way back in 2009, i had a wild idea to make a supersized version of wood Scrabble tiles.
i made them - a LOT of them, actually - and sold them (a LOT of them!) for several years.
at that point, no one else was making them or sharing them online.
a few years later, in 2013, i shared them here on the homewardFOUND blog.
since this is the season for putting our hearts on our sleeves, (or, erm, walls?!)
i thought i'd share my super easy tutorial again!
continue reading for a very easy DIY project that you're sure to L.O.V.E.!
i made them - a LOT of them, actually - and sold them (a LOT of them!) for several years.
at that point, no one else was making them or sharing them online.
a few years later, in 2013, i shared them here on the homewardFOUND blog.
since this is the season for putting our hearts on our sleeves, (or, erm, walls?!)
i thought i'd share my super easy tutorial again!
continue reading for a very easy DIY project that you're sure to L.O.V.E.!
supplies:
a piece of wood (details below)
sandpaper (fine grit)
sanding sealer spray
a black Sharpie fine point marker
clear varnish spray
please READ THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE PHOTOS
and then the notes under the photos...
a 6 foot board yields 14 letter tiles
if you want to have a LOT of letters, grab two boards - or a longer length.
quick note:
yes, you CAN use reclaimed lumber, pallets, old flooring, old fencing,
or whatever you want to use to make your letter tiles!
i recommend finish grade vertical grain douglas fir for the best
'just like the game pieces' look.
'just like the game pieces' look.
and yes, the guys in the lumber department at Lowes & Home Depot WILL cut it for you!
all you have to do is ask them to, and give them the 5" measurement.
[you may be charged 50 cents per cut, but hey, it saves you the work!]
sand the edges FIRST, then the tops - the tops look better that way.
then spray the sealer on the side that you will be lettering, and let dry.
[you can seal the whole thing if you want,
but it's only necessary to keep the Sharpie marker ink from bleeding into the woodgrain.]
but it's only necessary to keep the Sharpie marker ink from bleeding into the woodgrain.]
figure out what words you want your letters to spell out,
and add a letter to each tile using the black Sharpie marker.
a straight ruler and a smooth curved jar lid will help keep your lettering crisp.
yes, you CAN use stencils if you'd like - or even cut out letters on your Cricut!!
need ideas for words?
i've used seasonal names (winter, spring, summer, fall)
season-specific words (love, nest, snow, merry, joy)
encouraging words (faith, family, believe, home)
and even created sets of letters with family last names as gifts!
yes, you CAN use stencils if you'd like - or even cut out letters on your Cricut!!
need ideas for words?
i've used seasonal names (winter, spring, summer, fall)
season-specific words (love, nest, snow, merry, joy)
encouraging words (faith, family, believe, home)
and even created sets of letters with family last names as gifts!
seriously, let the marker dry - if you don't, it will run when you spray the varnish on!
let the varnish dry 30 minutes, then flip & spray the back. spray the edges, too.
let dry at least an hour in a warm place to 'cure' the varnish before you use them -
especially if you're using them outdoors or as coasters / trivets.
especially if you're using them outdoors or as coasters / trivets.
now you have letters to make a sign with, or a trivet, or coasters.
you can adhere hooks to the back and hang them on a wall.
you can adhere hooks to the back and hang them on a wall.
or find a piece of genuine vintage wood rain gutter to display them in!
(because the wood gutter is like a giant version of the wood base
that holds letter tiles in that famous game ;) )
*note that there are no numbers on my versions.
they are not called giant Scrabble tiles - this product is 'inspired by', not a copy.
if you wish to add the numbers to your tiles, feel free.
i'm leaving it off of my versions to prevent any misunderstanding regarding copyright infringement.*
this tutorial originally appeared here on homewardFOUND in 2013.
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