How to decorate letters

Take plain papier-mache letters and cover with cutouts from patterned and leaf-motif papers.

You will need

• Selection of decorative papers or patterned giftwrap (we used Brown Banna paper; gold/terracotta Japanese Grass on Natural paper, both from Paperchase, and Yellow Cross Hatch Stem paper from Orla Kiely at John Lewis)

• Papier-mache letters (we used plain papier-mache 8in letters from Hobbycraft)
• Pritt stick
• PVA glue

Step 1) Choose a patterned background paper
and tear it up into small pieces (around 3cm to 5cm). Check that the
papier-mache letter is clean and free of dust and grease, then use a
Pritt stick to glue the torn paper in place, overlapping patches all
over the letter, leaving some parts uncovered so that the bare
papier-mache shows through.

Step 2) Carefully cut out a
selection of decorative motifs (we used a gold/terracotta grass design
and a leaf stem print) and glue in your preferred positions on the front
of the letter. Leave to dry.

Step 3) For a longer-lasting
finish, apply a coat of PVA glue to the papered surface of the letter
and leave to dry completely before displaying.

Liked this? Find more of our craft ideas on Country Homes & Interiors' new website. Plus, be first to hear about our favourite buys and exclusive competitions on Facebook and Twitter.