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Aug16 DIY: Marquee Letters 2012
I’ve said this before, but I have no problem saying it again. I love Ashley at Sugar & Cloth. She’s super creative and her DIYs are projects that I would actually make. You know, there are lots of DIYs that I’d pin, but never make. Today’s fab project from Ashley is on my to-do list for this weekend, I’m so in love. Enjoy!
I love the idea of marquee letters, and according to Pinterest, so does everyone else. The only catch is the real deal vintage letters are few and far between, and most DIY versions involve a crazy amount of steps, weird tools, and too many measurements for my comfort, but not with this one! If you can use a knife, you can make this!
Materials needed:
Large cardboard letter (JoAnn’s is the best place to find one)
X-acto Knife
String Lights
Pencil
Paint (optional)
Instructions:
1 | Cut along the seam of your cardboard letter, only on one side. It’s surprisingly easy! This will be the back side that hides the cord.
2 | Twist the glass casings from the strand of lights, and lay them out where you’d like them placed on the front side of the letter, and then trace the smallest part of each.
3 | Cut an asterisk shape in each circle, which will allow you to push the bulbs right through into place.
4 | Put the bulbs back into the circles you cut, and the twist the lights into place from the back, tucking any excess cord in the sides.
Now your letter is ready to plug in and display!
Ps. If you missed Ashley’s last DIY exclusive for Grey, click here to check it out.
GREY LIKES COMMENTS!
What a GREAT idea to use a cardboard letter! Love it!
Thanks, Kelly! -Kati, Grey Likes Editor
[...] simple projects that pack a big punch, like this DIY simple marquee letter that I created for Grey Likes Nesting. If you can manage a knife and string lights, you can make this. Oh, and did I mention that it [...]
Do you think this would be a fire hazard at all? I just didn’t know about the cardboard and the heat from the lights. Also, when you got your lights, what type of bulb is that? I love them!
Hey Megan! The bulbs used are plastic outdoor lights, so they don’t get very hot. They’re basically just regular christmas lights encased in a plastic ball, I got my on sale at Target, but they’re online also. Hope this helps!
I just LOVE this! And you are right, it is fun, but something I want to go instantly do. I have put these items on my list for things to buy while out at the store!
I am going to make one with our family name initial “E” and then one for my daughter’s room that I am giving an uplift. Oh my dear how great! Now I am hooked and will be looking for more inspiration from you lovely people. Thanks for making my day “brighter” -Mee
Mee, we’re glad to help!
Good luck with the revamp for your daughter’s room. Maybe have a look on Grey Likes Baby for some more inspiration for the little ones! – Kati, Grey Likes Editor
I LOVE this – right up my street – I’m going to absolutely have a go at this this weekend, might even post my efforts on my own blog to inspire others to get onto this tutorial of yours. Very VERY well done! yay.
Typography + Lights = AMAZING!
x
Great idea! Hope you have fun with this one! -Kati, Grey Likes Editor
This is beautiful!!! Absolutely stunning! So glad i found your amazing site!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! Can’t wait to try this myself…thanks for sharing!
any idea where to get the letters? I tried Michaels and AC Moore the only craft store around here. would love to do for my daughters theater room.
Katie, try checking out this link: http://www.joann.com/darice-8-paper-mache-letters-1pk-many-styles/xprd233338/
oh! here are 12″ letters: http://www.joann.com/12-paper-mache-letter-many-styles/xprd78870/
and here are 23″ ones: http://www.joann.com/23-5-paper-mache-letter-many-styles/xprd78856/
Hi there,
I absolutely love this idea, thank you! Do you know where you can buy those globes in Australia? Thanks
A DIY project after my own heart – simple and brilliant! I shared this in my weekly roundup post, and just wanted to pop by to say thanks for the inspiration!
Kelly
http://tinyurl.com/9r38dxd
I love this! I’m gonna have to head to Jo Ann’s to look for a letter. This would be great in my craft room. So much personality
Can you be more specific about lights? I do not see at Target online or in store. They have some string lights but they get too hot. Please help!
Omgosh this is so cute! I am totally going to have to give this a try!! Thanks so much for sharing the tutorial. LOVE it!
Blessings – Sara
would you be able to point me to the lights? I can’t find online! Thanks!
Oh my gosh this is amazing!! I’ve been looking for a Mantel Piece that really adds some “pop”- I think we found it!!
I can’t find lights anywhere like these. Target, Lowes. BigLots, Walmart… Any ideas?
Beautiful idea,I live in Eng just praying I can find the right bulbs to be able to to this.You are very talented and such an inspiration thank you..
I gotta find the lights and I’m on this. Great gift idea. I’m ready to go get those lights & letters.
I’d love to make these for my girls for Christmas gifts. I’d like to have a link for the Christmas lights you used please
Oh that is just too cool – very well done! I have this linked to my letters and numbers post too today, rounding up ideas for wall art like this!
Holy cow, I love this!
Where can I find these lights??? Any links to place would be so much help!! Soooooo cute
I just LOVE this !
Just a quick search and found these lights.
http://www.target.com/c/lights-string-party-supplies-holidays/-/N-5xt1w
I also would imagine LED lights would be great. They don’t put off too much light. Not sure they come n the size needed
This is cute
smart cookie!