Thursday, April 28, 2011

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? :-) 

15 comments:

  1. Cute! Would you mind letting me know the website you found for the comic printouts.

    Thanks so much!

    JG

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    Replies
    1. I know this is super late, but if you just go to a local comic book store, you can buy older comics for $1 a piece and get whatever comic whoever it's for is most interested in. Or, at worst, a place like Hastings or other bookstores have new comics for $3-$4 each. Not a bad price to pay for something that will leave a lasting impact, right? :)

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  2. I have spent days trying to find those same comic print outs. Could u please let me know what website you got it from

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  3. Love the idea! Would also love to know where you find the comics... I searched but could not come across anything that looked as good as your comic printouts.

    Thanks!!

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  4. How thick are these letters and how many inches tall are they? Looks fantastic!

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    Replies
    1. The letters are about 1 inch thick and about 6 inches tall. I found them at my local craft store.

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    2. Would you mind sharing where you printed the comic sheet from? I've also looked for one similar and have had no luck. I would appreciate it so much.

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  5. I loved this idea and just tried it myself. I couldn't believe how easy it was and it looks great. I'm also borrowing some other ideas from the birthday party. So glad I found this!

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  6. Does anone know where to get the comic pages from?

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  7. The comic page is on www.photobucket.com. You have to sign up but it is free.

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  8. This is a neat idea! I wonder if this will work on linen. My daughter has a lamp and I was thinking of doing the same but with One Direction photos. :)

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    Replies
    1. Sounds like a neat and very creative idea, but since the lamp will produce heat, be careful with the type of glue you use so it doesn't melt and.or create unhealthy fumes.

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  10. This is amazing! Where did you get the big cut out of spiderman and the city background?

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  11. The hanging spiderman is a wall decal that I mounted on foam board. Pottery barn kids sells wall decals as well as several vendors online.

    I made the building back drop--foam board, a sharp knife, permanent markers and LOTS of patience!!

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