Sneak Peek: Spiderman Party, Comic Letter Tutorial

I'm about 2 months out from my son's 4th birthday party, so it's time to start planning! I know, I know, 2 months sounds like a long time, but don't forget that I also work, so I have to fit all my crafting into evenings and weekends! He LOVES Spider Man right now and he is insisting that we have a Spider Man party. Personally, I would have loved to have done something more original, but I fundamentally believe that parties should be fun for the guest of honor. So, if he wants Spider Man, then I will give him Spider Man.

I've got several things in the works, so look out for some more sneak peeks over the next couple of months, but try not to ruin the surprise! :-)

First up, a tutorial on how to make these Spider Man comic book letters (which also double as wall decor for his super hero bedroom before and after the party!)

Tutorial: Spiderman Comic Book Letters

These comic book letters make a great decorative accent for a superhero-themed party or bedroom. Rather than tearing up valuable, vintage comic books, I simply printed images from Spiderman comics that I found on the Internet. Alternatively, you could make color copies of your favorite vintage comic book and use the copies. You can buy old comic books at Half Priced Books for 50 cents to $1.50 each. I recycled the wooden letters from my son's previous "monkey"-themed room so this was a cost-free project for me, but you could use inexpensive chipboard letters. I do, however, like the thickness of the wooden letters over the chipboard letters.

Step 1: You will need wooden/chipboard letters, comic book (real, copies or computer printouts), tissue paper, Mod Podge, a brush, scissors and a pencil.

Step 2: Flip over each wooden letter and trace around each wooden letter on the back of a comic book page.

Step 3: Cut out the letters from the comic book pages and set them aside. These will be used later to cover the front face of each wooden letter. 

Step 4: Cut strips of tissue paper to about twice the thickness of your wooden letters.

Step 5: Apply Mod Podge to the edges of each wooden letter. 

Step 6: Paste the tissue paper strips around each wooden letter, to completely cover the edges of each wooden letter. You may need to cut small slits to get around curved letters, as shown below. Apply more Mod Podge over the tissue paper. 

Step 7: Apply Modge Podge to the face of each letter, position the comic book page cut out and apply more Mod Podge over the top of each letter and seal all the edges. It may look a little pasty when it is wet, but it will dry clear. 

 Step 8: Let the comic book letters dry thoroughly. Coat with a clear coat of varnish to finish.

Voila!

Then I got a little carried away....I did the light switch....

...and the night light! Don't they look cute? :-)