Learn how to make this “Merry” Christmas decor using paper mache letters, a wood plaque, and other fun holiday supplies! Such a cute idea.

Skills Required: Beginner. You’re going to be painting, cutting paper, Mod Podging it to letters, and gluing. This is relatively easy if you work slowly and follow the steps.

As we jingle all the way into the festive season, it’s time to add a dash of handmade charm to your Christmas decor.

If your mantel looks as though it’s longing for a touch of holiday cheer (and let’s be honest, who isn’t this time of year?), I’ve got just the crafty solution for you – DIY Merry Christmas decor that’s as fun to make as it is to display!

I promise this project is more “ho-ho-ho” than “no-no-no.” We’re going to take a plain wood plaque and transform it into a festive masterpiece with some paper mache letters.

First things first, let’s talk materials. We’ll start with a long, unfinished wood plaque – your canvas for the Christmas magic.

Then we’ll add some paper mache letters spelling “MERRY. These letters are going to get a fabulous makeover with some Christmas scrapbook paper.

Next, we add color. A bit of paint to set the mood. Once our letters are all dressed up and our plaque is painted, we’re going to bring them together in a beautiful, crafty union.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any more festive, we sprinkle on some faux snow. It’s like a White Christmas, but without the need to shovel your driveway.

The result? A ‘Merry’ sign that’s as joyful as a Christmas carol and as cozy as a cup of hot cocoa.

Now, I know you’re eager to start spreading that Christmas cheer, and I’m just as excited to show you how. Scroll down to find the full tutorial on how to make this DIY ‘Merry’ decor.

It’s the perfect project for a chilly afternoon, a cup of your favorite holiday drink in hand, and maybe a Christmas tune or two playing in the background.

Let’s make something that not only lights up your mantel but also brings a smile to everyone who sees it.

Because that’s what Christmas crafts are all about – spreading joy, one decoupaged letter at a time. So, grab your glue and let’s get crafting!

First, here’s what you’re going to need.

Gather These Supplies

• Wood plaque – 23.2″ x 5.4″
• Paper mache letters – 6″, spelling “MERRY”
• Craft paint – colors to coordinate with your papers plus white
• Scrapbook paper – five sheets
• Faux snow – got mine from Dollar Tree
• Mod Podge Satin
• Bottlebrush trees and other Christmas embellishments (deer, snowmen, wreath, etc)
• Paintbrushes
• Pencil or pen
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks (or craft glue)
• Craft knife and mat
• Scissors
• Sandpaper
• Wax candle

Tips and Thoughts for This Project

You don’t have the distress the base of the plaque but I love the way it came out. The distressing of metallic paint with regular paint is hard to see in the photos but looks great in person!

If you use craft glue for this project instead of hot glue, glue any embellishments to the letters before gluing them to the plaque (so you can keep them flat while drying).

If you see any blank areas after applying the faux snow, you can go back and add some additional Mod Podge and more snow to fill in.

If you enjoyed this DIY Merry Christmas decor, let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out the following projects: