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How To Make a Large Monogram Cutout The Easy Way

September 17, 2012 · By Diane Henkler · 130 Comments

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How to make a large 3 letter cutout monogram to use on a door wreath or for interior decoration.

Monograms – I love them and now that it is Autumn and time to change the decor on my front door, I wanted to make a monogram cutout to go on my Fall wreath.  I bought the best plywood, got a new scroll saw blade and set to work – after two failed attempts – all those thin curlicue areas were way too hard to cut… I gave up.  Then I asked myself, “Why don’t I do this the way I know best… in my own style.

As many of you know I used to work as a display designer. In a day in the life of this profession I had to make lots of lettering, logos, and other decorative stuff – I did it all with foam or FomCor boards and a hot wire cutting machine.    Since I no longer work in display and don’t have access to such a machine anymore, I found the next best thing to cut Foam Cor is a very sharp craft knife and/or a Hot Knife. Unlike a foam cutter, a Hot Knife is made to cut easily through the paper that sandwiches the foam, too.

So after two failed attempts of trying to make a wood monogram that took me all afternoon, in less than 1 hour I had not one, but two monograms cut out and it cost me only $2.00

I made one white.

How to make a large monogram with Foam Core

The second one I added a pattern to. I am not sure what I am going to do with it yet – probably frame it, but I did want to experiment to see if it could be done.

How-to-cover-a-foam-monogra

Anyone can make these even if you don’t have Photoshop on your computer – plus no power tools are needed.

Since I made this monogram when I first started this blog, I have found an affordable resource where you can get a wood one made. You can find it here:  Wood Monogram with 3 Letters

How to Make a Large 3 Letter Monogram Using Foam Board

supplies needed:

  • Dollar Store Foam Board $1.00
  • Monogram enlargement – $1.99
  • Craft knife and replacement blades
  • Optional – Hot Knife
  • Transfer paper
  • Colored Pen or pencil
  • Glass or craft cutting mat
  • Computer and monogram lettering printout

How To Create Your Monogram on a Computer

If you have a computer and printer then you can create your monogram easily.  You have three options that I know of – 1.  Photoshop or Photoshop Elements  2.  Microsoft Publisher   3.  The old-fashioned way – cut and paste.  I will explain how to do this further down in the post.

No matter which method you choose, you will need to download a monogram style font.

I used KK Monogram for mine.  You can download it at Dafont.com.  If you don’t know how to download a font, it is easy. You can read my post – how to download a font – here.

For this tutorial I am using PSE.

1.  Make your center letter 600 points using Monogram KK font.  For the left and right letters use 450 point size.

How to make a monogram for your front door

2. In a separate layer in PSE or a separate text box if using Microsoft Publisher add your first letter using 450 pt. size type.  In another layer or text box add the last letter – 450 pts.   You should be able to move each letter around on your screen by themselves. If not –delete the letters that are connected and create it again in its own layer or text box.

Monogram-making

3. Move the letters so that they are evenly spaced and lined up.  Make them bold – which helps give the curlicue areas a bit more thickness – helps when cutting.

How to make a monogram on a computer

Print it to fill a 8 x 10 sheet of printer paper.

4. Take your printed monogram to a copy shop. I went to Office Max. For $1.99 they made me an enlarged copy to my exact size specs – which was 18-inches wide.   You can have it sized as big or small as you want.  It is on a vinyl sheet so it can be used over and over again.

Make-a-Monogram-on-a-comput

 

How To Make the Monogram Using The Old-Fashioned Cut and Paste Method:

If you don’t have a program on your computer where you can create separate letters and then put them together in an image, you will have to do it the old-fashioned way.    In your word processer, create your 3 letters using the sizes mentioned above.  Print each one out.  Lay the center letter face up.  Cut the other two letters out. You don’t have to be exact – just make sure not to cut the actual letters. White paper can be left on the outer sides of the letters.  Lay each letter down on either side of the center letter. Arrange and then use a glue stick to attach to the center letter.

How to Transfer the Monogram onto Foam Board

You will need transfer paper. They sell it at crafts stores. Martha Stewart sells it along with her paints.  Just ask if you can’t find it.

1.  Lay your foam board on a cutting surface – glass or a crafters cutting mat work the best.  On top of that lay the transfer paper – graphite side down.  (My paper was smaller than my image so I pieced it together with tape to get one large piece of transfer paper.)  Place your enlarged monogram on top of the paper. Tape it to the foam board so it won’t move.

How-to-make and enlarge a monogram

2. With a colored pen, trace around the image.  Trace your line right outside the letter – not on it.  This bit of extra space will keep your monogram to size. If you trace right on the edges of the letters – when you cut it – you will lose some of the letter.  ( I used a different color pen or pencil for each new monogram I made. This way I can see where I traced around all the letters completely. )

Note: My center letter H has a pretty thin center.  I made it larger when I was tracing.  If your center letter has a thin part like this – beef up the line thickness in that area as you trace. If it is too thin your monogram will break apart.

