{.A.R.I.A.}

I had seen things like this all over the internet. Spelling out children's names or the word 'baby'. I've always thought it was cute, but I could never afford the vinyl lettering or the wood or the nice paint to make it look great. I finally broke down and decided it was worth it, and the way I did it... really inexpensive, but I think I got the same look. I think it turned out adorable.

How to:
Supplies: letters you want to use, 4 pieces of cardboard, 4 pieces construction paper, about 1 yd. tulle and desired paint colors. (I got my letters from a discount craft store. ~ 90 cents each.)

1. Paint the letters using tempura paints or whatever type of paint you like. (I only painted the front of them so the rest of it is white, I think it stands out a little bit this way).
2. Cut out pieces of cardboard from the cardboard box. Then wrap the front of them with black construction paper, like you would a present.
3. Paint the black covered cardboard pieces brown. This makes it look like the wood in the rest of the room.
4. Hammer a nail through the back of the cardboard into the letter.
5. Hook your ribbon or tulle to the back of the cardboard using the nail, or superglue or a glue gun.
6. Tie the ribbon/tulle to your desired length.
7. Hang using level and measuring tape. It looks funny if they're all different heights.
8. Repeat this for all your letters.