DIY Custom Wall Lettering Tutorial

At the end of this post, I'm looking for suggestions for a new inspirational quote to paint in Hannah's new room.  What's a good one for a 13 year old girl?

Today's DIY Custom Wall Lettering Project is an easy and inexpensive way to personalize a child's space.  For the purpose of this tutorial, I'm using my daughters room as an example (her old room, before the recent makeover).

  When she was little, she was totally in love with horses.  She wanted a horse themed room, so I conducted a little Google research to find inspirational quotes.

Here is the three step tutorial…

1. Choose Your Phrase and Font(s)

After you have selected your phrase, type it into your computer in the font(s) of your choice.  In this example, I selected two different fonts and enlarged the two key words.  The bolder your letters are, the easier they will be to paint, so don't forget to convert your typeset to "bold".

2. Project and Trace The Phrase

There are three different ways you can apply your phrase to the wall..  

A. Old School Method…Overhead Projector

If you have access to an overhead projector, this method works very well.  Sometimes you can borrow them from your local library, office supply store,  or school.   After printing your phrase onto plain white paper, take it to your local office supply store and ask them to copy it onto transparency film.  (Unless you have transparency film that is appropriate for your printer at home).

(source)

B. The New Gadget Way…Handheld Projector

Instead of using an overhead projector, you can use a small handheld projector like this one from 3M (sold at Target).  Instead of printing your phrase,  simply connect the gadget to your computer and project it onto the wall directly from your monitor.  

Once your phrase has been projected onto the wall, you will be able to see how it's going to look before you begin.  After you've determined the perfect placement, a carpenters level will help you make sure the phrase is level.  Using a pencil,  trace the image on the wall.

C. REAL OLD School Method...Tracing Paper

If you do not have access to an overhead projector or a handheld projector, you can use wax-free tracing paper to trace your quote on the wall.  Wax-free tracing paper can be found at your local fabric store in the pattern aisle.  If you go this route, you will have to print your phrase in the actual size and piece it together prior to tracing.  You can save printer ink by converting your typeset to "outline" prior to printing. :)

3. Fill in With Paint

 Once your quote has been traced onto the wall, fill in with a small detail brush and the craft paint of your choice.  In this example, I used black acrylic craft paint for the phrase and gold metallic craft paint for the key words.

 The best thing about this project was aside from my time, it cost next to nothing.  When Hannah's love affair with horses ended it was easy to paint over.   A light sanding and a quick coat of Kilz primer did the job.

I'm considering painting a new quote in Hannah's room but I can't decide on one.  She's 13 and I'd like something that is inspirational/motivational for a girl her age…any suggestions?

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