How to make a monogram for a wreath

3. After tracing around all the letters, remove the copy and transfer paper from the foam board.  You should be left with your traced letters.

How to make a monogram sign

4.  Plug in a hot knife or use a craft knife with a very sharp blade. Have extra blades ready. I like the knives that allow you to snap off the dull blade and expose a new one quickly.  When cutting out the two monograms I made, I changed my knife blade 3 times to make sure I got nice clean edges with every cut. I only used the hot knife to get around some of the tighter curves.  I did not change that blade.

How to cut foam board to make a monogram

5. It should look like this after you cut.  On some cuts the corners can be stubborn. If necessary – flip the foam over and you will see the cut lines of the area you are working on cutting out.  Place the knife blade into the corner areas where the cut did not go through all the way to cut the back paper.   Dollar Store foam is easier to cut as the paper that sandwiches the foam is not a thick as brand name FomCor.

After you are finished, trim any raised edges carefully.  I had a few around curved areas.

Foam-Board Monogram-Tutorial

To hide the smudge marks and transfer lines I sprayed my cut out with a few very light coats of white spray paint.  Normally you cannot spray paint foam, but if you just do the top – it will be fine.

If you want to paint it a color –including the sides which will be white,  I would use craft paint.  Depending on the quality of the foam board  – the paint may warp the board.  I have painted tons of foam boards and have discovered that the thinner ones have to be weighed down as they dry. We did this by pinning the boards down with straight pins into the work surface.

How to make a wood monogram

Hang it up.  I looped orange ribbon through one of the loops on the center letter and tied it around the top of the wreath.

I wanted mine for my front door and know that hanging it outside will shorten its life, as it is only made of thin foam. Inside – yes, it will last a long time.  My front door is exposed to all the elements – no roof over it. Everything, including the door – takes a beating from the elements – especially the wind.   I have lost lots of wreaths, bows, and decorations over the years. To help this stay put and straight –  I tied the bottom of the left and right letters with clear fishing line to the wreath.

Monogram-Wreath-For-Fall Decorating Ideas -DIY tutorial

How to Add a Pattern to Your Monogram

I made two monograms. After I cut out the first, I used that as a template and traced a few more onto dollar store foam boards for future use – like a Christmas wreath.      The second one I covered with a decorative paper napkin. I found the pack of napkins at Michaels in the clearance aisle.

1.  Gently remove the 2-ply paper backing from the napkins.  Spray the monogram with spray adhesive – let it get tacky – about 2 minutes. Place the napkin over one half of the monogram. Smooth with your fingers.  Repeat with a second napkin on the other side making sure to line up the pattern.

Cover-with-napkin

2. Flip it over and use a pair of scissors to cut the paper in the open areas. Leave about 1/4- inch of paper all around the letters.  I thought this would be harder than it actually was. The paper is very thin so it was easy to form to the letters.  Cut tabs into the paper to make it easy to fold over to the back of the letters. Once you have it all cut out – it does not have to be neat. Spray a light coating of spray glue over the back.  Wait until it gets tacky and then, with your fingers, smooth the excess paper that you cut into tabs to the back of the monogram.

Cover-a-foam-monogram-with-

 

How-to-make-a-foam-monogra

Foam-Core-Monogram-Wreath
How to make a foam monogram wreath

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Filed Under: Craft Projects, Decorating Ideas, DIY & Crafts, DIY Decorating Projects, Outdoor & Exterior

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Comments

  1. Subrosis says

    02/20/2021 at 5:26 am

    Absolutely stunning! A very original and beautiful idea!

    Reply
  2. Ruby says

    08/15/2019 at 2:42 pm

    Thank you so much for this tutorial. I’m definitely going to try this. Do you have any experience with hardboard or particle board to create letters? I’ve been working with them but the area where I live is very hot and it seems that the heat is causing the curlicues to break off.

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      08/17/2019 at 3:49 pm

      Hi Ruby – I have only tried cutting out the letters on 1/2″ plywood with a jigsaw and it was not easy. Particle board may come apart too easy when you try to cut it with a saw of any type. If you can find a sheet of birch plywood that is 1/8″ – 1/4″ thick it may be easier to cut.

      Since making the monogram I have found a place that can make them in wood very affordably. Check it out here: https://amzn.to/33EFgUx

      Reply
  3. Kenisha Hannah says

    07/21/2015 at 12:39 am

    Love this idea. I will try this out for a sweet 16 sign I am making.

    Reply
    • Paula says

      11/30/2015 at 5:41 pm

      Do u know if a cricut or a silouette is large enough or (which machine can make these) I love it and you did a great job, just curious what machine can do these. I have purchased them before and would love to do them myself.

      Reply
      • Diane Henkler says

        12/01/2015 at 10:51 pm

        Hi Paula – They machines are not large enough to make the entire monogram, you would need to make each letter separate, then overlap to create the larger size monogram.

