DIY Alphabet Wall

My son, Grayson (2 yrs., 3 mos.) loves reciting his letters, and can say all but six of them!  I’m a proud mama!  I’ve been wanting to do this project for a while, so that he and Oliver can see the letters whenever they are playing in their playroom.  I finally was able to get to Hobby Lobby to pick up the supplies and get to work.  This project wouldn’t have taken very long from start to finish, but I could only work on it for a few minutes at a time, since I have a 7.5 month old and a 2 year old to take care of during the day, so it took me about a week to complete.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• cardboard/paper mache letters (found at most craft stores)
• scrapbook paper (26 sheets)
• modge podge (I used a matte finish)
• paint brush or modge podge brush
• x-acto knife
• scissors
• cutting board
• tacky putty (for attaching to the wall)

Grayson is obsessed with trucks and trains, so when I saw this pack of coordinating scrapbook paper, I knew it would be perfect for him!

Since I wanted the colors to be evenly distributed, and not have two of the same color or pattern next to each other, I laid out all 26 sheets of paper and switched them around until I was happy.  Then, so I wouldn’t loose track of the order, I wrote the letters on the back corner of each page.

On the back of each paper, flip your letter over so that it is facing backward.  Then trace around the letter with a pencil.

Tada!  A traced letter!

Then, cut out your traced letters.  You can leave the center in letters such as B, O, P, etc. because we’ll cut those out with the x-acto knife later.

Next, paint all the sides of your letters with a coordinating paint color.

This is the modge podge and brush that I used.  It’s a matte finish for paper.

Brush a thin layer of modge podge on the front of each letter, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Then, firmly press the cut out papers onto each letter.  I found it best to start from one end and work your way up, to minimize air bubbles.

Wait at least 30 minutes for the modge podge to dry, then cut out the centers of the letters on a cutting board with the x-acto knife.

Tada!

Next, brush a thin layer of modge podge over the entire front of the letters, and let dry for 30 minutes.  Now, you’re ready to hang them on your wall!  I used tacky putty to hang them, but if you have another method you’d like to use, by all means, do what makes you happy!

And there you have it!  A beautiful alphabet wall for your playroom, nursery, or any other room in your home!  (Yes, I realize that the letter “Z” is missing.  It was out of stock when I picked up all the other letters, so I’m going to have to go back and get it.  Just pretend it’s there.)

I hope you enjoy!