Etsy Shop or Blog Monogram Letters

Since I have written about monogram letters here, and here I thought I would post a tutorial on how to cover the letters with paper. I usually make the letters for a family name, but this time I thought it would be fun to make YB for Yellow Blackbird for my craft room. It would also be fun for a blog name put on a computer desk or something.

I did this tutorial at night so the pictures aren't that great- sorry! Here we go!


You can buy letters at any craft store. I sometimes use wood, but found these paper mache letters at Hobby Lobby for $1.77 each.

The first step is to choose patterned paper. Choose something that matches your shop or blog name. You can see that I chose a gray paper with yellow birds! Trace the letter on the back of the paper. (Make sure you put the letter face down so it isn't backwards.)

Cut out the paper.

Next paint the edges of the letter a matching color. I usually use the paper background color, but decided to go with an accent color this time.

You can see by the pictures that I messed up and painted the letter first, then traced it. If you do this you will have to repaint the letter to cover up your pencil marks.

Let the paint dry.

Use Mod Podge to attach the paper to the letter. Swipe a coat on really fast, attach the paper and smooth with a bone folder or side of a credit card. If you get the mod podge too thick it can cause the paper to wrinkle and even tear.

If you want extra protection and shiny-ness add another coat of Mod Podge. : )

Embelish letters as desired. For the B I hot glued a flower and yellow button on the edge. I wrapped the Y in yellow ribbon.

Ta da! Display proudly!

In addition to my fav linky parties listed in the side bar, this post will be linked up to:

Altered Picture Frames (and of course a monogram letter)

As I have mentioned several times already, my brother is getting married soon. I already showed his fiancee's bridal shower and gift, but my mom and I were invited to another shower for her. I wanted to make something for the first gift but didn't have time. I was glad to have a chance to make some home decor and give to her.

I purchased 3 plain wood frames at Dollar Tree. I painted each frame black. For this frame I created the very popular singed flower and added a metal "happily ever after" charm.

I decoupaged patterned paper on to the next frame. I added the ribbon over the part that wasn't perfect. : ) I cut the back off a button and glued it on.

I added red stickers to this frame and then put a coat of Mod Podge over it.

Of course I also have to throw in a matching monogram wood letter!

I think they will look great all in a group or individually.

I sure hope she liked them! : )

Secret Sister Gifts

Recently I returned from girl's camp. It was a lot of fun! As part of the camp we drew names in advance of a "secret sister." We were supposed to give our secret sister one gift each day during camp. I drew Stephanie, who is one of the other leaders. Of course I had to make my gifts!

The first thing I made was a monogram letter of her last name. I found the wooden 'N' on clearance at Walmart for $1! You can also buy them at most any craft store. I painted the letter, traced the letter on paper, cut out the paper and attached it to the wood with Modge Podge. I went pretty simple with this one, only adding the black ribbon as an embellishment.

I didn't know the colors of her home, so I chose what I hoped would be neutral enough to go anywhere. (I even scoured her Facebook page looking for clues!)

Next, I embellished a pair of flip-flops just for her. Right now Walmart has a lot of different colors of flip-flops available for only $2 a pair! I picked up the trim at Walmart too.

I cut the trim to size, then attached it with E-600 glue. I will only use this glue outside. It smells wretched for a while until it dries completely! I then created a flower using this tutorial that I have linked to several times before.

I attached the flower with the stinky glue and left the shoes outside for a while to dry and air out!

I wanted to make sure that Stephanie knew each item was for her and that it was the secret sister gift so I created tags. My fall back method for gift tags is to place a single letter (or double for a wedding) monogram on a plain tag. It looks so clean and sharp.

I matched the tag to a ribbon and attached one to each gift.

I was going to make a third gift but I ran out of time so I just did candy for the last day.

I still want to do the giveaway! I haven't had much time for promoting lately, but as soon as I get 200 "likes" on my Facebook page, I will giveaway a headband or hair clip!