Hey, everyone. It’s Laura! There are a lot of things to love about the holiday season (like time with family and friends or delicious food), but one of my favorite things about Christmas is the decor. I love the glittery silver and gold and the soft glow of candles and Christmas lights. So this year I was inspired by Elsie and Emma’s guest room light up headboard to put all of my favorite decor aspects into one holiday project: a light up marquee sign!
Supplies:
-large wood board (50 x 24 inches)
-4 wood planks (2 x 1 inches)
-wood screws
-drill
-indoor Christmas lights
-white acrylic paint
-loose gold glitter
-Mod Podge
-chipboard letters
-glue
-duct tape
First cut your wood planks into four pieces and use them to frame the outside edge on the back side of your marquee. This will help hide the Christmas light’s wires and make the sign appear more finished when viewed from the side. Cut your planks into two pieces that are 46 inches long and another two pieces that are 24 inches long. Use the drill and wood screws to attach the planks in place, keeping the planks flush with the outside edge of the board.
Next, paint the front and sides of your sign with two coats of white acrylic paint. Use the same white paint to paint the side edges of your chipboard letters and allow the paint to dry. Once the letters are dry, paint the front of each letter with a coat of Mod Podge and sprinkle loose glitter on the wet glue. Gently turn the letter over to shake off any excess glitter and set the letter aside to dry. Don’t forget, you can do another coat of glue and glitter once the letter is dry if you missed an area. (The chipboard font that I chose didn’t have an ampersand option, so I made that letter out of glitter card stock).
Arrange your dry letters on your painted board and use a strong glue (like E6000) to glue the letters in place.
Now it’s time to drill! Since it’s hard to mark the spots where the holes should go with a pen or marker (drawing on top of glitter doesn’t work very well), I got a box of screws and turned them upside down to mark each spot where I wanted a hole. I would suggest that this section be a two person job; one person drills the holes while another holds a shop vac hose near the hole to vacuum away the shavings as you go (my husband Todd was my helper).
Once your holes are drilled, you can start to push your lights through your holes on the back side and tape each one in place with duct tape. Plug your lights in, and watch your new marquee shine!
I have to say that this is probably my favorite Christmas decoration I’ve ever made. It sits right next to our tree and at night when we turn on the fireplace, it brings such a glittery glow to our living room—it really feels magical. I’m going to be too unbearably sad to pack it away in January, so maybe I should make another one that’s for the rest of the year… Hope you get to make something extra special to you this season! xo. Laura
Credits // Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman, Project Assistant: Todd Gummerman
SAFETY TIPS: We spoke with our local fire department to double check the safety of this type of project. It’s no less safe than a lit Christmas tree, as you’d probably guess. Just be sure to follow these guidelines (if you plan to recreate this project):
-Before purchasing your lights, check for a label of an independent testing laboratory (most commercially sold Christmas lights will have this). Some lights are specially made for indoor or outdoor use. Be sure to use lights made for indoor use.
-Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose/broken lights. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of strands that can be safely connected.
-Your finished project should not have any exposed bundles of cords or wires, only the final cord or extension cord so it can safely reach an outlet.
-Just as you would with your house decorations or your Christmas tree, always turn off lights before leaving your home or going to bed.
124 Comments
This makes me feel so festive! Love it 🙂
Carina
http://www.carstina.com/
Love this! I might just have to try my hand at one. So cute and festive!
Ashley
http://ashleymacq.com/
Wow! Love it!
I have also some DIYs here: http://clobyclau.blogspot.mx
Saludos!
This is perfection. Beautifully done.
Holy Awesome! That is so fun!
Ooh I love it!
I love this! Such a thoughtful and dedicated way to celebrate this time of your. Its perfect 🙂
http://secretsofahappygirl.blogspot.co.uk/
SO cool! Love this! What a great addition to the mantle! So darn cute!
http://sometimesgracefully.com
It looks AWESOME!
this might be one of my most favorite tutorials on ABM! r
This is amazing! WOuld be perfect to brighten up the white walls of our rental apartment…
Oh I just love this!!
Lulu xx
http://luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.se/
This is great! Definitely trying out some version of this for my living room…
I haven’t gotten in the Christmas mood lately (too busy to really even get into the mood), but this really hit a spot in my Grinch heart! <3 I may do this for my rental for all year round.
Thanks!
This could be my favorite ABM DYI ever!
you are a freaking genius. this is absolutely gorgeous!
