Looking to personalize your kid’s room? Whether you call it modge podge or mod podge I’ll show you how to use mod podge on wood to decorate wooden letters with paper and this easy to use medium for a fun pop of color and pattern!
Adding a kid’s name to the wall in their room is a perfect way to personalize the room but over at my mom’s house the grandkid’s room gets used by all 4 kids, so we decided to add the first initial of each kid on the wall to personalize the room.
Mod podge is a very easy to use medium and can be used on many surfaces including glass, canvas, tin or metal, and wood. In this case we’ll be using modge podge on wood and decorate one wooden initial for each kid using fun patterned scrapbook paper.
I love how the different patterns and colors turned out and this cost less than 20 bucks!
This was a really easy project. It took me way less than one nap time (which is how I currently gauge projects.)
Supplies For Mod Podge Paper To Wood:
- Wooden letters – I found these thin 12 inch wooden letters at Michael’s and I’ve seen them at Hobby Lobby as well. Most craft stores carry wooden letters in different sizes and thicknesses.
- Scrapbook paper in prints and/or colors that you want to use in your space
- Acrylic paint in colors that compliment your papers
- Clear acrylic sealer (optional)
- Mod podge – Mod podge is a type of glue that dries clear that creates a coating
- A foam brush
- A pencil
How To Decorate Wooden Letters With Scrapbook Paper
Paint Your Wooden Initial Letters With Acrylic Paint
First you’ll decide which letter will have which patterned paper and paint each letter in a coordinating color with regular craft acrylic paint making sure to get the sides really well. (The sides won’t be covered by the paper and will show.)
For this step you can use a regular paint brush or a foam brush to create a smooth finish and create a nice work surface for adding the mod podge and the paper to the wood.
Cut Out Your Scrapbook Paper For Each Wooden Initial
To create the shape of the paper letter that will lay on top of the wood, place your paper good side down. Then lay your letter on the paper, face down and trace trace each letter onto the back side of the coordinating paper using a pencil.
My letters were bigger than the paper, so I traced the extra portion separately. Depending on the pattern of your paper, you may want to try to get the pattern to match up.
Then, cut out the letter carefully just inside of the line you drew.
How To Use Mod Podge On Wood To Attach Your Paper
Spread a thin coat of mod podge on the wooden letter with a paint brush or foam brush and lay your cut out letter on carefully starting at one end.
Smooth the paper down as you go with your brush so that there are no air bubbles or wrinkles.
Then spread another very thin layer of mod podge over the top of the paper. Be careful not to mess with it too much because the paper is wet and will start to ball up.
Let them dry over night.
For added durability you can paint a coat of clear acrylic sealer over the top.
Hanging Your Mod Podge Wooden Letters
We used small picture hooks on the back of each letter to hang them.
In our case we staggered the letters since each one belongs to a different kid, but you could line them up if you’re doing an entire name across the wall.
And that is it! These pull all of the colors used in the room together and give the room a personal touch.
This is the last project in this room! Painting Stripes was the first project that we did and I love how this unisex kid’s room came together!
Jenn says
I did this and all letters came out wrinkly 🙁
Corey Willis says
Hi sorry to hear you are having trouble, Jennifer. I’m not sure I know what you mean when you say your letters are wrinkly. Can you email me with a picture of the letters at hello@heytherehome.com and I can help you figure it out. Talk to you soon.
woodenbiz says
Thanks for sharing amazing information. Really very helpfull!!!
rozer says
This seems looks fantastic and great!. I would love to add Mod Podge wooden letters stuff collection to my home …thank you for this beautiful ideas.
Cheryl says
Do you have any examples of frayed or burned edges on your letter projects?
Corey says
Hi Cheryl.
Sorry, but I don’t have examples of that.
Caroline says
Where did you find the letters? I like them better than the ones at my local Hobby Lobby so I thought I’d ask!
Corey says
Hi Caroline. These letters are from Michael’s. They still have them for sure.
Denise Consitt says
My paper overlaps what am I doing wrong?
Corey W. says
Hi Denise. Sorry to hear you are having trouble. I’m not sure I know what you mean when you say your paper overlaps. Can you email me directly at tinysidekick@gmail.com and I can help you figure it out. If you can send a picture that would be awesome. Talk to you soon.
Denise Consitt says
I have a question, please email me.
Krista @the happy housie says
I love these Corey- just made something similar for my boys’ room but with maps. Pinning yours!
Carrie This Home says
These are adorable, Corey! I love projects like this that don’t cost much but make a HUGE impact! Thanks so much for sharing this with my Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop readers 🙂
C.K. at 50daysofnogrey says
What a great project! I’ve been looking for something to add to my kids’ rooms and I think I will try this.
tinysidekick says
It was really easy! I’d love to see your finished project so keep me posted! Have a great evening, Corey
Abby says
These are adorable! I have some wooden letters that I bought a few years ago. I’ve wanted to do something like this, but was overwhelmed with where to start. Thanks for sharing; I’m pinning!
Alicia Powell says
These letters are really cute! Happy to discover your blog today 🙂