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DIY READ Letters for a Colorful Book Nook

Make these colorful and unique READ letters for a kids’ bedroom, book nook, library, or anywhere else that people will hang out and read!

Skills Required: None. You’re going to be painting and wrapping twine and using Mod Podge, and it’s fine if you’ve never crafted anything before.

DIY read letters for a book nook

I’m helping give my son’s school library a new look. It’s been a lot of fun and one of the first projects I just finished are these READ letters. I plan on putting them above a shelf in the library.

I saw a similar look on Pinterest and I really wanted to give it a try myself. I’m so excited I did, because I LOVE how they turned out and these colors are my favorite!

I have a reading nook in my house for the boys, and I really think I’m going to do this to our letters too! They would be the perfect back to school craft for starting a new year with some new fun decor.

Here’s how these were made.

Read Letters

For this craft you’re going to need:

Gather These Supplies

Getting Started

We got these letters at Wal-Mart for a really great price! I was super excited to give them a makeover for the school’s library.

Let’s get crafting!

Wood letters spelling READ

Step 1 – Paint Letters

I picked out some really fun colors for our letters. Only .50 cents a bottle at Wal-Mart, great deal there. I needed to add a total of 3 coats on these letters (front and back). Letting each coat dry 5 minutes.

They are so bright and pretty!

Four bottles of paint in blue, yellow, orange, and lime with the letters READ painted in the same colors

Step 2 – Pick Your Rope

Next I decided on my rope.

I was debating on using this rope or twine. But I decided I liked the look of the rope best. I use it ALL the time! But twine is a great option as well.

Painted wooden letters stacked and a length of twine on top

Step 3 – Add the Rope

Now let’s add our rope!

I used a push pin to start, then painted on some Mod Podge to help keep my rope in place. I made sure to pull the rope tight around the letters. The Mod Podge worked great to hold the rope in place.

Adding Mod Podge to the twine and wrapping it around the wooden letters

Finishing Touches

See how great these look!! I can’t wait to start decorating the library and add these. They’re going to look perfect.

Painted wooden letters spelling READ stacked in a pile
READ wooden letters painted in blue, yellow, lime, and orange
Decorating a book nook with wood letters spelling READ

These READ letters would be a great addition to any book nook or reading space and really brighten up the space.

How to decorate READ letters for a kids' library

Now I want to give my reading nook a whole new look! Hey, maybe I can incorporate more Mod Podge and write a post about it!


I’d also love for you to check out some of my other craft ideas! Here are some fun projects also on the blog: