When Wes and I first found out we were having a baby, we had a name picked out for a boy and girl right away. I couldn't wait to find out the gender so we could start using our little one's name. I think putting up the baby's name in the nursery was the thing I was the most excited for in the room. It was so fun to think that our little girl had an identity and we'd get to meet her soon and show her her very own room!
The day after we found out Joslynne was a girl, my mom and I went shopping and I bought the materials for her map covered name. It was so surreal to think that we were going to have a little girl join our family!
We knew we wanted to do a travel and adventure nursery for her, so this map wrapping paper was perfect for her name wall hanging!
You will need:
Wooden letters
modge podge
scissors
pencil
paintbrush
1. We found our letters at Joann Fabrics, but you can find them at any craft store in several different styles.
Lay out the sheet of wrapping paper, and lay the letters in order to spell the name on top of it. Leave enough space between each letter to trace them. Having all the letters lined up in order and going the same direction will keep the coherency of the map when the name finished.
One map sheet of wrapping paper was enough for Joslynne's name which is 9 letters. If your name is longer, you may need a second sheet.
2. Trace each letter with a pencil.
3. Carefully cut each letter out.
4. Using a paint brush, cover the back of the first letter with modge podge. Immediately, line up the paper onto the wooden letter and carefully press it down. Smooth it down from the middle going out to make sure there are not air bubbles. Repeat with each letter.
5. Once the letters are dry, go over the top of the letters with modge podge. If there are any corners sticking up, add a little dab of modge lodge underneath and press down one more time, before painting the top layer.
6. Allow all the letters to dry completely. Use photo velcro command stripes to hang the letters on the wall. Place one command strip on each letter with the velcro attached, but the adhesive backing still on. When you are ready to hang, peel off the adhesive backing to stick the letter to the wall.
Using the crib is an easy way to make sure the letters are lined up straight and centered. You can also add a piece of painters tape as a guide and peel it off the wall once the letters are hung. Start with the center letter or 2 letters and work out to each side to ensure the name is centered!
You can check out Joslynne's entire Adventure nursery here!