Vintage-inspired custom name letters: a cheap and simple craft tutorial

how to use children's book pages to cover letters for a kid's room

I recently finished transforming the Little Red Caboose into this for Levi’s room:

I love the vintage — yet still bright — feel to this personalized wall decor.

It’s a project that cost me under $10.00, is one-of-a kind, and easy enough for most any novice crafter to pull off.

Creating these is fun and simple!

1) Gather your supplies:

1. Letters spelling your child’s name. (Choose a “thin” letter if you want to use them on the wall, or a “thicker” letter if you want to them to stand alone on a shelf.)
2. Clear varnish. (I prefer spray varnish.)
3. Clear-drying PVA craft glue.
4. Paper of your choice. I used a $2.50 classic golden book, but you can also use scrapbooking paper, photographs, comics, or anything else you wish.
5. Screw in hooks (if you choose to hang them on the wall).

2) Tear the paper into strips of your liking. (You can cut them for a more geometric feel, but I prefer the soft edges you get when tearing.) For this example, my strips are about 1/2 inch wide.

3) Layer and glue the strips over the face of your letter using the PVA glue. (Don’t worry about glue squeezing out the edges – it will dry clear!) Choose a “random” look to layer your strips (like I’ve done) or lay them carefully side-by-side for a more “ordered” look (choose vertical, horizontal, or diagonal). Make sure there are no little spots left uncovered.

4) Turn the letter over and glue strips along the edges of the letter. This will serve as a base to ensure no “empty” spots when you’re gluing your original strips (from the front) down over the edge.

5) Trim the strips down with scissors so that they are more manageable. Make sure to leave enough to work with though – perhaps one or two inches.

6) Fold and glue the end of the strips from the front of the letter over the edges. This will give the edges the same “random” look as the surface of the letter.

7) Trim the edges again. You want to make sure you don’t have excess paper all over the place so that your letter can lay flat against the wall, but you also need to ensure there is enough excess edge to fold over the back so that it will glue down easily. About 1/2 a centimeter works well.

8) Glue down the last bits of paper to the back, making sure that all of your corners are as crisp and clean as possible.

9) Put any final touches on the front of your letters. I like to include some key phrases from the text of the book.

10) Let your letters dry thoroughly. After they have dried, if you notice any bits that were not glued properly, add more glue and smooth everything down. Wait for it to dry again and re-check. Repeat this until you are completely satisfied.

11) Begin your varnishing process. Lay the letters on wax paper (or something similar) and spray the varnish over your letters, covering both the front as well as the edges. Do this at least eight to ten times, letting the varnish dry between each spray. The varnish will protect the paper, prolong the life of your letters, and add a shiny, finished-looking surface to your piece. (Of course you should be doing this part outside!)

12) Attach hooks to the back if you plan to hang them on the wall. (Make sure to measure carefully so that they will hang evenly.)





13) Add them to the nursery wall or wherever else you had in mind and applaud yourself for being a creative genius. Ok, applaud yourself for making a really simple (and inexpensive!) craft that makes it look like you’re a creative genius.

 

 

 

Dear friends, I don’t “get crafty” often, but I have fun when I do. Aren’t these cute and simple?! The possibilities are endless. Try using a major color theme on each different letter or using alternate color themes every other letter. Try using the Sunday comics or text only from your favorite book, newspapers, or magazines. Try using your child’s favorite Disney-theme books or a classic Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme book. Try using sheet music or favorite photos from a family trip. Try using various patterns of scrapbooking paper in a similar color scheme. Try… well, you get the picture! The possibilities are pretty much endless!!! Enjoy.

always thrilled by decorating on a dime,


About Author

Adriel Booker is an author, speaker, and advocate based in Sydney, Australia who believes storytelling, beauty, and the grace of God will change the world. Adriel has become a trusted voice in areas of motherhood and parenting, Christian spirituality, and global women's issues. She's also known for her work with the Love A Mama Collective—serving under-resourced women in developing nations through safe birth initiatives—as well as her years spent as a Bible teacher and leadership coach. Her latest book is Grace Like Scarlett: Grieving with Hope after Miscarriage and Loss and she's made the companion grief journal available for free. Find Adriel across all social media platforms at @adrielbooker or sign up for LoveNotes, Adriel's 'secret posts' that aren't published anywhere else online. ✌️

13 Comments

  • Jennifer Kay
    20 February 2011 at 12:18 pm

    I think they are awesome, I always wonder how people think of things like this or I'll say "Man, I wish I would have thought of that!"

    Levi will treasure those someday…

    Reply
  • cooperl788
    20 February 2011 at 9:04 pm

    These are so cool! I've been thinking about making over Georgia's room, and this would be a perfect way to add something special for her. I'm definitely filing this under "To-Do!"

    Reply
  • Emma
    20 February 2011 at 9:27 pm

    That's a really neat idea. We are off on holiday this week so am looking for some ideas of crafts to do with Chick. I'm pretty sure that she'll love this idea!!!

    Reply
  • Becca
    20 February 2011 at 10:22 pm

    I love this idea! I know I want to do letters once we name our baby, and I'm definitely putting this on the idea list.

    Reply
  • Twinbaby
    21 February 2011 at 5:14 pm

    I really like the concept of your artwork.. It is really inviting to everyone's eyes..Neat and yet looks expensive. I've got to try this one.

    Reply
  • Lindsey
    21 February 2011 at 6:16 pm

    Beautiful! I love this idea and you're right — it looks simple enough. Unfortunately, it looks like our son is going to end up with a much longer name, so it may take me some more time!

    Lindsey @ GrowingKidsMinistry.com

    Reply
  • Branson @ Reflection of Something
    22 February 2011 at 12:04 am

    I totally LOVE the idea of using pages from a children's book! That is brilliant!

    Reply
  • Kerry McCullough
    22 February 2011 at 2:39 am

    Wow, those are so cute! I can't believe you MADE them. That's some serious talent 🙂

    Reply
  • L
    22 February 2011 at 5:34 pm

    You are just too creative! I think this would look awesome in a photo frame too.

    Reply
  • Amy
    23 February 2011 at 2:57 am

    Those are so stinkin' cute–I'm not at all crafty but I'm going to try this!! Thanks for the great idea!

    Reply
  • Jill
    14 April 2011 at 2:10 pm

    Super cute! I'm doing this with sheet music and vintage book pages for a more 'grown-up' look. Although, this will be perfect for my Christmas gifts for the kiddies in my family – time to get gluing!

    Reply
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  • […] This was the month I found out I was pregnant… and also the month that I got eaten by the tired monster. Apparently many of you could relate. I also got my craft on and posted a tutorial on some adorable vintage inspired custom name letters. […]

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