• Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
  • SHOP
  • Widget area for main menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Jaime Costiglio

build - paint - sew

  • BUILD
    • BEDS
    • BENCHES
    • DESKS
    • DRESSERS
    • GAMES & TOYS
    • SCRAP WOOD
    • SHELVES
    • STORAGE
    • TABLES
  • TOOLS
  • PAINT
    • CRAFTS
    • FURNITURE
    • HOME DECOR
  • SEW
    • GIFTS
    • HOME DECOR
    • POUCHES
  • HANDBUILT HOLIDAY
    • 2021
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
  • GIFTS
    • BABIES
    • KIDS
    • FOR HER
    • FOR HIM
    • TEACHERS
    • WEDDINGS
  • SEASONAL
    • 4TH OF JULY
    • FALL
    • HALLOWEEN
    • CHRISTMAS
    • SUMMER
    • SPRING
    • ST. PATRICK’S DAY
    • THANKSGIVING
    • VALENTINE’S DAY
    • WINTER
  • SALTBOX PROJECT
    • BATHROOMS
    • DINING ROOM
    • EXTERIOR
    • FAMILY ROOM
    • FOYER / MUDROOM
    • KIDS BEDROOMS
    • KITCHEN
    • LIVING ROOM
    • MASTER BEDROOM
    • PLAYROOM
  • SCROLL SAW

“A” is for Alphabet

June 24, 2011

My knock off alphabet art:

This is a baby gift for a couple who is having their first baby.

I was inspired by Restoration Hardware’s Vintage Alphabet Art:
Vintage Alphabet Art Set of 3
image from Restoration Hardware

Their version retails for $319 plus shipping.
(Plus it only comes in pink.)
My version is slightly smaller (9.5″w x 12.5″h) versus their (16″w x 20″h).

And their version is printed canvas, mine is wood and paper.

To see this project done in other colors check my post here.

I spent $1.99 on alphabet cards plus $.99 on sawtooth hangers.
I had the wood scraps, paint, stain and carpet tacks.
Total cost = $3.  Yes that’s a whooper of savings.

Here’s how I made the alphabet artwork:

1. Purchased alphabet cards.
(Found mine at Michaels way back.)

2. Distressed edges of cards using brown stamp ink:

3. Layout cards and cut wood to size.  I used 3/4″ plywood scraps cut to 9.5″w x 12.5″h.

4. Paint front and sides of wood pieces, two coats.
I used Martha Stewart rainwater.

5. Sand edges to distress.
Apply Minwax cherry stain.
6. Line up cards and nail into wood using #3 black carpet tacks:

7. Add sawtooth hanger to back of each panel.
As always thanks to the catalogs for great inspiration.

And now our friends will have some nice artwork for their first born’s room.

I’m linking up to:

   Photobucket  UndertheTableandDreaming A BEACH COTTAGE Photobucket The Girl Creative Thumbnail for 'Made By You Monday'  The Lettered Cottage Photobucket http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/
http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/
http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/
The 36th Avenue.
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/
http://www.somewhatsimple.com/
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/
http://www.remodelaholic.com/
http://justagirlblog.com/
Weekly Challenge @ The CSI Project

You may also like...

  • Thanksgiving Pie Coloring Free PrintableThanksgiving Pie Coloring Free Printable
  • Paper Cross Stitch for Fall (free printable)Paper Cross Stitch for Fall (free printable)
  • “S” is for Spider Wreath“S” is for Spider Wreath
  • “S” is for Star“S” is for Star
Share this post:

Filed Under: DIY, HOME DECOR, HOME DECOR, PAINT92 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage says

    June 24, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Your artwork is fabulous!! So cute! I'm sure your friends will love it. The tiny cost is amazing!

    Reply
  2. Elaine says

    June 24, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    $319 for RH's version? Crazy! Your's is way cuter! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Elisabeth says

    June 24, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    this is an awesome project!! I was tempted by the RH one (well, not for that price) and I love yours even more than theirs! Great job!

    Reply
  4. Full Plate Designer says

    June 24, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    Wow! This is fabulous. I am inspired now as I work on my little boy's room and his playroom, too!

