Alphabet Wall Art

This project has been in the works for so long now. I first got the idea from my friend Meghann sometime last year, then put it off over and over and over again. When I finally got around to getting the materials, the craft store was out of what I needed, so I bought my second choice materials, which kind of took the wind out of my sails! But now, after many months of procrastination, it is finished. I chose to spell out my children's names, but you could do letters of the alphabet, a different word that goes with the theme in their bedroom, or even numbers. It is such a quick and easy project, and there's nothing like instant gratification when it comes to home decor!

The materials will differ slightly based on what you have available to you. The important thing to remember when gathering materials is that your letters, paper, and frames all have to coordinate size-wise. It won't do you any good to buy enormous letters if the only frames you can find are 5x7"! I am lucky enough to have a fantastic craft store (Ben Franklin Crafts) nearby that carries 12" square frames in the color I wanted--white--for only $6 each. So I bought fairly big letters that were also already painted white (Thank You Walmart!) and scrapbooking paper that was 12" square. I also chose to use the same size frame and letter for each panel and only varied the pattern on the paper, but it would probably look cute and whimsical to use different-sized frames and letters.

Materials:

• 1 inexpensive picture frame per panel
• 1 wooden letter per panel
  
• paint, optional (only if your frames and letters are not already the color you want)
• 1 piece of scrapbooking paper per panel
• double-stick tape
• glue (I used Tacky Glue)
  
• measuring tape or ruler, optional
  
• pencil
  

Instructions:

1. If your picture frames and/or letters are not the right color, paint them and allow them to dry completely. When I finally bought my materials, the craft store didn't have enough white frames, so I bought some that were black and spray painted them. It took many coats, but they look pretty good.
2. If your paper is not already the appropriate size for the frames, carefully cut it to the right size. The cardboard insert from a picture frame makes a great template.
   
3. Remove backing, cardboard, and glass from 1 ready-to-go picture frame. You can find some other use for the glass, but keep the backing and the cardboard.
4. Apply double-stick tape to the back of 1 piece of paper. I put 1 piece of tape on each edge, and then made a big X in the middle, so I used 6 pieces of tape on the back of each piece of paper. Place the paper right-side up on top of the cardboard insert from the frame and gently press them together. Make sure there are no wrinkles or bubbles. Put the cardboard/paper sandwich back in the picture frame and replace the backing. You should now have a lovely framed piece of patterned paper!
5. Figure out where your letter is going to go on the paper and very lightly mark the top or bottom edge with the pencil. I just eyeballed it, but you could always measure.
   
6. Carefully apply glue to the back of 1 wooden letter. You do not want glue oozing out when you stick the letter onto the paper, so apply enough to make the letter stick, but no more. Place the letter glue-side down onto the paper in the marked spot and gently press down. Allow to dry completely.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 for the remaining letters.
8. Hang on wall!