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DIY cut paper initial art

by Filed Under: artwork, diy, initials, scrapbook paper, typography 12 Comments

cut paper initial_final

I’ve been really into changing up the art on our walls lately. Maybe I’m getting tired of looking at the same old stuff? Last month I did my crazy monogrammed wall of all G’s. This was a fun way to fill a small section of wall off of our kitchen. Check out my post on this initial wall grouping here. I needed some more artwork for that wall and I didn’t want to spend a lot of money. So I used what I had for supplies and created a fun piece of art that I wanted to share with you. This project is super easy and you’ll only need some different colored paper and a few craft supplies you probably have already. This also makes a great summer craft project to do with the kids!

I’m a graphic designer so I love typography and fonts. I’ve used initials and symbols, like an ampersand, in random places throughout my home and when decorating other people’s homes. And typography and initials are super hot right now so this is an easy way to personalize your walls and be on trend!

cut paper initial_papers

For this project you’ll need the following materials:

  • old paper in different colors and patterns – scrapbook papers work great for this
  • final paper that will be used as the background
  • scissors or an X-acto knife
  • ruler
  • glue stick
  • decoupage glue
  • computer for printing out your letter

Here are the steps:

cut paper initial_triangles

1. Cut the scrapbook paper into even triangles. I did this by cutting 1″ squares and then I cut the squares into 4 triangles {like an X}. I used a total of 48 triangles in 6 different colors/patterns. Your amount might be a little different depending on the size and thickness of your letter.

cut paper initial_tracing

2. Print out your initial from your computer in the size you want and as an outline. Turn the paper over and trace the outline of the initial onto the back. This will serve as a guide when you cut the letter out at the end.

cut paper initial_glueing

3. Flip the paper over so the initial is reading the correct way. With your glue stick, attach the triangles so that they fill the initial shape. I recommend glueing the triangles so that they go outside the lines too. You don’t have to be too precise because you’ll be trimming the initial at the end.

cut paper initial_decoupage

4. When all the areas of your initial are filled with the paper triangles, paint a coat of the decoupage glue over the entire initial to seal the paper pieces.

cut paper initial_trimming

5. When the glue is dry, turn the paper over to the back side and trim the initial out along the lines you traced on the back.

cut paper initial_finished

6. There are several options of what you could do with your cut paper initial. I glued my “G” onto a piece of ivory paper and framed it. You could also glue it onto a thick piece of paper, punch a hole in it and hang it like an ornament… or tape it on the wall with washi tape.

initial wall_finished end

Your new art would look great in any room but if you’re feeling like making a statement, group it with other initials and make an entire monogrammed wall. Have fun with it and enjoy!

Comments

  5. I adore your wall of Gs! I have had something similar in mind with A’s for the little sewing nook I am creating – so thank you for all the wonderful monogram inspiration! And thanks for linking up with us at The Creative Circle!

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