I’ve mentioned before that I love all things retro and vintage, so I’m crazy about marquee letters! I’ve seen tutorials for making your own that involve strings of lights, but I didn’t want to have to deal with cords and outlets, so I came up with this idea. My marquee letters are portable and can be used standing as part of a display or hanging on a wall. They would make fun party or wall decor. Ready to make your own? Here’s how!
This post first appeared at Crafts Unleashed, where I am proud to be a member of the design team!
Supplies Needed:
Paper Mache Letters
Black Paint
Distress Crackle Paint in Pewter
Card Holder Ornaments
Tea Lights
Self Adhesive Velcro
E6000
Sawtooth Hanger
1. Paint the letter black.
2. When it has dried, paint the front and sides with the crackle paint. A thicker application will result in deeper cracks.
3. Remove the top from the ornament and use E-6000 to glue the ornament to the tea light. (Note: I spray painted my white tea lights silver. I recommend just ordering the silver tea lights!)
4. Decide where you want to place your lights. Press the self adhesive velcro on the base of the tea light and on the finished letter.
5. Glue a saw tooth hanger to the back of the letter if you plan to hang it.
It looks great as is, but when you’re ready to light it up, just pull off the tea light, turn it on, and reattach with the velcro. Replacement batteries are also available, and with the velcro it’s easy to change the batteries as needed!
These would look awesome at a wedding reception with the bride and groom’s initials. Or you could spell out a word to decorate for a party. My letter “C” is for one of my sons who has a birthday coming up. It will be used to mark the table for presents, and later go on the wall in his room. How will you display yours?
This is CUTE! I see a DIY project in my future:)
LOVE it! I am having a hard time finding tealights that don’t have a “realistic flicker”–do the ones you have flicker? Does that ruin the marquee illusion?
Such a cool party idea!