    Reply
  5. Sam @ The Junk House says

    June 24, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    So cute! I think yours looks better than the RH version! And way cheaper too.

    Reply
  6. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    June 24, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    jaime, that came out soooo cute! love the color you chose- soft and pretty!! what a great baby gift!

    Reply
  7. {april kennedy} says

    June 25, 2011 at 12:13 AM

    Yours is cuter! Way cuter. Amazing baby gift.

    Reply
  8. Trina says

    June 25, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    This is awesome!! Great job!! Did you think about modge podging over it so it would be shiny? Not sure if that would be good or not. I love what you did. I totally want to copy 🙂

    Reply
  9. Haven Conner says

    June 25, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    Yours are sooooo much nicer than the expensive ones!!!

    Blessings,
    Haven

    Reply
  10. BluBabesCreate says

    June 25, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    Oh cute! Martha Stewart sells some really cute alphabet letters.

    Reply
  11. Shirley says

    June 25, 2011 at 1:31 AM

    These are gorgeous! I like your version much, much better than the original! Totaling pinning this 🙂

    Reply
  12. Melissa, The Happier Homemaker says

    June 25, 2011 at 1:55 AM

    I love this! It took me a minute to figure out how you got 27 cards from the 26 letters of the alphabet! Great project, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  13. EllaBoo and Co. says

    June 25, 2011 at 2:22 AM

    SO beautiful. i like yours better! lovely job as always. thank you for the share and the inspiration.

    Reply
  14. Stephanie says

    June 25, 2011 at 2:39 AM

    I agree with everyone else, yours is cuter and much more sophisticated looking. I am addicted to pinterest, (curse the day I got the invite!) and so I pinned your project 🙂 You are so very creative.

    Reply
  15. pinktoesandpowertools says

    June 25, 2011 at 2:44 AM

    You are so creative! Love this idea.

    Reply
  16. Amy-{The Happy Scraps} says

    June 25, 2011 at 3:24 AM

    These are adorable! And do I dare say that I like yours better than the $319 ones! Very cute!

    Reply
  17. Sweet Floweret says

    June 25, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    SO adorable. Great job.
    Tina
    http://www.sweetfloweret.com

    Reply
  18. Desiree @ The 36th Avenue says

    June 25, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    Sooooo cute! I'd love for you to share it at my link party… Adorable!

    Reply
  19. courtney says

    June 25, 2011 at 4:24 AM

    Great idea! I really love this. Coming over from TT&J. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  20. [email protected] House says

    June 25, 2011 at 4:59 AM

    I love this. I think I will be heading to Micheal's tomorrow to get those cards. I featured it on my blog tonight.

    Reply
  21. lisanne83 says

    June 25, 2011 at 5:50 AM

    SUPER cute!!

    Reply
  22. [email protected] says

    June 25, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    I absolutely and wholly love this! I will be making a pink version for my girls room! thank-you!

    Reply
  23. Alicia says

    June 25, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    I am a preschool teacher and we are moving into a new building this coming school year. I really wanted to have some pretty art on the wall to make it more "home-y" but everything I see to buy is extrememly expensive. Thanks for sharing this- I will be making a set for my classroom! I will let you know when it's on my blog!

    Reply
  24. Lyuba @ Will Cook For Smiles says

    June 25, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    This is really cool! Love it!

    Come see me at http://www.willcookforsmiles.com/

    Reply
  25. Andrea says

    June 25, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    Amazing! Love your stuff and your blog! Keep it coming!

    Andrea
    http://www.lifelovelarson.blogspot.com

    Reply
  26. Michelle {Daydream Believers} says

    June 25, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    Wow – seriously, I like your version better! And only $3?!? That rocks! Nice work! 🙂

    Reply
  27. kelly says

    June 26, 2011 at 12:04 AM

    i like yours better! very cute and such a great personal handmade gift!

