How to Make Embossed Woodgrain Monograms

Our new little guy will be here in just a few short months and the nesting bug has bit me hard. I stay up at night thinking about adorable woodland themed nursery / big boy room combo ideas. When I was pregnant with K, I made him a monogram that matched his room theme (blue and brown spots and puppies). So it only seemed natural to make new monograms for the woodland room theme.

The key craft supply that really makes these awesome is the woodgrain stencil from Mod Podge Rocks! This is my friend Amy's craft supply line. Read more about them on Mod Podge Rocks. She is so creative - I would have never thought in a million years to pair a stencil with Mod Podge but it works and it's awesome!

I love that they are self-adhesive which is great for preventing bleeding of paint or Podge. And they are only $4 at Michael's! I used a 50% off coupon and got mine for just $2!

Supplies

Wood or paper mache monograms
Sand paper
Mod Podge Rocks Peel and Stick Stencil: Wood Grain Pattern
Brown craft paint
Foam brush
Mod Podge matte formula
Stenciling pouncers (these ones from Martha Stewart are my fave)
Brown craft sand

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Directions

Step 1: Prep the monogram

Prep the monogram for the woodgrain treatment by sanding any rough edges or splinters. Use the foam brush to apply 1-2 coats of brown craft paint as needed to cover. Set aside to dry.

Step 2: Stencil

This it the fun part!

Peel the stencil up from the clear backing and apply it to the letter. Press down to make sure it is well adhered. Pour some Mod Podge onto a plate and dip the pouncer in it, wiping off any excess. Using an up-and-down motion, use the pouncer to apply the Mod Podge over the stencil. Peel stencil up and set aside.

Next, pour craft sand over the area that has the Mod Podge (do this over a piece of paper to help contain the mess!). Set aside for about five minutes to dry. (while it's drying, use a baby wipe or damp paper towel to wipe excess Mod Podge off of the stencil itself)

After five or more minutes, tip the monogram to pour the excess sand off. Tap the back to remove any extra stubborn pieces. Roll up the paper like a funnel and pour extra sand back into the jar.

Move the stencil to a new area and repeat the process. I do not recommend doing an area immediately adjacent to what you just worked on in order to give the sand more time to dry before putting the adhesive stencil on top of it.

Once all areas have been stenciled, leave it to dry for several hours before using a soft paint brush to gently brush away any extra sand.

That's it!

It was super easy and I love how it looks. Check out this awesome detail:

I paired my kids' initials with an ampersand that I covered in moss sheeting to complement the woodland look. Tutorial for moss covered monogram coming soon!

Be sure to check out this woodgrain heart frame on Mod Podge Rocks!' website - it's what inspired me to use this technique to make the monograms for the kids' room!