        Reply
  4. Margie says

    07/08/2015 at 7:48 pm

    Diane just got a new Mac so I’m experiencing a lot of first with this system. Can you tell me how I get the letter to PSE page.

    Reply
  5. Charlotte says

    04/30/2015 at 4:28 pm

    Love the tutorial. I was just curious what the transfer paper does. I couldn’t quite follow that part. If you could let me know that would be great!!

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      04/30/2015 at 4:38 pm

      Hi Charlotte – Once you have your monogram printed, you need to transfer the image to the foam board. To do this you need transfer paper. It has graphite on one side. When you place it graphite side down on the foam board and then place the monogram image on top of it, you can then trace around the letters of the monogram with a pencil or pen. The pressure from the pencil/pen will deposit graphite to the foam board. Once you have traced all the letters, remove the printed monogram and the transfer paper and you will see that outline of the letters on the foam board. It would be nice if it was affordable enough to get the monogram printed on foam, but it is pretty costly. Transfer paper is inexpensive.

      Reply
  6. mackenzie says

    04/28/2015 at 3:05 am

    I couldn’t find any foam sheets at the dollar store, do you have a link/ anywhere else I should go to find the foam sheets? thanks

    Reply
    • mackenzie says

      04/28/2015 at 3:06 am

      and also how big was your piece of foam. thanks

      Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      04/28/2015 at 3:47 pm

      hi Mackenzie – you can find the foam poster board size sheets at the craft store – Michaels or AC Moore. They are 20″ x 30″. I cut it down to 15″ x 18″ to make my monogram.

      Reply
  7. Kat says

    01/08/2015 at 12:09 pm

    Question: I know you cannot spray paint directly on the foam core. However, what about spray painting once you have covered it with the napkin?

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      01/08/2015 at 12:57 pm

      Hi Kat – Once the foam sides of the cut foam core are covered – you can paint over it with light coats of spray paint. If you apply it too thick, it may make the foam core warp up as it dries. Fast and light spraying is the way to go.

      Reply
      • Kat says

        01/08/2015 at 1:45 pm

        Thank you for your reply. Painted that way might make it more weather resistant.

        Reply
        • Diane Henkler says

          01/09/2015 at 11:30 am

          Hi Kat – Yes it will. Mine lasted two years before it started to warp.

          Reply
  8. Elizabeth says

    12/24/2014 at 12:33 am

    everything was great until I tried to cut it out — my exacto knife ruined it and wouldn’t cut through properly. Huge bummer bc I had everything else done right & I spent around 3 hours already working on it :( I will either start over and copy onto a regular poster (not foam) board or drop the project (which wouldn’t be good because its Christmas eve)

    Reply
  9. Ann Byrd says

    10/24/2014 at 12:06 pm

    So excited to find your monogram tutorial and can’t wait to try it…definitely for my Christmas front door. Your instructions are so clear and easy to follow. After “chasing rabbits” all over the internet, I managed to download the font and get started…so pat me on the back and give me a green jelly bean!! :) Thank you so much for sharing and I look forward to getting more goodies from you!

    Reply
  10. judi says

    10/16/2014 at 9:50 pm

    love it. Why did you only use the hot knife in the tight spots? And not all over?

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      10/16/2014 at 10:35 pm

      Hi Judi – I could have used it all over, but the blade on my regular craft knife is large and using it along the large straighter areas was much faster than the hot knife. The blade was too big for the tight spots – the hot knife blade shape and size is perfect for them.

      Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      09/19/2015 at 8:54 pm

      Hi Judi – Another reason that I used the hot knife only in the tight spots only is that the blade gets dull fast and it is more expensive to replace than the regular craft knife. :-)

      Reply
  11. Lynn Z says

    10/11/2014 at 12:01 pm

    Wow what a great Christmas gift idea. I know a few college students that would love this in their dorm rooms.
    Thank you for the tips and for sharing.

    Reply
  12. bobbi gardner says

    07/13/2014 at 10:38 pm

    i would love to do this., and have been trying to figure it out ,how to use pse but everytime i try to go one this on my computer it says that it is no longer available.
    can you tell me what else i could use
    would love to do this.
    thank you for sharing
    bobbi

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      07/15/2014 at 11:30 am

      Hi Bobbi -Are you trying to purchase a hot knife, Photoshop Elements, or the Monogram font?

      Reply
      • bobbi gardner says

        07/19/2014 at 8:49 pm

        where do you purchase a hot knife , the name of it and also you said that your letters were 18″ wide,
        what was the length
        thanks again
        bobbi

        Reply
        • Diane Henkler says

          07/22/2014 at 8:58 pm

          Hi Bobbi – It does not matter what the length is. As long as you have one measurement when you have it printed out just tell the print shop to keep the length in proportion. You can buy a hot knife at Michaels and on Amazon.com. I have a link to it on the “SHOP” page on my blog. You can find it under the “CONTACT” tab under my blog logo. Once on the shop page, click on Crafty things on the upper right to open the page where the hot knife is.

