Quick & Easy Craft: Monogrammed Plates

Laura is the name; LAR are the initials. Clever parents.

I went to an SEC school where two things ruled: football and monograms. I never quite figured out the whole football thing—sorry, Peyton—but I did adopt the Southern tradition of slapping my initials on everything from my towels to my sheets. I’ve since run out of textiles to monogram, so the natural next step was wall art. You know, in case my cat anyone forgets who’s in charge around here. 

Monogrammed Plates

What you need 
Three 9” plates* 
1 sheet cardstock scrapbook paper 
Pencil 
Ruler 
X-ACTO knife 
Foam brush 
Mod Podge (glossy) 
3 spring wire plate hangers 

 * I picked up mine at Marshall’s for $4 each. Discount home stores are the perfect place to find unique but affordable plates. Or, for a more eclectic look, buy three mismatched plates at a thrift store. 

Put it all together 

1. Use the pencil and ruler to draw a straight line across the paper, three inches from the bottom. 
2. Search Google Images for “monogrammed letters.” You’ll find charts depicting every letter of the alphabet; choose a style you like. Use the image as a guide to draw your initials in pencil on the cardstock. The bottoms of the letters should align with the edge of the paper, the tops with the line you drew.
3. Carefully cut out the letters with the X-ACTO knife. Erase any pencil markings.
4. Using the foam brush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the center of your first plate. Position one of the letters on the plate's center, then apply a coat of Mod Podge to the surface of and around the letter. To avoid brush lines, use a circular motion when applying the Mod Podge. Repeat with the other two plates.
5. After your plates dry, apply another layer of Mod Podge if any of the letters’ edges are not completely sealed. 
6. Stretch the spring hangers onto the backs of the plates, and find a spot on your wall to display them!