Do you want to make an awesome word art Christmas gift like these and do it cheap?
My dear cousin by marriage, Stacie Barron, is going to show you how!
That’s Stacie and her adorable family. She’s a craft master and has become famous around here for her word art creations. She is going to inspire you to make a frugally fun gift that is truly unique. Here’s Stacie:
I was so excited when a friend of mine, Jennifer, showed me how to create these inexpensive and meaningful word art boards and now I get to share the tutorial with you! The best part about this project is it’s quick, easy and cheap!
I LOVE this time of year, but it is a battle to buy gifts for the ever growing list of teachers, neighbors, friends and family and not go over budget. I could tell that people were literally burned out on receiving my over cooked mini pumpkin loaves. I have quickly learned that a good gift does not have to be an expensive gift and that is why this word art craft is so great. When I shared this with my husband, he was quick to say AMEN!
Let’s get started.
Here’s what you need:
- Word art image (see instructions below)
- Board (cut to your desired size)
- White paint
- 2 paint brushes
- Mod podge
- Sand paper
- Picture hanging hardware (optional)
First, decide what words you want on your sign. It can be a scripture, a favorite quote, a song lyric, whatever you want. Next, create your image. There are many ways to do this, but I use Microsoft Publisher to easily stretch the words to the size I want. I usually make my word art creations at 16×20 inches. In Publisher, go to File then New. Click on More Blank Sizes and type in the size you want. Next, go to Insert and click Word Art. I type in each word individually. Once you like what you see save your file as a jpeg. You must save it as a jpeg in order to have it printed out. After you have saved the file you can have it printed anywhere. (Costco, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.) Just make sure they print the size that you created.
Need some ideas on what to print?
Use some of Priority’s beautiful Christmas scripture art images! Click on the pics below to download the images.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Now that you have your word art, you need something sturdy to attach it to. I prefer to keep all ten of my fingers intact, so I let my local hardware store cut a sheet of plywood to the same size as my word art image. Did I mention they cut it for free? One sheet of plywood gets me at least 10 16×20 boards. If you are not accident prone, unlike me, you can use a saw to cut your board.
Next, sand your board, making sure you get the edges good and smooth. After you have sanded your board, paint a few inches around the board white so you won’t see the plywood after you attach your word art.
Let the paint dry. Then, use your other paint brush to brush on a layer of mod podge. Once the mod podge is covering the entire top of the board, place your word art picture down and smooth out.
Now that your word art picture is on the board you can do a distressed look or skip this step if you prefer. To create the distressed effect, simply take your sand paper and lightly sand until your desired level of roughness is achieved.
Last, you need to put another layer of mod podge over your word art then let it dry completely.
After it’s dry, you can add picture hanging hardware to the back. I usually put in two screws and wrap picture wire around them, but you can do whatever works best for you. Make sure you use a ruler to hang it even and straight.
Now you’ve got a one of a kind word art gift that’s frugal too!
There is so much joy in giving, but I want to encourage you to take a break from the craziness that this season can bring, and truly reflect on what is important. The greatest gift has already been given, you just have to choose to receive it. God, who loves us so much, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to come take our place and become the perfect sacrifice, so that we can receive eternal life. This is the gift I cherish the most, and it is priceless.
Merry Christmas,
Stacie
Have a question about this tutorial? Leave a comment so we can help!