          Reply
  13. hudi leksono says

    05/06/2014 at 1:20 am

    doesnt hobby hot knife cause foam board scorched and melted ?

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      05/06/2014 at 9:32 am

      If you hold the knife in one place for too long, you might end up getting a brown edge, but a Hot Knife is made for cutting through foam. It is a quick and swift way to cut any foam. I have a hot cutter that is a wand, but I like the control you get with a hot knife better.

      Reply
  14. Kathy says

    04/18/2014 at 7:48 am

    You are one smart lady! I’d love to try this! Not sure I have the skill of hand or the patience. Your step by step guide is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  15. Annette K. says

    03/12/2014 at 1:50 pm

    Just a quick questions- you said you have the monogram on vinyl so that you can use it again and again. Did they print it on vinyl at Office Max when you enlarged it? Just the only thing I’m confused about… Thanks for your help!

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      03/12/2014 at 4:09 pm

      Hi Annette –

      The machine that they used to enlarge my monogram to the size I wanted printed on a vinyl type of paper. I had no idea it would be done on it, I was expecting a blue print type of paper. Another reader went to her Office Max and was told it would cost a lot more to print out on the vinyl. I either got a deal or the store she went to used different pricing.

      Reply
  16. Janie says

    01/22/2014 at 1:10 pm

    What type of wood is used for the wooden monograms I think.

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      01/23/2014 at 8:15 am

      Usually birch or any very smooth plywood.

      Reply
      • Janie says

        01/23/2014 at 9:10 am

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
  17. Debbie says

    01/06/2014 at 5:08 am

    Good tutorial. The result is breathtaking!
    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  18. Chelsea says

    10/27/2013 at 11:41 am

    SUCH a great idea. I was trying to figure out how i was going to do this with plywood and it seemed like an immense undertaking. This seems way more reasonable! I downloaded the font this morning, and designed and printed out my monogram and it looks fantastic…going to get it blown up this afternoon! Doing one for our wreath, and one for our master bedroom! Thank you!

    Reply
  19. Allie says

    09/26/2013 at 9:56 am

    Thank you for taking the time to put this up last year… I’m just finding it, but I am printing out your instructions so I can do this this Fall.

    Reply
  20. Sarah says

    09/22/2013 at 11:36 am

    Thank you SO much for posting this! I used this to make a GORGEOUS wreath for a Wedding Shower. I made a tutorial for doing this in Microsoft Word and linked back to you: http://domesticfemme.blogspot.com/2013/09/thrift-store-finds-diy-monogram-wreath.html

    Reply
  21. Susan says

    08/20/2013 at 6:42 pm

    Thanks for this great tutorial. I was trying to talk my husband into cutting the wood, but he said it would take forever. This looks much easier!

    Reply
  22. Ann says

    07/10/2013 at 8:20 pm

    So cute but I was unable to download the KKmonogram font…that’s okay because my monogram is AGE anyway (LOL). I always use my last initial because of that…

    Reply
  23. Nicole says

    06/25/2013 at 12:23 pm

    If you do not have any program nor want to have to do the monogram on microsoft word- I found this great website that will make your monogram printable in seconds!
    http://forchicsake.com/printable-monogram/

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      06/25/2013 at 10:32 pm

      Hi Nicole – Thanks so much for sharing this. It is a perfect(and very cool) place to go for anyone without access to photo or computer programs.

      Reply
  24. Tammy says

    05/28/2013 at 12:02 pm

    Ms Diane
    How does this monogram using foam craft board hold up to the weather all year long? Any problems you’ve had or suggestions on what I can do especially for Southern weather? Thank you in advance.

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      05/29/2013 at 11:36 am

      Hi Tammy – I had mine hanging on my front door that is open to the elements. I had it up for about 5 months. It bowed slightly from getting wet, other than that it is fine. I plan to use it again in the fall.(For the summer, I have a metal basket filled with hydrangeas on my door.) If your door is protected from the rain – you should have no problems with it. The humidity may effect it, since it adds moisture to the air, but I am not sure since mine was hanging in the less humid cool fall air.

      Reply
  25. Teresa says

    05/22/2013 at 5:25 pm

    When you have completed the cut out do you then remove the paper of the foam board? We were wanting to paint the letters a color. Thanks a million for your help on this.

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      05/22/2013 at 10:45 pm

      Hi Teresa – I left the paper on. The paper is what gives the nice flat surface. If you remove it, the foam will have texture and won’t be as smooth as the paper. If you paint it, it may curve depending on the brand of board you have. You will have to weight it down to flatten it after it is dry

      Reply
  26. Htoles says

    05/03/2013 at 9:07 am

    Hi!
    I went to Office Max to get an black and white enlargement and they told me it would be $30-$40 dollars! Which office supply store did you use to do an enlargement and what did you tell them to do so that it would only be $2?

