Monday, September 4, 2017

DIY Large Cardboard Number/Letter for Parties and Photo Shoots


For birthdays, anniversaries, and even graduations, having large cardboard numbers on hand for decoration or as props for a photo shoot is a lot of fun.

This same technique can also be used for letters if you wish to make a name or initials for an event or photo shoot.

These are fairly easy to make, low cost, and can be whatever size and colors you want.

MATERIALS
- cardboard
- contact paper, wrapping paper or similar for covering the cardboard
- duct tape or similar (optional)
- glue gun, glue sticks
- white glue (optional)
- exacto knife, scissors

1. Draw the letter or number onto cardboard. I used some circular items to trace around and a long ruler. You can print off the number/letter from your computer, cut it out, and trace around it too.


2. Cut out the number/letter.


3. Trace the number/letter onto another piece of cardboard and cut it out.


4. Cut a bunch of cardboard into strips. These will determine the thickness of the finished number/letter. Mine were 2" wide.


5. Use the glue gun to attach pieces of the strips at right angle to one of the number/letter cut outs. Start by gluing in the middle. These pieces give the number/letter strength.


Keep building up the middle.


6. Next, glue more strips around the outside edge of the number/letter. These will be the sides of the number/letter.


7. Glue the second letter/number cut out piece on top. I used white glue on the inside supports and a glue gun around the outside edges. 


Trim any uneven areas.


8. Tape over any areas that the glue isn't holding well or are still uneven.


9. Cover the front and back with contact paper or similar, wrapping the edges of the paper around the sides. For curves, make relief cuts every inch or so to keep the edge smooth.


10. Cover the sides of the number/letter. I used duct tape but you can use more contact paper or similar or another kind of tape or even ribbon.


DONE!


Enjoy your party or photo shoot!

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