Guess who is turning one this month? It’s crazy how fast the year has gone by! And I swear he gets cuter every day. While I was planting in letters and attempting to make cement shapes it occurred to me – maybe these two should go together!
And I love how they turned out! We used wax paper to create a bit of texture on the bottom. And it helps that he has a short name – I don’t think I have it in me to do one for Caroline. :)
Supplies needed:
- Fast dry cement
- Cardboard letter shapes
- Wax paper
Step 1: Cover your work area with newspaper or cardboard. Then cut open the top of your letter shape. You want the bottom of the letter to face outward so you might have to flip it over before cutting.
Step 2: Roughly line the bottom of the letter with wax paper. This gives it a nice texture and also slows down the dry time so you have more time to smooth the top.
Step 3: Mix cement in a bucket and fill the letters to overflowing. Then, using a trowel, smooth the top. If you don’t have one then just use a knife or other tool to smooth.
Step 4: Lay wax paper on top and let the cement dry.
Step 5: Peel off the cardboard and wax paper and you’re good to go!
I’m still trying to decide if I should paint them. But I kind of like their rough look.
Now I just have to get started on planning a birthday party. This may be heresy, but I don’t really believe in elaborate parties for one-year-olds. But that’s a whole other post! Have a great weekend! And let me know if you try working with cement!
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Where do you get the mold or did you make them mold letters?
You could also do this for house numbers or words and use them in the garden.
Cement could be dangerous for kids. Papercraft is enough. Or any alternative material ideas?
I love this idea. When spring comes I will make these for my grandchildren. I am going to accent parts of the letters by placing actual organic items (such as leaves, flowers, twigs, a pine needle cluster…) in the bottom of the mold after the wax paper but before the cement. I hope to get some great photos like you did with your Sam and then place them in our “children’s garden” for the children to see as they play. Both will create memories for a lifetime. Thank you for you post.
Where did you buy the letter shapes ? I would like to try your project, thank you
You can get them at hobby lobby or online. Paper mâché letters. About 2-3 bux each.
I love this project. What a great idea! Great photo of Sam with the letters!
This is so cute! And so is that little man. Can’t believe he’s going to be one already! Also– I’m with you! Elaborate parties for kids who will never remember it is crazy talk! Save your money for when their older and want pony rides and live entertainment ;)
Fortunately my 3 and 5 year old think that Chuck E Cheese is the only place that does birthday parties, ha! They both want to go there for their parties – but I’m just waiting for the day they ask for ponies!
I think you need to make a plain plaque now, with his handprints & footprints for his 1st birthday.
I love that idea! Thanks Pat! :)
He is too cute! Did you have to bribe him with the cookie to get him to sit for the picture? :) I’ve seen places selling letters like this, but making them is so much cheaper.
I gave him the cookie to keep him from putting leaves, bark, dirt, you name it in his mouth. That boy will eat anything!
Adorable! What a fun spin on the traditional wooden letters.
What a cool idea!!! I love how they turned out – it’d be really neat for letters for a rustic wedding!
I LOVE this! Pinning! And just FYI – I found it on Craftgawker!
Love it Stephanie! I like them raw too although some crazy colours would be pretty cool.
You are brave to work with cement! These letters are really cool, love the sweet pics of Sam even more!
I love the rough look too. He is so sweet and cute!
I do not believe in big birthday parties for one yer olds either. We just did a small family party for each of my three girls.
Sam is a very auspicious name. Happy to see it in large concrete.