1. Begin by priming front side and edges of wood with two coats of paint, when dry, paint one coat on the backside. Painting the backside isn’t necessary if the project is for you, it just looks more put together when its a gift. I mix colors myself to get the exact color but you can also find most colors you want at the craft store.
2. Choose which letters you want to paint. Begin painting prints on the letters you have chosen, I like to follow a pattern or design to get ideas. For this occasion I was trying to match some patterns my friend was already using in her baby room. I also chose to leave some of the colors solid.
3. For any intricate patterns like plaid or stripes use a ruler to get more exact lines and use the smallest brush you have to make your lines more straight
4. When paint is done drying, cut enough ribbon for each letter, 12 inches long each.
5. Near the top of the letter measure over to the center with a ruler and mark with pencil.
6. Fold the ribbon in half, put a dot of glue and secure folded point of the ribbon on the glue, use the edge of the ruler to push the ribbon into the glue. I left them untied so Stella could choose her length.
7. If you are keeping it for yourself tie into desired length knot or bow, its easier if you tie it around the nail you will use. Here is an example of a bow I tied:
The finished look:
archaichocolate 