Interiors,Makes

Making easy decoupage letters

Letters shelfie

Craft is a bit of a way of life for my son. He is always cutting, sticking and creating, making up games, writing little books, drawing huge pictures and generally just being a bit of an creative, slightly eccentric little machine! That’s why these easy decoupage letters are a perfect craft for him.

I’ve found going with this creativity is the best way to keep him occupied and making sure there is a steady supply of craft materials is a must to stop him climbing the walls in his free time.

I walked past this really cool little art and craft shop in Leeds the other day called Fred Aldous, and before I knew it I was in there buying some cardboard letters and a stash of colourful wrapping paper. They’re only small letters, about 10cm tall, and at £1 each there was nothing to lose if the plan didn’t go well.

Letters half done in decoupage

Papier mache letters

I think to do proper decoupage you should buy special glue but after a bit of googling I decided trusty PVA would work just as well. After Sam and Flo chose the paper they wanted to use to cover their letters, we cut some into small pieces ready to start.

It’s a nice easy craft for a three-year-old to manage with some help, and Sam (who is seven) managed to do it on his own with a bit of advice from me on how to smooth the paper round the corners. Flo had a far easier job with a straight letter F than Sam did with his curvy S.

I had to put the decorating of my J on hold while I helped the kids, so I hope it isn’t too long before I get round to finishing it off.

Wrapping paper

decoupage letters

All you do is paint some glue onto the letter with a small paintbrush and stick little bits of paper on, smoothing it as you need to with your fingers. It’s a good idea to do the front and sides first then leave that to dry before attempting the back. Also, small pieces work best as the larger they are, the harder it is to smooth it around the sides without it creasing.

I think they need varnishing as well so I’ll do that this week with either some craft varnish or a homemade recipe of two parts PVA and one part water. I think it’s just as effective if the letters are only to be used indoors.

Not bad for a Sunday morning activity, what do you think?

x Julia

Sam pressing paper down

Letter F in progress

Three letters in progress

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8 Comments

  • Reply
    RachelSwirl
    October 3, 2016 at 12:12 am

    these look fab we may have to grab some letters and give it a go! Thanks Mrs!
    RachelSwirl recently posted…#MySundayPhoto – Building ProgressMy Profile

  • Reply
    mummyofboygirltwins
    October 3, 2016 at 12:54 pm

    Love these and my Lottie would adore making them. Super idea and one for a weekend activity or a rainy day! xx
    mummyofboygirltwins recently posted…Keeping cosy at home this AutumnMy Profile

  • Reply
    Andrea
    October 3, 2016 at 2:32 pm

    This is just what I needed! My daughters birthday is in a few weeks and I’ve been trying to think of a fun way to craft her name for decorations and this is totally it! Thanks for sharing!

  • Reply
    Suzi
    October 3, 2016 at 4:22 pm

    Definitely going to try this with my littler two, might do some Christmas letters too. Thanks for the idea.c

  • Reply
    Megan - Truly Madly Kids
    October 3, 2016 at 5:03 pm

    So cute! I love that you can totally personalise them as well. Excellent crafting, Mrs!

  • Reply
    Notmyyearoff
    October 3, 2016 at 9:06 pm

    Such a fab little thing for craft lovers and I think I’d really enjoy it. Plus you can’t really go wrong with PVA glue. I wish my Z loved craft. Maybe E will 🙂
    Notmyyearoff recently posted…Smithills Hall – A very first school tripMy Profile

  • Reply
    Jules
    October 4, 2016 at 2:52 pm

    A great idea. I think I’ll try and source some letters and give this a go with a reluctant-to- craft Lily. X

  • Reply
    Hayley @hayleyfromhome
    October 5, 2016 at 12:44 pm

    They’ve turned out great Julia!! I’m not sure how the twins would fare but I think Lucas would love this, espeically with the right paper to decoupage with, you must be made up with them! xx
    Hayley @hayleyfromhome recently posted…Things To Do This Autumn In The North WestMy Profile

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