Painted Burlap Letter

I love using burlap right now!  I've been busy making garden flags, burlap prints, wreaths and now these letters!



I love having something on my front door but I also love having personalized items!

 

Here's what you need to get started:

1. burlap

2. wooden or mpi letter ($3.49 at hobby lobby)

3.  Mod podge ($6.99)

4. foam brushes ($1.99/6pk)

5. scissors

 

 

With your sponge brush paint a generous layer of mod podge.

 

Then lay letter, mod podge side down on your piece of burlap and press gently to make sure it's adhered.

 

Turn over and paint on the top of the burlap.  I had to hold my wooden letter up to make sure I was following the lines.  If you paint over the edge of the letter too far the burlap won't fray.

After it's painted set it aside and let it dry according to mod podge instructions or over night.

 

When it's dry this is what it looks like.

 

I laid the letter burlap side down and cut the burlap leaving a 1/2" boarder.  You can leave a larger boarder if you'd like. 

I decided to paint my letter like the American flag, you can do what ever design that fits your style.

I outlined the top quarter of the letter for my blue/star section.  It is best when painting burlap to stamp the brush instead of using strokes.  Stamping helps the paint get into all the grooves of the burlap.

Then I got the ivory paint and painted 1" stripes leaving 1" sections in between for the red stripes.

 

This is what it looks like after the base coats are done.  After the blue is dry you can use the ivory to hand paint the stars.

When all the paint is dry it is time to fray the burlap!

Gently pull the burlap to fray.  Some strands will fray easily and others may need to be trimmed off scissors.

Here is the letter completely frayed.

You can leave the letter like this or you can spray clear varnish over the top to protect it. 

I used natural jute to hang my letter and raffia for the bow

If you don't have a heavy duty stapler to attach the jute you can use a hot glue gun.

After the jute is attached I used some raffia to make a bow.

 

I've made several of these letters for gifts.  I just love the way they look!

The initial cost for supplies is a little expensive unless you shop the items when they are on sale or use your weekly 40% off coupon. 

I hope you try this for yourself!  If you have any questions please ask!!

Thanks
Jereth