Such a beautiful and festive idea! 🙂
http://andreavytlacilova.com/
The final outcome turned out really well! I like the delicate decorations on your mantle, as well as the pretty garlands. I appreciate how you checked with your local fire department for safety tips. A lot of people (including myself) don’t usually think to do that.
M.
This is so fun!
wow! This is awesome! I love it! I definitely want to make something like that. I’ve been eyeing a project like this ever since their “Sleepover” headboard. So cute!
xoxo
Taylor
http://www.welcomehometaylor.com
this is so beautiful!
http://heyprettything.com
Wow! this is beautiful!!!
http://wednesdayswewearblack.blogspot.com/
Laura, this is AWESOME. Thanks for sharing this! Looking forward to more of your DIYs on ABM. 🙂
AHHHH I LOVE THIS!!!! It’s gorgeous and so festive! Seriously lovin’ your projects Laura!
http://bravefelicity.blogspot.com/
I’m so glad Laura joined ABM! Great idea! I might make one for my kitchen that says “eat”.
Just beautiful I love it and something that can be done on a large scale or smaller depending on your space but can have one in any event. My question is did you drill all the holes and then buy enough lights to fill all of them or buy the lights first and drill the holes for the amount of lights on your string? Thanks
So doing this! Absolutely love it! Thanks for a great tutorial!
Does anyone know where to get big chipboard letters?
Wow! I love it!
This is SOOO cute! I love it!
Love this! What size drill bit did you use?
wow! so cool! I love it!
This is awesome! What a great way to show off that mantel as well :)Thanks for sharing and have a great one! -Iva
Oh my goodness, gorgeous! And I already have all the materials for it! My Darby kit just came in yesterday and this is the craft I can make 😉
I recently blogged about marquee lights and was hoping to find a cheaper, DIY version. Leave it to A Beautiful Mess to come up with one! Thank you, can’t wait to try it! I wonder if it work just as well without the wood backboard.
hammerandheels.blogspot.com
so super cute 🙂
Hi Ashley!
We bought them at Hobby Lobby, but I would look online if you don’t have one near you 🙂
Laura
Thank you very much!!
Well done! I want one!
Cute!! But I imagine it will be a pain to store once the holidays are over…
This just motivated me to go to home depot and michaels tomorrow. What a fantastic idea!
Love this one!
Perfect DIY but we need time to do it and it’s difficult!
http://inatrendytown.blogspot.com.es
This may be the best Christmas craft project I’ve ever seen!
This is so cool!
I WANT IT!!! OMG it’s perfect!!! Definitely on my To-Do list!!!
It’s gorgeous! Merry Christmas from Barcelona!
Brilliant, I love this!
This is so beautiful!
http://www.thefancyfashioncastle.blogspot.com
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this tutorial!
http://kidgranny.blogspot.com
This turned out beautiful, Laura!
This just looks incredible! x
holljc.blogspot.co.uk
Your blog is so creative! I wish I could make all of this, I’m incredibly unartistic xD
http://imaniqbal.blogspot.com/
That is so cool!
Laura, is so amazing!!
Very lovely idea!!
http://talisatalksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/christmas-gift-guide-for-him.html
This is so cute! I will definitely have to make one, maybe for next year 🙂
That is an amazing idea! Thank you for wonderful photos!
http://thatsiberiangirl.blogspot.ru
COOL IDEA! 🙂
This look fantastic <3
http://mademoisellejuliet.blogspot.com/
The final project is amazing, I´d love to try it at home but I don´t know if I will be able to do it so well
What a darling and charming idea! Brilliant work
Xx
Wow! This is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I want one!
Wow!!!!
Probably one of my favorite DIYS, awesome you guys!!! <3 xoxo
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrownofCreationShop
Beautiful!!! Broadway at home for Christmas 😉
http://tarragonanin.blogspot.com.es
I love love love love this! I posted gifts under $10/$20/$30 and was thinking about doing a post about DIY gifts but wasn’t sure if I had enough material. This post really gave me that push I needed. Can’t go wrong with sparkles and gold.
thoughtsofglam.com
Merry and Bright, indeed! What a creative and unique Christmas decoration. So pretty!
-Jenni
http://www.bottomleycottage.blogspot.ca
W.O.W!!!
That’s so beautiful and christmasy! It’s just a shame I live with the Grinch! I’d love to have this in my living room!
I love this :D, I was wondering how heavy the board is? Is it too heavy to hang on a wall?
I agree. 🙂
-Emma
This is amazing, and such a great idea!!
