ILovetoCreate Teen Crafts: Tag, You're It! Customized Upcycled Locker Sign

Copyright 2011 Margot Potter

Tag, You’re It! Customized Upcycled Locker Sign
Margot Potter for Avalon Potter for ILovetoCreate Teen Crafts
“Mom crafted, teen approved”

Avalon and her Dad were away all day on Saturday and I decided to surprise her with this upcycled name tag she can hang on the door to her room or in her locker at school. She has had a lot of homework lately, so I stepped in to help again so she can get ahead of the curve on her upcoming projects. She really loved this sign, which makes me very happy!

I am simply mad for the new Aleene’s dry adhesives! The double sided tape is super strong and the glue dots give just the right amount of lift to dimensional elements. All of the letters were upcycled from magazines and distressed with a disposable nail file for a vintage appeal. I have a true affinity for damask print, but you can switch up the backgrounds and color palette to suit your style.

Materials
Letters upcycled from magazines to spell name
Coordinating black and white damask background papers (I used scrapbook paper here, you can opt for cardstock if you like even upcycling greeting cards, just be sure the paper has some weight to it for structure.)
Cardstock black for background (again you need something with a little structure)
Tulip Beads in a Bottle Clear Glitter Gemstone Collection
Tulip Beads in a Bottle Studs and Crystals Gemstone Collection
Aleene’s Tacky Glue Dot Roll
Aleene’s Tacky Tape Runner


Tools
Sandpaper or small disposable nail file
Scissors
Paper cutter
Ruler (I did this freehand, but measuring is always nice, you will note the lack of perfection, but I am The Impatient Crafter after all!)

1. You will need to determine finished size of sign before selecting letters. My sign is 3”hx11.5” wide and has six letters that are varied in size and overlapping.

2. Cut letters from magazine using sharp paper scissors or paper cutter for more exact cuts. I used letters with black, red and blue to match the crystal accents we will add later.

3. Place letters on black cardstock and cut a frame around each letter of about 3/8”. You can freehand this or mark it and cut with paper cutter.

4. Adhere letters to cardstock, making sure they are centered using Aleene’s Tacky Tape Runner.

5. Use file or fine grit sandpaper to gently distress surface of letters.

6. Place letters on patterned paper and mark cutting freehand or with a paper cutter and leaving about a ¼” border.

7. Adhere letters to patterned paper backgrounds using Aleene’s Tacky Glue Dots in each corner of letters.

8. Map out placement of letters on a background, mark and cut leaving a border. Mine is larger on top and thinner on bottom and sides. About ¼” for the largest first letter and 3/8” on sides of first and last letter.

9. Adhere letters, overlapping as you go from left to right using Glue dots in each corner of letters.

10. Use Beads in a Bottle to add dimensional accents to each letter and to adhere coordinating crystals and gemstones. Allow to dry.