Beach Letters Are the Ultimate Summer Decor

Make a fun project for summer! These beach letters would look perfect on your mantel – and are very easy to assemble with Mod Podge.

Are you a beach guy or gal? I have so many friends that love getting down to the shore for the summer – they head out as soon as it turns hot!

To celebrate warmer weather, I decided to make a simple Mod Podge craft that would look great on a mantel or a side table in a summer vacation home: DIY letters!

Or maybe you’d just like to bring a little bit of that beach feel indoors? This beach decor is the perfect project for you! There are seashells involved too. Keep reading to learn how to make these letters.

Paper mache letters, beach themed papers, acrylic paint, seashells, Mod Podge, paintbrush, craft knife

Beach Letters

Supplies:

Paper mache letters spelling “BEACH”
Mod Podge Satin
Scrapbook paper or printed paper
Acrylic paint in cream
Bag of seashells
Hot glue gun
Paintbrush
Pencil
Scissors
Craft knife and mat
Brayer (optional)

Tracing a paper mache letter onto the back of paper with a pencil

I found a cool paper pattern online and printed five sheets for “BEACH.” Place each letter face down on the back of the paper (not on the patterned side) and trace with a pencil. Any themed scrapbook paper works as well.

Cutting out the letter shape with scissors

Cut out each letter with the scissors – trimming out any small areas with the craft knife and mat. Set your paper cutouts aside.

Painting the paper mache letters with warm white acrylic paint

Paint each letter with several coats of acrylic paint. Use a light color such as a cream or a white (whatever light color coordinates with your paper pattern). Let dry.

Applying Mod Podge to the top of a paper mache letter A with a paintbrush

Working one letter at a time, paint a medium layer of Mod Podge on the top of the letter. Make sure to coat the whole thing.

Applying paper to the top of the Mod Podge on the letter and smoothing down

Place your paper cutout down on the top of the letter and start smoothing immediately, being sure to get all of the bubbles out of the paper.

Rolling a brayer to smooth the paper down

You can use your fingers, but I really love using a brayer to help me smooth! I’ll let you decide.

Repeat with the remaining letters – applying all of the papers on top and letting dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

Applying Mod Podge to the top of the paper on the letters with a paintbrush

To finish your letters, coat all of them with several coats of Mod Podge and let dry.

Hot gluing seashells to the front of the letters

Finish the project by choosing various seashells and randomly placing them on the letters. Hot glue them down.

These paper mache letters stand up by themselves. They make a great display for a beach house or a summer mantel!

Here’s a closer look – I love my beach craft! These DIY letters are my new favorite craft. At least for today . . .

If you like working with letters in your crafts, check out these comic book letters or this letter wall decor. I’d also love for you to check out these other beach-y themed ideas!