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      05/03/2013 at 10:41 am

      I went to Office Max. Another reader a few months ago has the same problem. Others have not. Not sure if their pricing booklets are the same in each store or someone is not reading the pricing charts correctly. When I had mine printed, I showed the copy guy what I wanted to do and he went to a book and read me the sizes and types of paper and films it could be copied onto along with the prices. I am not sure what else could be the reason for the price difference. If you really want to do it and can’t find another place. Cut your monogram into four. Get each one enlarged on a regular machine to the same enlargement size. Tape the enlargements together to create one your enlargement. It won’t be on the vinyl, but you can still use it to trace. I hope it all works out for you.

      Reply
  27. Besa says

    04/14/2013 at 9:28 pm

    I love monograms and I am planing to use them in my next project. Thank you so much for sharing your tutorial. I have already pinned almost all your monogram tutorials.
    Thanks again.

    Reply
  28. Paper Invite says

    04/08/2013 at 8:01 am

    This is soo cool.

    Reply
  29. Jessica says

    03/28/2013 at 10:32 pm

    I love this!!! I’m buying all the supplies and I want to try and use wood instead of foam. Do you know if the transfer paper will work on wood? Or would I have different steps? Just curious if you have tried to use wood!
    Thanks!!!

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      03/29/2013 at 2:12 pm

      Hi Jessica –

      Yes, the transfer paper works on wood. Steps will be the same, except you will need a jig saw to cut the wood instead of the craft knife. I would get the finest jigsaw blades, so your cuts and scrolls will be super smooth. I have tried making a monogram on wood, but it did not turn out so great, that is why I came up with the foam version. :)

      Reply
  30. Staci says

    03/19/2013 at 10:32 pm

    This might be a silly question but what initials would u use for a married couple??

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      03/20/2013 at 3:34 pm

      Hi Staci – not a silly question at all. The proper etiquette: Wife’s first initial, initial of husband’s last name larger in the center, then husbands’ first
      initial. I sometimes do it the other way around, though, as I like the way my husband’s initial looks first :)

      Reply
  31. Janice says

    02/21/2013 at 7:39 am

    Hi Diane – I’ve just discovered your site in the past couple of days and I’m already addicted – you are a genius! I have a daughter who will be moving into her first ‘off campus’ home in the Fall and you have provided me with some wonderful decorating ideas! Thank you for the clear, concise instructions and creative inspirations!

    Reply
  32. Carlyn says

    02/20/2013 at 10:10 pm

    This is a great tutorial with great photos. Thanks, it’s on the “to do”list.

    Reply
  33. Jo Mims says

    02/16/2013 at 10:43 am

    I am unable to find Martha’s hot knife. Can anyone recommend one that is not so expensive. I see a few out there that are reasonable, but unable to find reviews for them.
    Love your monograms, thanks.
    Jo

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      02/17/2013 at 1:46 pm

      Hi Jo – I did not know Martha made a hot knife. I use the Walnut Hollow one. It runs about $16. Replacement blades are around $4 for 3 blades.

      Reply
  34. Lauren says

    02/01/2013 at 1:05 pm

    I made one of these for my little sister’s room, it’s beautiful and was so easy to make! It took me about half a day to do it and it was so worth it. Thank you for this idea!!

    Reply
  35. Melissa says

    01/27/2013 at 7:06 pm

    Oh my gracious! I have been looking for a tutorial for this all weekend! I do like the monogram font, however I can’t seem to get them to connect together. I have a licensed monogram font and I know how to make that set connect. Is there a secret to this free one?
    Thank you for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      03/12/2013 at 10:04 pm

      Hi Melissa – I remember you commenting on how to learn how to connect the letters when using monogram fonts. I am not sure if you figured it out or not, but I just posted a tutorial on how to do it. It may help you out. you can find it here: https://inmyownstyle.com/2013/03/how-to-create-a-monogram-using-microsoft-word.html

      Reply
      • melissa says

        06/20/2013 at 12:07 pm

        Thank you for your response! I meant to send a thank you prior to now. Your blog is fabulous! Thank you!!

        Reply
  36. Pamela Sanders says

    01/12/2013 at 11:11 pm

    This is awesome! I love monograms and knew how to do them in PSE but didn’t know how you could increase the size as large as you had it. Now I know. Can’t wait to try this.

    Reply
  37. mimi says

    01/04/2013 at 4:41 pm

    thanks, wanted to do this but looked hard, now not so scared to try.

    Reply
  38. Sandy says

    01/03/2013 at 4:04 pm

    I have downloaded the font, but I can’t figure out how to get it to my document. Is there a secret?

    Reply
    • Char says

      01/10/2013 at 11:06 pm

      Open MS Word and look in your fonts list. My list shows it as “monogram kk” and it has a double “t” on the far left instead of the list.

