20 Days of Halloween Projects - Day 13

Day 13

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Today's project I made, and before I go any further I have to apologize for my photos!  My mom is on vacation in Virginia and I usually borrow her amazing camera lately.  So I had to whip out the old nikon coolpix (and when I said old - I mean it!)
 Anyways...I decided to make a sign to hang.  I used paper mache letters from Joanns.  Let's just say it took 3 trips between Hobby Lobby, and 2 Joann stores to find these 3 silly letters!  They are very popular letters right now apparently.  But I finally found them. 

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Wanna make this?  Here's what you'll need:

Paper mache letters (or wood)

Scrapbook paper

Scissors

Glue gun

Ribbon

Modge podge

Foam paint brush

Acrylic paint

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First trace your letters on to your scrapbook paper of choice.  Then cut out the letters.  Now paint the sides and insides of the paper mache letters with your acrylic paint color of choice - I chose black to continue with my black & white Halloween theme. 

Now put a layer of modge podge on the right side up of your paper mache letter and adhere your scrapbook paper letter you cut out on top.  Let it dry for a minute. (I didn't paint the back of my letters, I was tired.  Ooops!) 

Now I would normally use sandpaper but I was out, so I chose the next best thing...a nail file!  I used it to sand off all the extra paper that was hanging over the edge of the letter.  Which wasn't a lot since I traced it to begin with.  But the file gives the edges a great weathered look.  Now that this is all done brush the entire letter with modge podge.  Next take your ribbon and hot glue it to the back of the letter and attach the next letter (see picture!)  I made a little rosette out of some leftover ribbon for the hanger at the top of the sign.  Once your done connecting your letters together just hang (you may have to use a bit of masking tape rolled up on the back of the sign to have the bottom lay flat against wall.  I think it turned out great.  

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This would be a great project for Christmas & Thanksgiving too!  Maybe "Joy", "Peace", "Noel", or "Thanks".