FRAMED INITIAL ART

Last month when I showed you where we are so far with my son's room, one of the things you all liked the most was his initials on the wall.

I planned to show you some day how I made those, and that day came sooner than later.  When cleaning some cobwebs above the kitchen pantry the other day, I knocked down a little more than the webs.  The framed "G" that was hanging there came crashing down and the letter broke, but the frame was ok.  So, that's a little blessing in disguise because now I can show you how I put them together.  It's SO easy, and would make such a great (& thrifty) personalized gift.  

The supplies you need are a frame in the size of your choice (mine was 16x20 and only a few dollars from the thrift shop-painted of course!), a backing cut to fit (can be stiff cardboard, foam board, or even a thin sheet of wood), spray adhesive, hot glue and gun, fabric, and a letter (also spray painted if you desire).  Letters can be purchased at any craft store.  I like to use the poly-resin classic style from Hobby Lobby, but they also have some great chipboard 3D and wooden cut out options.  

Making sure your fabric is smooth and free of wrinkles, cut it to fit the backing piece exactly, then use the spray adhesive to adhere it.  

Next, peel back a little bit of the fabric around the edges and run a line of hot glue, pressing your fabric firmly into the glue.  The first time I made one of these I only used the spray adhesive, and after hanging the frame the fabric started to sag and pull because the letter was too heavy.  The bead of hot glue around the edges helps to hold everything in place.

Then, lay your letter on your board and find the center-use a ruler or it will drive you crazy when it's finished if you're a little bit off!  When my letter is in the right place, I like to trace a few of the edges with a pencil (it won't show) so I can get it back into the right position.  Apply hot glue to the back of the letter and press into place.  

Once dry, I used this method to attach the back to the frame and it's all done!

Are you working on any regular projects this week? Or just Christmas?  I think I'm the only person (or blogger!) who doesn't have one bit done yet.  We pulled everything out of the attic last night, but today I'm working the Book Fair at school and helping to decorate at church, so not sure if any will get done today either.  But tomorrow, I'm on it!  

Linking up with:
The Shabby Nest

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