We love a good monogram, so it’s no surprise that for our DIY gift ideas series, we have painted letters. Wooden letters are a decor element that can easily add a personal touch to any room in your home. Create a monogram, or spell out a holiday message – this project is completely customizable with just a few simple materials.

We did this project two ways– the “joy” sign with the letters hanging from ribbons, and as single monogram letters that can be hung on a wall.

Here are step-by-step instructions.

Materials for these DIY Decorated Wooden Letters:

• Wooden letters
• ScotchBlue Multi-Surface painter’s tape
• Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint (we used Yesteryear, New Life, Relic, Treasure and Vintage)
• Martha Stewart Living 3/8 in. and 3/4 in. Brush Set
• Martha Stewart Living Round and Flat Artist Brush Set
• Ribbon
• Gorilla Glue
• Staple gun
• Dual-angle sanding sponge
• Small sawtooth hangers
• Loctite Fabric and Plastic Adhesive
• DecoArt Jacobean Floral Stencil

Step 1: 

Sand each letter until the surface is smooth.

Apply first coat of main paint color with a brush, ensuring that brushstrokes are even and that no spots are visible.

Let the paint dry for 1 hour, then apply a second coat of paint.

For this project, we used Americana Decor Chalky Paint in Yesteryear.

Step 2: (painting JOY wooden letters)

After the second coat of paint has dried, apply your stencil to the surface. Secure the stencil with a small piece of painter’s tape before painting. Apply paint over the stencil (we used Americana Decor Chalky paint in New Life). Let it dry for 1 hour.

Tip: the key to stenciling is not to put too much paint on the brush. If you use too much, the paint might bleed through the stencil!

Step 2: (painting monogram letters)

For the ‘R’ monogram, we applied two coats of Americana Decor Chalky Paint in Vintage. Let the paint dry for an hour, then use painter’s tape to block off sections for the stripes.

Apply a coat of paint in an alternating color and then let dry for 1 hour. Remove tape after paint is dry to the touch.

We added a more personal touch to the ‘E’ monogram by using Americana Decor Chalky Paint in Relic and Treasure to hand paint it.

Step 3: 

Cut three pieces of your ribbon at your desired length. Since we wanted to hang our letters over a door window, we cut each piece at a length of approximately two and a half feet.

For each letter, use a piece of painter’s tape to secure the ribbon on the back of the letter.

Step 4: 

Staple the ribbon on the back of the wooden letter by lining the staple gun up with to the top center of the letter. Once the ribbon is fastened with a staple, remove painter’s tape from the back.

(Optional) For the monogram letters, we attached sawtooth hangers to the back instead of ribbon. This is a great alternative if you’d like to hang your finished project on a gallery wall!

Step 5:

Decorate your home with the finished letters using the hooks or just let them hang over a closed door!

Follow our Holiday Crafts, Ideas and Inspiration board on Pinterest for more Christmas craft ideas. Take a look at more DIY gift ideas here on The Home Depot blog, too.