      Reply
      • Diane Henkler says

        01/10/2013 at 11:28 pm

        Hi Char – the double “T” stands for True Type – it is the type of font it is. Monogram KK is the name it downloads as – not sure why, but it is the same font. If it comes up in your Word font list -it should open up to use when you click on it.

        Reply
  39. kathleen says

    12/30/2012 at 1:47 pm

    Hi – this is beautiful. I have photoshop, but I don’t know how to use it. Your tutorial is wonderful and I was wondering if you can tell me how to pull the letter up on the PSE program.
    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      12/30/2012 at 5:36 pm

      Hi Kathleen –

      I think you want to know how to move the text? or do you want to know how put text in? I should first tell you that each letter has to be in it’s own layer. Once they are, then you can move them around separately.

      When the text tool is active, just move the cursor away from the text/letter and it will change to the move tool icon. Now simply click and drag the text/letter to reposition the text/letters where you want them.

      If this is not what you wanted to know, the best thing you can do is watch a YouTube video on working with text in PSE. There are many of them. Type in “Working with text/type in PSE” into a Google search. I also subscribe to the blog: EverydayElements.com Amanda has a lot of easy to follow tutorials. I have learned so much from her blog.

      Happy New Year

      Reply
  40. Melissa says

    12/24/2012 at 6:44 am

    You make everything look so easy! This is absolutely gorgeous!

    Reply
  41. Jazmin says

    12/04/2012 at 12:22 am

    THIS IS THE BEST EVER!!!!! I’ve spent the last 2 hours trying to figure out how to do this and your tutorial is the best I’ve seen! So easy to follow! User friendly! I’m being super redundant but that’s how awesome this tutorial was! Thank you so very much!

    Reply
  42. Melissa D. SC says

    11/12/2012 at 9:37 pm

    Thanks so much for the feedback!

    Reply
  43. Melissa D. SC says

    11/11/2012 at 10:45 pm

    Would you be able to tell me the size of the new background tht you opened up in PSE to make the monogram? Did you make your bkgrnd an 8×10 on the computer or a smaller size? I would like to make a special 50th wedding anniversary monogram for my parents.

    Thank you for your time and for sharing your tutorial.

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      11/12/2012 at 8:51 am

      Hi Melissa – I made it a little smaller than 8 x 11 so that when I printed it out on my home computer it would fit the the paper. When I took it to Office Max I told them how big – (wide) I wanted the final size. They used a proportional scale to figure out the percentage or the enlargement needed to get it to the size I wanted.

      You can print it out at home any size. Just know how large you want the enlargement and the copy shop will be able to figure the percentage.

      Reply
  44. Kayla LaRocque says

    11/05/2012 at 2:46 pm

    Hi i had a question i download PSE and Monogram kk.
    the install button doesnt not show up on the monogram kk so how do i get it to install or show up on PSE

    Reply
  45. JoAnn @ SweetPepperRose says

    10/29/2012 at 7:20 pm

    Lovely! thanks so much for sharing your tutorial – I think I can swing this now ;-) I was not looking forward to even trying this with a scroll saw.
    JoAnn

    Reply
  46. Tiffany says

    10/27/2012 at 2:18 pm

    I am also planning on doing this project! I am in Office Max now waiting for my monogram to finish printing.. They also want to charge by the square foot here. I love the pumpkin idea as well… Makes me want to do that also. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  47. Tiffany says

    10/27/2012 at 2:18 pm

    I am also planning on doing this project! I am in Office Max now waiting for my monogram to finish printing.. They also want to charge by the square foot here. I love the pumpkin idea as well… Makes me want to do that also. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  48. Cami says

    10/24/2012 at 11:09 pm

    I am trying to monogram a pumpkin but not sure how to get an online font ONTO my pumpkin! :) Can you give any advice?

    Reply
    • Diane says

      10/25/2012 at 10:12 am

      Hi Cami – What kind of computer do you have and operating system? Mac/PC ? Windows 7 or Vista or something else?

      Reply
  49. Debbie says

    10/24/2012 at 5:44 am

    So Excited! I have everything ready to make my first cut. I did want to let everyone know that Office Max would NOT enlarge my design for $1.99. They were going to charge by the foot, so I went to Office Depot and they did do for $1.99 but it was not on vinyl. Anyway, will let you know how it turns out. Doing mine in black with white graphite paper.

    Reply
    • Diane says

      10/24/2012 at 9:36 am

      Hi Debbie –

      I am so happy to hear that you got the enlargement for $1.99 at Office Depot- $1.99 is affordable and doable. It doesn’t matter that the enlargement is not on vinyl – as you are just using it as a pattern to trace. Thanks for taking the time to tell us.

      Reply
  50. Ann says

    10/22/2012 at 4:36 pm

    Thanks Diane! They are beautiful. You made it look easy. Hope I can do one.

