just.about.life: Finally, a craft project!

I know it's been forever since I've done an art project and blogged about it. Actually, I've done a few little things here and there around the house, especially with the holidays of the past few months, but without a camera I haven't been able to blog about them. Oh, and speaking of my camera (and how I'm able to blog with photos now), it was found last week as we were getting ready to go to the zoo as a family. Apparently the camera somehow got into the stroller and put into the closet back in November.

Anyways, back to the project for today.

I stumbled upon this craft challenge while scanning Facebook and knew I had a super cute idea for a super simple project. Yes, I had to say super two times. For this challenge, all items must be purchased from a dollar store and completed in less than 30 minutes.

Here's a photo of my supplies.

Any size frame and foam board

That's all. Well, except for a computer, printer, tape, and scissors. I also added some wrapping paper to the project that I had left over, which was purchased at the dollar store a while ago.

First thing you need to do is open up your word processing program on your computer. Then open "Page Settings" and adjust your page size to match the size frame you purchased (8x10, 5x7, 4x6, etc.). I would suggest selecting the "borderless" option for the size you choose. Then type what letter you want your monogram to be, adjust the font and size (mine was 700pt) and try to get a good fit on your page. Since your page will be the same size as your frame, you'll have a good idea of how it will fit once printed.

This next step is optional, but, I like to open the font settings tab and select "outline" which will turn your letter white with just a thin line around it. This saves a ton of ink, and since you will only use the letter you print to trace, I'd hate to waste so much ink. Now print.

Once printed, I like to trace around the outline with a marker so it's easier to see. This, too, is optional, but again something I prefer to do. Once traced, cut it out and lay it face down onto the foam board and trace around it. With an Exacto knife (or scissors) cut out your traced letter. Set it aside.

Now, take your frame and remove the back. Lay the back piece down onto the wrapping paper (hanging side up) and cut around it leaving about 1/4". Use some tape to "wrap" the paper around the back piece.