    Reply
  28. Michelle says

    June 26, 2011 at 12:07 AM

    What a great idea for a classroom! I am visiting from Tatertots and Jello and I would love if you would link this up this weekend to my Delicately Constructed Fridays linky party!!
    Have a great weekend!
    Michelle
    http://www.delicateconstruction.blogspot.com

    Reply
  29. Rachel says

    June 26, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    I saw this linked up at Tatertots and Jello and should have known it was yours! What an adorable project! I love it (much, much, MUCH more than the original, too) . . . great work!

    Reply
  30. Tonia @ TheGunnySack.com says

    June 26, 2011 at 4:21 AM

    Seriously? Your version is WAY cuter! When I was first looking at the pics I thought the one you made was the "original"!!

    Reply
  31. Jen says

    June 26, 2011 at 4:30 AM

    Alright, this is just ridiculously cute! I like your version WAY better than the pricey original! Great work, I'd love for you to stop by my blog some time, http://www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com

    Reply
  32. Hadar says

    June 26, 2011 at 5:00 AM

    Yours is waaay cuter than the real thing! Love it!

    Hadar
    Miss Kindergarten

    Reply
  33. RMC says

    June 26, 2011 at 5:11 AM

    This is ADORABLE!! What a great gift idea. Absolutely love it 🙂

    Reply
  34. Kristine @ JandMs Eye Candy says

    June 26, 2011 at 5:56 AM

    GREAT tutorial!! Love the look!! Thanks for sharing!

    We host a link party called “Help a Momma Out” on our blog every Tuesday! This would be an awesome link up! Please feel free to add it! We appreciate it! Have a great day!

    Kristine
    http://www.jandmseyecandy.blogspot.com

    Reply
  35. clutterhome says

    June 26, 2011 at 7:21 AM

    I LOVE how these turned out! You're a great for making these for your friend. I would LOVE a gift like that at a baby shower!

    Reply
  36. donatella says

    June 26, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    yours is so much prettier than the restoration hardware one! beautiful! saw your project on under the table and dreaming 🙂

    Reply
  37. Lauren says

    June 26, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    this is awesome! I will probably be copying one day 🙂 You need to put this up on http://knockoffdecor.com/.

    Reply
  38. [email protected] says

    June 26, 2011 at 3:45 PM

    Love this! I agree; yours is cuter! Had to "pin" this one!

    Reply
  39. 3krazychics says

    June 26, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    This is so stinkin' cute! I'm completely inspired, can't wait to try it in my little guys room.

    We are your newest follower. Hope you too will follow us.

    http://www.3krazychics.blogspot.com

    Reply
  40. Megan says

    June 26, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    this is stunning. I need to keep my eye out for some alphabet cards.

    megan
    craftycpa.blogspot.com

    Reply
  41. [email protected] Natural Nester says

    June 26, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    What a lovely gift! This is just wonderful and I'm sure will be a keepsake for that family…how beautiful!

    Reply
  42. Katie says

    June 26, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    I absolutely adore this! I love your version WAY more than than the inspired version! What a perfect gift!

    Reply
  43. Amanda says

    June 26, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    This is such an amazing gift for your friends to celebrate their first born.

    Your version looks much better than the original, love the distressing.

    Reply
  44. TyAnne Roberts says

    June 26, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    The recipient is going to love this! It is adorable.

    Reply
  45. AUsome mom says

    June 27, 2011 at 2:33 AM

    Wow! What a fabulous idea for a nursery! My son & his wife are expecting their first child AND the mom is a teacher so I must make these for them!! Great, great idea & thanks for sharing! PS…I found you at I Heart Naptime……

    Reply
  46. Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstrator says

    June 27, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    What a great idea for a gift or for your own newborn room! Totally pinned this and shared! your newest follower from TT&J, too! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  47. Tonia @ TheGunnySack.com says

    June 27, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    Just wanted to let you know I posted these on my site today! Thanks!

    Reply
  48. Katy says

    June 27, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    that's a great gift!

    Reply
  49. Allison says

    June 28, 2011 at 1:56 AM

    These are so lovely! I like them better than Restoration Hardware's! Great job!!

