Fall entryway (plus an easy craft project)

Hello! I hope you are having a spectacular fall day. It is simply gorgeous outside, a perfect day in Pa. 🙂

I wanted to share with you the fall craft project I created for the staircase banister in our entryway. I always get a little nervous when attempting a craft project because, honestly, I kind of stink at arts and crafts. I mean, I’m somewhat confident when it comes to home improvement and decorating. But when it’s time to break out the glue gun and glitter, I start sweating. Tears are usually involved at some point. (I’ve got a graveyard of disastrous wreath projects in my basement to prove my point.) 

But this latest endeavor to create a crafty, fall entryway was fairly harmless. I started with five wooden letters purchased at Walmart for around $1.50 apiece. Then I drilled a hole through each one.

Two important tips:

1. When drilling holes like this, DO NOT follow the picture above. Start drilling from the GOOD side of the letter. That way, you won’t get any splittage (Did I just make up a new DIY word?) on the pretty side.
2. Try to drill quickly and keep your letters close to the edge of your table/workbench. Too much weight can cause these flimsy letters to break at their weak spots. (Ask me how I know. And thank you, Liquid Nails. ;))

After drilling holes in each letter, I painted them, alternating between a metallic gold and the Modern Masters Copper Penny paint I used for my thrifty exterior light makeover.

I planned on leaving the letters alone, but it seemed like they needed a bit more bling, so I added gold and copper glitter.

After they dried, I threaded the letters with fall-themed ribbon from Walmart. These spools are $1 apiece right now, which I think is a good price.

Finally, I added the glitter letters to my leaf and burlap garlands and orange twinkle lights to create a staircase fit for fall.

The letters spell “Chill” if you can’t see very well. It was a challenge for me to shoot these photos without the baby gate showing up in the pictures. 🙂

I’m proud to say that no tears were involved with this particular project.

Have you ever been reduced to tears when working on a craft project? I’d love for you to share your story of craft tragedy (and triumph!) in the comments section.