Make it Crate :: Painted Plastic Lettering w/Ashley Cannon Newell

Have you seen the Pier's collection's Plastic Cut-Out Alphabets? They're awesome! Today, I have a tutorial to share with you on how to add color with paint. You can paint each letter the same color or use a variety of colors as I did on my card. These letters are fantastic for making titles for layouts and even focal points on cards.

First, you take your plastic alphabet and determine which side is the unfinished side. the unfinished side is not smooth and glossy and feels more like a matte finish. You want the unfinished side on top.

Next, get out your paint(s) and add at least one coat of acrylic paint to the unfinished side of the plastic alphabet. Warning, your fingers will get a bit messy during this process! But, I assure you that you will look like an artist in the end! Depending on the color of your paint (and also the thickness of your paint) you may have to add a second coat after the first coat dries. I found that a foam brush applied the paint better than a traditional paint brush; but both will work. Paint each letter and let them dry.

Tip: If you have reinkers, use Gesso or a white-based paint to come up with your own paint colors!

The colors added to these fabulous plastic alpha shapes is so much fun. They really POP. I created the word "HELLO" onto a card that measures about 4" x 6". The plastic alphas are definitely the focal point of the card.

I used foam adhesive to adhere the alphas to patterned paper and used pinking shears to make a decorative border. The neutral tones of the polka dot patterned paper are perfect for all that color in the letters. You can find the patterned paper in The Pier 6" x 6" paper pad!

To fill in the last section, I used an accordion embellishment. It's a Stand-Out from The Pier collection. I also used a cardstock die-cut for the "you" element - making the card greeting "HELLO YOU".

So, have some fun with paint and add loads of color to your projects using the plastic alphas. They will surely make any project come alive!