    Reply
  51. phyllis says

    10/22/2012 at 8:23 am

    Good morning! I wanted to let you know I featured your project on my blog this morning. I think these would be perfect for brides!
    http://www.theweddinggals.net/uncategorized/monograms-on-the-cheap/
    TY for sharing this wonderful tutorial!
    phyllis

    Reply
  52. Heidi says

    10/22/2012 at 1:00 am

    Would you consider selling these? Thanks! Heidi

    Reply
  53. Michelle says

    10/20/2012 at 1:04 pm

    Thanks for this idea! I saw this in Siuthern Living & was prepared to spend $45+ to order the wooden version. After pinning for almost a year, this is the first project I am actually going to tackle!

    Reply
  54. Kathy says

    10/08/2012 at 10:56 pm

    That is beautiful.

    Reply
  55. Ruby says

    10/07/2012 at 10:21 pm

    Beau-ti-ful! Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  56. Erin says

    09/30/2012 at 2:34 pm

    I love all things monogram…and, I’m definitely going to give this a try! I am enjoying your tutorials, and am not following to see what tip I can learn from you next!

    Erin @ Chronic Christian Crafter

    Reply
  57. Donna says

    09/28/2012 at 1:06 pm

    I LOVE IT!!! :0)

    Reply
  58. Sheryll & Critters. says

    09/28/2012 at 8:42 am

    I so love this. I hope I can do it. My problem now is with not working, I can not afford ink for my printer. I wonder if I can someway trace them out with a dull pencil over my monitor? I hope so. I did some butterflies that way that I want to put on a wall. You are so patient, not only to do these, but to give such great instructions.

    Reply
  59. caitlyn (ladyphlogiston) says

    09/27/2012 at 5:12 pm

    nice job! you could also do the text editing in Inkscape very easily, or in Scribus, and quite possibly Gimp as well (those are all free open-source programs that are great alternatives to Adobe products)

    Reply
  60. Stephanie says

    09/25/2012 at 10:51 pm

    Have you tried to cut corrigated plastic they make signs out of?

    Reply
  61. April Richey says

    09/25/2012 at 12:03 pm

    How much would you charge to make them

    Reply
  62. Melinda McCorbin says

    09/24/2012 at 8:28 pm

    How large did you have it printed? Thanks

    Reply
    • Diane says

      09/24/2012 at 10:28 pm

      Hi Melinda –
      I measured my wreath and wanted the monogram to fill the center. I told the guy at Office Max to make it 18″ wide. The height was kept in proportion when the monogram was enlarged using the width measurement.

      Reply
      • Melinda McCorbin says

        09/25/2012 at 8:55 am

        Thanks.

        Reply
      • lori caldwell says

        10/06/2012 at 11:14 pm

        Hi Love the initials I went to office max they told me that .it would be 17.00 to enlarge the initials .Could not believe it.I had to say no.

        Reply
        • Diane says

          10/07/2012 at 9:16 am

          Hi Lori – OH no! The guy at my Office Max went to a book he had with all the prices and sizes of enlargements. I told him how wide I wanted it and he looked it up asked me a few questions and came back with $2. I either got a deal or the pricing structure is not being used the same in each store. :(

          Reply
  63. Sarah says

    09/24/2012 at 6:12 pm

    Such a cool idea and great tutorial!

    Reply
  64. Christy @ 11 Magnolia Lane says

    09/22/2012 at 7:09 pm

    Diane–I just love how you always figure out a way to do things beautifully, for less money, and in your own style. Kudos on another amazing tutorial. I’m making this one tomorrow!!

    Reply
  65. Amanda -cupcakes and corndogs says

    09/22/2012 at 9:28 am

    I LOVE The leaf wreath with the monogram. I wish I had seen this before I posted a blog about fall wreaths. It would have been at the top of the list.

    Where did you get the leaf wreath? Did you make it? I want to recreate this for y fall wreath this year!

    Reply
    • Diane says

      09/22/2012 at 3:04 pm

      Hi Amanda – I made the wreath years ago and tweak it every year. It is just a grapevine wreath that I wrapped a few strands of raffia around. Then added dollar store fake fall leaf stems pushed into the grapevine on an angle. I then evenly spaced 4 purple hydrangeas around the wreath. Every year it gets beat up from the wind and rain so I refresh it with some new leaves. I posted a photo of it last year on my back door. Here is the link –
      https://inmyownstyle.com/2011/09/friday-at-momtastic.html

      Reply
  66. TMT @ chateaurelaxo.blogspot.com says

    09/21/2012 at 12:09 pm

    I think… I may… love you. Oh my, it’s the perfect tutorial at the perfect time! And such a barely-there price to produce beautiful monogram results…? Bless you!

