Create custom illuminated marquee signs using cardboard letters and globe light bulbs.
DIY Marquee Letters
by Jessie Daye
DIY Marquee Letters
What you need
- 12" cardboard 3D letters
- Strings of large round globe light bulbs
- Spray paint (dark brown, medium brown, orange, or color of choice)
- Exact-o knife
- Box cutter
Directions
- Using a box cutter, cut the front piece of cardboard off your letters so that they are set back and hollow.
- Using an exact-o knife cut about ten small holes in the back of your letters so they are evenly spaced apart. Keep holes small - large enough for the light bulb base to fit through but small enough so the screw base does not.
- After cutting holes, spray paint your letters your chosen color.
- Once paint dries, unscrew light bulbs from your strings of lights. One at a time, push the base attached to the string of lights up against the back of your letters and screw the bulbs back in from the front through the holes. Tip: For an ombre effect, use multiple shades of spray paint on the same letters.
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Hi, I'm Jessie.
I’m a Los Angeles mama, home renovator, and lifelong creative, sharing the things that make everyday life a little more beautiful. I believe food is one of the best ways to bring people together, which is why I love cooking: it turns an ordinary Tuesday into something worth remembering. From recipes I make on repeat to DIY projects, home design, and a little bit of real life in between — welcome to my corner of the internet. I’m so glad you’re here.
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