    Reply
  50. Ty and Whitty says

    June 28, 2011 at 2:42 AM

    Oh my heck these are adorable and look amazing. Great job. I found your project from I heart nap time. I pinned this too 🙂 Come and say hi

    A mommy's life…with a touch of YELLOW
    tyandwhitneyulrich.blogspot.com

    Reply
  51. [email protected] Daisy says

    June 28, 2011 at 4:36 AM

    Wow, I am such a sucker for all things ABC. And this project is DARLING!! Well done!

    Reply
  52. stephaniegiese says

    June 28, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    I am visiting from A to Z. These are adorable! What a great baby gift! Everyone is right, yours are way cuter than the RH ones and I love that they are boy-friendly as well.

    Reply
  53. [email protected] The Dream says

    June 28, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    This is great!! I actually like your version better!!

    Reply
  54. TiffanyAnn says

    June 28, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    So stinkin' Cute!

    Reply
  55. Lil Mama Stuart says

    June 28, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    came from TT&J (I think). Love this! Totally looks better than the inspiration too! And cheap woooo!

    Reply
  56. Katie says

    June 28, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    Wow!! So easy and looks SO good! I prefer yours to Restoration Hardware's version too- love it!! Thanks for inspiration and idea!

    Reply
  57. hilary @ the upcycle furniture co. says

    June 28, 2011 at 11:51 PM

    this is awesome!!! i would totally buy this! : )

    Reply
  58. andie jaye says

    June 29, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    this is such a great project! i love using flashcards for other things too! very well executed!! so darling! it'd be fabulous if you'd link it up to my tip-toe thru tuesday party!

    http://crayonfreckles.blogspot.com/2011/06/tip-toe-thru-tuesday-5.html

    Reply
  59. Holly says

    June 30, 2011 at 1:03 AM

    This is awesome, I'm in love!

    Reply
  60. angie @ the cellar door stories says

    June 30, 2011 at 2:29 AM

    brilliant! love it!!!

    Reply
  61. Jennifer says

    June 30, 2011 at 3:50 AM

    Cute! I never in a million years would have thought. And I have several of these sets leftover from when I taught kindergarten! Love it!
    Jen

    Reply
  62. Amanda says

    June 30, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    Great project! 🙂 I've featured this post on Craft Gossip here:
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/alphabet-wall-art/

    If you would like a "featured by" button, you can grab one here:
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/

    Reply
  63. MJ @ MD School Mrs says

    June 30, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    Adorable! I'm pinning this for future re-creation. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    -MJ @ MD School Mrs

    Reply
  64. ginger @ literally inspired says

    June 30, 2011 at 2:20 PM

    What a great knock-off! I like how you also distressed the cards. It adds a nice touch. Very pretty!

    Reply
  65. Samantha Post says

    June 30, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    I have these same cards and cannot figure out what to do with them!! This is a great idea!!

    Reply
  66. Christine says

    July 1, 2011 at 2:08 AM

    I love yours–what a lovely gift!

    Reply
  67. Daphne Hope says

    July 1, 2011 at 2:33 AM

    I LOVE your artwork! Seriously…cuter than the more expensive one!

    Reply
  68. Amy says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    Very cute! Love a good Restoration Hardware DIY- they are so overpriced! Great find on those alphabet cards, too!

    Reply
  69. Meredith says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    What a great project! I like yours better than the inspiration pieces AND who can beat that cost?! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  70. Delia says

    July 1, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    Love it! Outshines the commercial version by far!

    Reply
  71. gatheredinthekitchen.com says

    July 1, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    Amazing!!! I love it!!

    Reply
  72. Becca says

    July 2, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this! I'd really love to have you post this on my linky party!!! The party is open for a few more days.

    becca-homeiswheremystorybegins.blogspot.com

    Becca

    Reply
  73. Alicia says

    July 3, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    http://through-my-is.blogspot.com/2011/07/vintage-alphabet-wall-hanging-tutorial.html

    Reply
  74. Natalie says

    July 5, 2011 at 2:56 AM

    Fabulous!! Yours is infinitely better than theirs! My kids are older and I still want to make this project! Definitely a new follower and now I"m off to check out the rest of your blog!! Great job!