Me too!!!!! 😀
elsie
love it! how many lights on your string of lights? i don’t want to have too many/too few.
Oooh, really want to try this out for something in my bedroom! Something not holiday themed, that I can leave up year round. Will have to start thinking of what it could be!
Could you please give the brand of chipboard letters you used or the size of them? Beautiful project!!
Hi Coco!
I used a 3/8″ drill bit 🙂
Laura
Hi Xio!
The bigger you make the sign, the heaver it will be, but I think it would still be possible to hang if you use the screws that anchor into the wall first 🙂
Laura
Hi Xene!
For this project, you’ll need a strand that has about 150 lights on it (or two stands that equal that amount) 😉
Laura
Hi Meredith!
I bought the letters at Hobby Lobby and they are 8 inches high 🙂
Laura
I can’t believe you did this yourself – the effect is stunning. You are so clever.
Love Vicky
http://aroundandaroundandupsidedown.blogspot.co.uk/
Oh this is magical!
Such an awesome DIY! x
http://moiraparton.blogspot.co.uk/
This is just CRAZY cute and clever!
Oh my goodness, I love that wall color? What shade is it?
Lovely!
http://www.erinoxnam.com
What size are the chipboard letters?`
You make it. I will buy it. Love your garland too. Did you make it?
I absolutely love this! Where did you get the letters?
i love this!
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
Great! Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to respond to the comments. This project is suuuuper neat!
I just asked the same thing a couple of comments up! They are from Hobby Lobby and they are 8 inches high. 🙂
Very cute!!
Any reason why you couldn’t drill first and then paint & glitter?? Seems like it’d be less messy!
Question: Where did you find the chipboard letters you used?
Thanks!
Merry and Bright is one of my favorite sayings during this time of year. This is so beautiful!
Gorgeballs! I love it. I’m inspired to riff off this idea and make a some Christmas yard decor!
Someone asked this above. They are from Hobby Lobby, 8″ letters.
Love this, it looks beautiful once it gets dark.
zoe
http://gypsiesister.blogspot.co.uk
Laura is KILLING IT with the holiday posts!!!
This is the best ABM DIY I have ever seen! Doing this NOW!
How big were the letters u used for this?
I really love this!
What a fantastic idea and super easy instructions to follow! Would you be willing to divulge the source for the chipboard letters that were used? Thank you!
Sorry, just saw all the comments and noticed they are from Hobby Lobby!
i could DIE. this is beautiful!
Wow, I love this sign.. it might be too pretty just to have during the Christmas season!
so pretty!, we love this!
grace
http://herumbrella.com
http://outsidetheboxpapers.com/blog
Did you use battery powered lights or how did you hide your cords so well? 😉 Do you have a plug on your mantle behind the sign that we can’t see? Just curious how you made it look so amazing and hidden?
How cute! I’m pinning this idea to use for another occasion- maybe a baby shower?
Ohhhhhh My Gooodness! That is amazing! :O :O Bravo!! <3 haha
Absolutely love this! So creative. Where did you purchase your chipboard letters, and what size are they?
Chloe & Taylor Xx
http://chasinglovely.blogspot.com
Where did you get your chipboard letters? I’m looking online and I can’t find any real selection! Thanks!
I absolutely love this DIY. Once I get my own place I’ll try to talk my boyfriend into doing a similar project for our home. Thanks for sharing :).
This is so unbelievably adorable! I want to get on this project immediately! I was wondering where you got your chipboard letters?? Thanks so much for the fabulous post! 🙂
What font did you use for the ampersand? I have a silhouette and would prefer to use it to cut it out. Thanks in advance!
Aaaaaaaaah, I LOVE marquee letters! I wanted to do something like this a while ago, and my husband scared me off by suggesting it might be a fire hazard. Thanks for checking with your fire department and including that info!
I love this, and I would like to know where you buy the large wood chip letters from? Thank you!
what size drill bit did you use?
Beautiful idea, we always try to recommend great inspiration for our marquee renters for them to make the marquee their own, this one is going at the top of the list! 🙂
What size are the letters & where did you buy them? Thanks!!! Gina
Sorry, I found the answer!!! Hobby Lobby 8 inches!!
It’s hard to come by experienced people about this subject, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Wow, love the awesome DIY!
Love, love, love it!!! So simple but calming even with the lights. I love the trees and the garland above the fireplace. Good job!!!
I absolutely love this DIY. I want to try to do it on This Christmas! Will show you the result. Thank you!