a cute & simple DIY baby shower gift!

if you’re anything like me, you hate gift registries. i know that they’re helpful when it comes to furnishing a new house or getting the basics for your baby, but they’re so BORING! there’s nothing exciting about buying something that someone’s already listed. what i usually do, is buy a couple of things off a registry and then include something handmade! here you will find a pretty inexpensive, but really cute idea of a gift to make for the next baby shower you attend! and i can guarantee your friends & family will love it.

you will need this white-washed plaque with a barnwood frame from hobby lobby. they range in size and price, but if you use the 40% off coupon, you can get the medium sized one for about $12 and it’s the perfect size .. 15″ x 23″. it comes ready to work on and also already has the little hanger on the back! you will also need an assortment of scrapbook paper of your choice. typically those are only about 59¢ a piece regular price, and you can get them on sale every other week.

using a pen or pencil, draw out your letters onto the paper. you may choose to use a stencil, but i just did free-hand. use your scissors to cut each one out. you will see below that i used five separate sheets of paper and alternated every letter.

once all of your letters have been cut out and arranged how you want them, you can now begin to glue them down. i used Mod Podge Decoupage Glue in matte, as i prefer a less shiny finish.

you will use a small paintbrush to paint the backs of the letter to stick them all down. once the paper/glue is all dry, you will then paint a full coat of Mod Podge on the whole plaque using a larger paint brush or foam brush, this seals the letters down! it should only take about an hour to dry from there, so if you’re down to the last day, you should have plenty of time to knock this out! in total i’d guess it took me about two hours maybe? and cost me about $14 total! not too shabby for a personalized, handmade gift for the new baby’s room! (and your friends and family will cherish the thought you put into it!)