    Reply
  75. craftykat says

    July 6, 2011 at 6:13 AM

    I love this! I was somewhat surprised when I saw the original shown, because the colors are so muted and yours pop. I think both are great, but I happen to be partial to yours… (no brown nosing involved here either! 🙂 ) I have a package, not the same exact kind, but also the scrapping variety that I bought recently, and was wondering how I'd go about using them- nay, even wondering whether I should have bought them after all. Now I know exactly what I want to do. Thanks for sharing your fun idea 🙂

    Reply
  76. B's Mommy says

    July 6, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    Darling idea! Yours looks the best! You have a great eye! I am going to try this idea out. I found the ABC cards on ebay! $2. Thank you so much for sharing.
    Happy Day! Enjoy!!

    Reply
  77. Jody says

    July 7, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    Very cute! And what an excellent gift.

    Reply
  78. Caylie says

    July 8, 2011 at 1:49 AM

    Oh my… I am so in love with this! I'm pretty sure I'll have to try my hand at making some for my daughters room! I made other wall art for her room, but this is so much better!! Love it!

    Reply
  79. Tiffany says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    So amazing! Love, Love, Love it! You did a fabulous job! Wow. I want one!

    Reply
  80. Grace says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    If you google "K&SCompany cards" you can find those exact cards online. 🙂 I'm going to try and make these for our own nursery. Great job! Very artistic.

    Reply
  81. ASHLEY says

    July 13, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    darling…i love this!!! : )

    Reply
  82. Cheryl says

    July 18, 2011 at 4:59 AM

    I just came across your page and LOVE it. I had found some adorable alphabet cards recently but couldn't figure out how to use them…your piece is exactly what I was thinking of but couldn't put "on paper". Thank you so much!!

    Reply
  83. Brandi says

    July 21, 2011 at 2:09 AM

    So cute! This is such an awesome project! I think yours looks way better than the RH version! Excellent job!

    Reply
  84. Jas & Cam Fam says

    August 10, 2011 at 11:11 PM

    Thank you!!! U bought these same cards forever ago and have been trying to find something to do with them in my baby boys room. I am so excited to get this up and in his room. I have done everything except attach the cards to the board.
    My question is, how did you make the sun on the middle board (between m and n)?
    Also, what does the cherry minwax add to it? I haven't done that yet? Thanks again!
    Camille

    Reply
  85. Jas & Cam Fam says

    August 10, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    This is Camille again. TO be more specific, how did you make a blank card to get the sun on?

    Reply
  86. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    September 8, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    I adore this project! Plus, I like it better than RH. It seems smart to spent little $ for a baby when they outgrow their decor so fast. I love the curvy outline of the letters, too.

    Reply
  87. Nichole says

    September 8, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    Um…kind of wishing you knew ME when I was having MY baby!! These are GORGEOUS, and I am definitely inspired!

    Reply
  88. MaryBeth says

    November 19, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    this looks better than the original!

    Reply
  89. Andrea @ Decorating Cents says

    December 27, 2011 at 11:27 PM

    This is on my to-do list. You were featured http://decoratingcents.blogspot.com/2011/12/trends-knock-offs.html. Come by and grab a button if you'd like.

    Reply
  90. Susanne says

    January 25, 2012 at 5:26 PM

    Love that idea. I have some eboo alphabet cards that I was trying to figure out what to do with and I am totally stealing that idea, with some modifications! Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  91. Teresa says

    January 27, 2012 at 3:28 AM

    This is great! I like your version so much better! I love the little carpet tacks.

    Reply
  92. Kimberly from 'bugaboo' says

    July 18, 2012 at 2:26 AM

    Just found this while browsing around for a gift idea… and I have to say your version is so very much cuter than the original!! I mean, WAAAAAAY cuter! 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I’m Jaime

Jaime Costiglio

Hello!

Thank you for stopping by.
Join me for lots of DIY.

Read more

Get new posts via email

Handbuilt Holiday: Gift Project Plans

handbuilt holiday gift project plans

Collection of DIY gift project plans to build.

The Home Depot Tool Prospective

THD Prospective

Tools to consider for the DIYer.

Archives

The Home Depot Logo
Copyright © 2023 Jaime Costiglio · Custom site by Moonsteam Design

Privacy Policy