Decorative Letter Cut-outs

What you will need:

• metal ruler
• scissors
• tape
• glue dots
• scalpel or craft knife
• paper cutter
• 12 x 12 card stock of 100 lb or heavier weight
• cutting mat
• print out of letters/numbers. For my letters, I used a Microsoft Word default font called Harrington, in size 500. I also further formatted my font and chose the "outline" option.

1. Cut around letters/numbers being sure to leave some space between the line and the cutting edge. There is no need to be perfect at this stage- it is just to ensure letters/numbers are easier to work with later on.





2. Cut the 12x12 card stock into quarters using the paper cutter. Each piece will now be 6x6.





3. Sort out the letter and numbers with a "closed loop". For example: a, b, d, e, g, 6, 9, 8, 0. Redraw the lines with a bit of a curvy finish, leaving a slight gap. This will hold the centerpiece in place so it won't fall out. You are going to have to eye this part in.





4. Tape each letter/number to the center of the card stock. You can use the ruler to measure to ensure the letter/number is dead center, or you can be lazy like me and just eyeball it in.

5. Carefully cut along the outlines with the craft knife. Be sure the razor is very sharp- a dull razor won't work and may shred the card stock. I found it sometimes helps to go lightly the first time, and then re-cut the same lines a second time. This especially is helpful on turns. I also found I preferred cutting a curve in a clockwise motion (I am right-handed so I am sure the lefties will prefer the other way). I also used a fluid motion and turned the paper with one hand as I was cutting on the very tight turns. When doing long, straight sections, use a metal ruler to help you along. It will guide the knife and ensure a perfectly straight cut.





6. Remove tape, paper stencil, and carefully punch out letter/number.

7. Hang on wall using glue dots. They are strong enough to hold the object without the need for nails/brads/pins.





Other ideas:

I used the same concept to make our table numbers for our wedding. I cut 2 pieces of stock with the identical number, and attached to uncut pieces with glue dots to make a topless and bottomless box. I used a votive candle in the center to illuminate. For our sweetheart's table, I choose to do our monogram instead of a table number.