Love where you live. Sign up for our newsletter

How-To: Funky DIY Monogram Marquee Sign

by on Jul 19, 2016

Photo: Faith Towers

Marquee light signs seem to be popping up everywhere, from store shelves to Pinterest boards and everywhere in between. And I recently I got to thinking… perhaps I could make my own using string lights? So today I wanted to share with you a fun DIY marquee sign that you can customize exactly to your liking. Keep reading to check it out!

How-To: Funky DIY Monogram Marquee Sign
Photo: Faith Towers

The end result is super fun, with a playful vibe. We are planning to use ours at our wedding next year, but it would also make a great piece of wall art for your home.

How-To: Funky DIY Monogram Marquee Sign

Here’s what you’ll need for this project:

  • Wood, 2’x4′
  • 2 pieces of white trim, 1″x8′ (or at least 12′ total)
  • 2 sets of white string lights
  • Latex paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Sturdy wire
  • Pencil
  • Electric drill
  • 21/64″ drill bit
  • 1/8″ drill bit
  • Hammer and nails (not pictured)

How-To: Funky DIY Monogram Marquee Sign

Begin by sketching out the letters you’d like to use. I pulled up a font on my computer and then copied it freehand onto the wood, but you could also print out the letters, cut them out, and then trace them if you don’t feel comfortable doing it freehand.

How-To: Funky DIY Monogram Marquee Sign

Next, use your 21/64″ drill bit to drill a hole every inch or inch and a half along the lines you drew. It doesn’t have to be exact. Sand any rough parts on the front and the back.

How-To: Funky DIY Monogram Marquee Sign

Now paint the whole piece of wood whatever color you’d like. I chose a couple of different dark blue colors along with white and combined them all so the finished looked sort of textured.

How-To: Funky DIY Monogram Marquee Sign

Now it’s time to create the frame which will ensure that the sign sits away from the wall. Cut two pieces that are 2′ long, and two pieces that are 3′ and 11.25.” Hammer the shorter pieces to the shorter sides as shown above, and then hammer the longer pieces to the long sides. Be sure to do this before you start inserting the string lights. Trust me.

How-To: Funky DIY Monogram Marquee Sign

Now you’ll begin inserting the lights. Plug them in to make sure that they are working throughout the entire process (they can be somewhat fragile). Begin at the bottom left corner on the back and poke one light through each hole. If they are going in a bit tightly and hurting your thumbs, drill through the holes from the back (just make sure it doesn’t ruin your paint job on the front) then insert the lights.

There will probably be some areas where you’ll have to skip a light or two because it doesn’t reach. That’s okay, just let them hang loosely on the back.

How-To: Funky DIY Monogram Marquee Sign

Last, drill a small hole about two thirds of the way up on both side pieces using the 1/8″ drill bit. Insert your sturdy wire through from one hole across the back to the other and twist the ends to secure them.

How-To: Funky DIY Monogram Marquee Sign
Photo: Faith Towers

And you’re finished! Now go hang it on the wall, plug it in, and prepare to be wowed!

How-To: Funky DIY Monogram Marquee Sign
Photo: Faith Towers

Talk about a unique way to light up a room! And you can customize it any way you like – with different paint colors, a smaller size, or even colored string lights!

How-To: Funky DIY Monogram Marquee Sign
Photo: Faith Towers
How-To: Funky DIY Monogram Marquee Sign
Share this tutorial on Pinterest! [Photo: Faith Towers]

Interested in seeing more lighting projects? Check out these other great ideas!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

3 Comments