In case you've not seen them, here are a few samples:
Cute, aren't they? I was especially interested in that one over on the right, with the family members' names set up like a crossword board. However, I didn't just want to add our names. I had an idea for adding more to the display and couldn't wait to get started.
The game board background didn't really interest me. Initially I wanted a map of Germany since both my husband's and my families hail from there, but the printer is low on color ink and it came out a lovely shade of fuchsia. Ha! While Peabody would have loved it, the boys? Not so much.
As this craft progressed I took plenty of pictures, so bear with me as I go through the steps. I promise the end is totally adorable and worth it.
- STEP 1 - Sort out the letters. See if they look better horizontal or vertical. I already knew how I wanted mine, and it was just by luck that it worked out.
- STEP 2 - Next I found some pictures online that represented our family. Fire department, trains, guitars, video games, a chef's hat, planes, and of course a flamingo for me. I arranged for 2 of each one, and knew I wouldn't use them all. However, in a craft like this, I'd rather print extras and not need them than vice versa.
- STEP 3 - Print out your pictures.
- STEP 4 - I used a piece of black sketch paper and covered the back of the frame. The marred area on the bottom is where a piece of tape was stuck to the surface. A little soap and elbow grease will take care of that later.
- STEP 5 - Arrange the letters on the frame to make sure they'll fit. Even if you've already done this step on the paper itself, do it again. Remember that in crafts the rule of thumb is -- measure twice, and glue once!
- STEP 6 - Glue your letters in place. Any kind of craft/tacky glue will work. I used Elmers' brand. See how easy that was? (But take it from me, don't stand them up before the glue is at least tacky or they'll start sliding all over the place.)
- STEP 7 - Now it's time to cut the images to the size of your tiles. I played it by ear. You could turn the picture upside down and lightly trace around the tile with a pencil.
- STEP 8 - Because you measured twice, you can now glue the picture to the tile, like this....
- STEP 9 - Now it's time to glue the tile onto the board.
- STEP 10 - Go ahead and glue the rest of the picture tiles in place.
Here's a slightly closer view of the tiles.
All in all it took under an hour. Both my sons gave more input than a shrug and "looks nice" which is how they usually respond to my craft projects. The fireman is already in bed, so I can't wait until he sees it tomorrow. Although this would make a great Father's Day gift, we already have something else in mind for him.
Have you made one of these before? Do you have a suggestion for how to use the rest of the Scrabble tiles in my bag? I'd love to hear all your thoughts. Thanks for checking in, and have a Thrifty Thursday!
