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The Shabby Creek Cottage

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Easy DIY wooden letters

Wooden letters are so easy to make. And is there anything more farmhouse? It’s a great way to add your personal stamp onto a space with monograms or even words – something that really reflects you and your family. They can be kind of pricey – but they are super easy to make. Want to DIY some wooden letters? Let’s do it!
I love wooden letters - and they are so easy to make. Definitely DIYing this one!

HOW TO MAKE WOODEN LETTERS

Easy way to make wooden letters.
Luckily, our last name starts with the letter “L.” So that’s where we started making wooden letters. Straight lines, no curves — just what I need! I began by taking another scrap of 1×12, straight out of the pile. Next I made my pattern (no measuring needed) by using another piece of wood and a speed square (the triangle with the lip makes straight lines so easy.) But if you have a different letter, either sketch it out or you can use a print out from a computer as a pattern.

Cheap and easy way to make wooden letters

To save time, I used the table saw to make the straight lines until I got within about 3 or 4 inches of the inside corner on both sides.

simple way to make wooden letters

Using the jigsaw, I continued cutting into the corner. Just keep it level and guide it slowly — don’t push. Let it do the work. DIY wooden letters - so easy and so pretty!

Once you’re all cut out, then sand away! Make everything smooth, including the front & back, so the paint goes on all pretty and the edges aren’t rough. DIY wooden letters | The Shabby Creek Cottage
Next came the layers of paint. First black spray paint….

Love these DIY wooden letters!

Then ivory spray paint…. just one coat so a little black shows through.

Great way to make wooden letters

Then lots of that creamy tan, brushed on, then smoothed around with a little water. All the layers start to peek through, working together in unison.
 Last, but certainly not least, raw umber acrylic paint. Thin it out with water, then rub it on gently with your fingers in long strokes. The magic? It makes anything “age” about 20 years in about 2 minutes. Oh, and it’s dirt cheap — about $2 for a huge tube at the craft store {which will do about a gazillion projects.}

easy wooden letters tutorial

 Just a simple project, but wood letters are

easy DIY wooden letters - a great tutorial

Now that you know how, you’ll be making wooden letters galore… because they’re pretty and just so easy!

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Filed Under: DIY

About Gina Luker

Gina Luker is a writer, photographer and lover of all things quirky. She's usually found with a drill in one hand and a cocktail in the other while blogging along the way. She's addicted to coffee, polka dots, rock stars, Instagram, and everything aqua.

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Comments

  1. Joan@anythinggoeshere says

    July 1, 2009 at 10:07 pm

    Very cool and crafty. I have linked myself up. How do visitors see the list? I couldn’t figure that out last week.

    Reply
  2. Victoria@WhimsybyVictoria says

    July 1, 2009 at 11:09 pm

    Turned out great! Such a cute idea!

    Hugs,
    ~Victoria~

    Reply
  3. Lisa says

    July 1, 2009 at 11:37 pm

    Your L is so great! Being an L girl I’ve always thought of my LAK being very boring!!! How cool you picked up it’s easy!!
    Love your L it’s great!!
    Hugs, Lisa

    Reply
  4. TRICIA @boutellefamilyzoo says

    July 2, 2009 at 12:33 am

    Great project! I love the patina.
    *tricia

    Reply
  5. Allidink says

    July 2, 2009 at 1:56 am

    Sooo cute! Great idea! You made it look so easy lol.

    All the best,
    Allison

    Reply
  6. Melissa Miller says

    July 2, 2009 at 3:06 am

    How precious is your “L” Gina!

    It’s so nice to meet you.
    Your blog is wonderful!

    ~Happy 4th! ~Melissa 🙂

    Reply
  7. Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy Cottage says

    July 2, 2009 at 5:46 am

    Love your “L”! They cost so much money at the craft store. Great job. I also love your thrifty finds!

    Reply
  8. Kirby3131 says

    July 2, 2009 at 6:33 am

    I’d have to do a lot of sanding on my letter, I’m a “C” LOL Your L looks great. and because of you (and the chalkboard party) I found Olivia Rue and I’m totally in love with that blog. Thank you.

    Kristin

    Reply
  9. Carrie says

    July 2, 2009 at 12:52 pm

    Great project!!

    Reply
  10. MelanyTN says

    July 2, 2009 at 2:49 pm

    I Like It!! In fact, I linked up to show a similar project that I did a few weeks ago. I think I like the simplicity of your look better though. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  11. Leigh of Bloggeritaville says

    July 2, 2009 at 3:05 pm

    I LOVE that! B is so hard to find. And I have never sawed anything. I guess I need to put on my big girl panties and try it. BUt, B….I think it might be hard.
    I LOVE the layers! LOve the look. And love the birdies!
    Thanks for being a part of Thrifty Thursday, my friend!
    Well done!
    Leigh
    Tales from Bloggeritaville
    lbratina.blogspot.com

    Reply
  12. Christina says

    July 2, 2009 at 4:22 pm

    Great idea and I love how it turned out. Love the aged look. We are an “H” family. That wouldn’t be too hard. Now, just to find a saw.

    Reply
  13. TRICIA @boutellefamilyzoo says

    July 2, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    Hi Gina.
    I have an award for you over at my blog.
    *Tricia

    Reply
  14. BrnEyedGal says

    July 2, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    That turned out just fantastic!!! I want to make one now…maybe my hubby will cut it out for me!!
    Thanks for the inspiration…. 🙂

    Reply
  15. Meredith@MerchantShips says

    July 3, 2009 at 2:26 am

    I love the finish on this, Gina!

    Reply
  16. Cindy @ Chalk it Up! says

    July 3, 2009 at 4:26 am

    This looks great! My letter is an easier one too “H” . I may have to try this.

    Reply
  17. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    July 3, 2009 at 5:43 am

    Great job! laurie

    Reply
  18. Marie says

    July 3, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    Hello Gina – love what you did with that “L”! I’m gonna have to try that aging stuff out on something – it really made it look so cool!

    Blessings,
    Marie
    http://emmacallsmemama.com

    Reply
  19. Jen B says

    July 3, 2009 at 5:42 pm

    Looks great! Thanks for showing all the steps in your painting process–raw umber paint is on my list!

    Reply
  20. Karli Hearron says

    July 7, 2009 at 9:40 pm

    I love everything “initial”! So great and u MADE it! Wow

    Reply

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ARE YOU A FARMHOUSE FAN?
Get instant access to this free guide to The Best Sources for a Farmhouse Style Home on a Budget!
YOUR NAME:
YOUR EMAIL:
_____________