What's in a Name?

What a great way to display your family name, first name, nickname - you name it! This was a fun project I put together for my step-daughter who is getting married in a few months. I chose the colors by using her wedding colors - a great way to be able to keep this displayed on the wall even if the colors become outdated.

I found the wood letters at a JoAnn Fabric and Craft store. I selected a variety of items to include on the letters: ribbon, velum, scrapbook paper, hair bows, string of pearls, gemstones, and other appliques. Remember to get different textures and styles, but keep in mind that subtlety adds character without being too busy (i.e., not every letter is its own design - I have two letters of each).

I painted the letters first with wood paint and let them dry per instruction. I traced the letters on the back side of the paper and cut them by hand. I used Antique Matte Mod Podge to glue the paper to the letters and let them dry. (You could also apply this Mod Podge to the paint to give it a cracked/antique look.) I glued all the accessories on the letters using a hot glue gun (my favorite tool!).

Here is a closer look at the letters:

Finally, a few ideas to display your name:

1) Place pegs in the bottom of each letter and insert them in a block of wood for a tabletop display.
2) Place picture hangers on the back of each letter and hang on the wall with a nail.
3) Attach a ribbon on the back of each letter (so the letter dangles from the ribbon) and hang on the wall using the ribbon.

Voila! You have a beautiful name display!