crystal says
Awesome!! I love the scrapbook papers you chose. It goes perfect with the room. Love it!!
Designed Decor says
Thanks Crystal! I had a hard time finding the ones I wanted. I originally wanted 5 different papers, but could not find 5!