    Tammy

    Reply
  67. Kimberly from Serendipity Refined says

    09/21/2012 at 7:22 am

    Diane, I LOVE this! I’ve been looking at those monograms for awhile and thought that I’d never have one. I have a “hot knife” that I use for carving foam pumpkins…Can’t wait to try it out on foam core! Thanks for a fabulous tutorial! xo, Kimberly

    Reply
  68. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    09/20/2012 at 10:39 pm

    Diane – this is fabulous! I’ve hear of Hot Pockets, but never a hot knife! I love all things monogrammed and this little dollar store baby makes me sing!
    Kelly

    Reply
  69. Kristal says

    09/20/2012 at 7:03 pm

    Diane – As always….you amaze me!!

    Reply
  70. Linda says

    09/18/2012 at 10:04 pm

    Thank you! Thank you!! I have been wanting to do a wreath with this type monogram forever. I am not very good with a computer but your directions are so clear that I think weven I can do this.

    Reply
    • Gigi says

      09/19/2012 at 11:50 pm

      Fabulous tutorial! Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
  71. Aimee says

    09/18/2012 at 10:01 pm

    So elegant! Thanks for the tip on the hot knife.

    Reply
  72. Emma Briggs says

    09/18/2012 at 9:46 pm

    This is a great idea to make monogram letters…I used old makeup for painting my monogram project.

    Reply
  73. Kim Gardner says

    09/18/2012 at 5:57 pm

    WOW! It’s just beautiful!

    Reply
  74. Mara says

    09/18/2012 at 11:50 am

    Very pretty, I have always thought that this would be super hard to do, but you make it look so easy, love the napkin idea.

    Reply
  75. Amy @ Positively Splendid says

    09/18/2012 at 8:10 am

    Diane, you are such a smarty pants!! I have been using foam core board for tons of projects lately. It is amazing how much can be done with it!

    Reply
  76. Judy King says

    09/18/2012 at 2:08 am

    That is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Your whole entrance are is so nice and adding your wreath really looks so classy! Thanks for sharing the tute!

    Reply
  77. Sue B. says

    09/18/2012 at 12:18 am

    Wow! Super tutorial and so timely with the gift giving season upon us!

    Reply
  78. Diane | An Extraordinary Day says

    09/17/2012 at 11:54 pm

    I just went to pin this fabulous tutorial and you already have had it pinned over 1K times!!!!!!!! Way to go!! And thanks for the awesome tutorial. I know that took a lot of work.
    Blessings!!

    Reply
  79. Sarah @ Simply Sarah Style says

    09/17/2012 at 10:54 pm

    This is brilliant! I have been eyeing the wooden monograms for awhile now, but wasn’t ready to spend $50 on one.

    Your foam core one looks just as a great. I will have to remember this. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  80. Sherry says

    09/17/2012 at 10:32 pm

    This is beautiful, so creative and amazing on a budget – just may have to give it a try!

    Reply
  81. [email protected] This Top That says

    09/17/2012 at 10:17 pm

    what a wonderful tutorial. You have saved many lots of money for the monograms that are out there !! Looking forward to following your blog!

    Reply
  82. Rachael Miller says

    09/17/2012 at 9:50 pm

    Whaaat?!? And to think, I was about to spend $30 or more on a monogram JUST LIKE THIS! Genius. Pure genius.

    Reply
  83. Penny says

    09/17/2012 at 9:45 pm

    What a great tutorial! Thank you so much! Hugs, Penny

    Reply
  84. nest of posies says

    09/17/2012 at 9:43 pm

    ohmygoodness – this is amazing!

    well done. wow.

    Reply
  85. Martha/Marty says

    09/17/2012 at 9:24 pm

    I WANTED one of these!! Leave it to you to come up with the easy and cheap version. Hurray!

    Reply
  86. [email protected] Cottage says

    09/17/2012 at 6:38 pm

    What a great idea! Thanks for the super tutorial.

    Reply
  87. Peggy says

    09/17/2012 at 3:37 pm

    I LOVE this idea! I followed the link to the Hot Knife–950˚ is kinda scary! I do want to try this! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  88. Kim @ Sand & Sisal says

    09/17/2012 at 3:13 pm

    I love this! I have a Martha Stewart hot tool and I’ll have to try it out on foam core. Gorgeous Diane! Gorgeous!

    Reply
  89. Beckie says

    09/17/2012 at 2:52 pm

    This is so awesome! I love shopping at the dollar store, this would make a fabulous gift!! :)

    Reply
  90. FineHouse says

    09/17/2012 at 2:46 pm

    You are so creative! What a great tutorial too, I would love to try monograms – you make it look so easy too.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 13 Door Décor Ideas – Home Improvement Services says:
    09/25/2020 at 10:05 am

    […] stylish. How big? Go for 600-point type and no one in the neighborhood will miss it! The blogger at In My Own Style shows you how to DIY a three-letter monogram with foam board—no power tools or Photoshop […]

    Reply
Diane Henkler Blogger In My Own Style
I love all things creative, colorful, and DIY. It is just the way my brain is wired. I can't add 2+2 to save my life, but I can help you decorate your home in a style that you will love...YOURS! LEARN MORE
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