Lighted Christmas Marquee DIY

With the second to last weekend approaching, I'm slightly freaking out over here! I have shopping that I have barely started, parties that I have nothing to wear for, and my christmas tree is still hanging out with just the lights (gotta finish the decorating tonight when I get back from Miami). All this travel is not helping, when it comes to cross things off my "to-do" list. However, last weekend I was able to complete this DIY project, inspired by A Beautiful Mess. When I saw the Christmas Marquee that created, which was a genius idea by the way, I knew I had to make one of my own. So I did!

The project proved to be a little more work that I have anticipated, but I managed to complete it, with the help of my love, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome. I used a few different materials, but the general idea was there. Keep reading to see a "step-by-step" and a few more pics of the end result.

Supplies:

1 Canvas 16" x 20"
1 Tacky Glue
1 E6000 Craft Adhesive
Gold Glitter
Letters of your choice
1 Power Drill
1 Paint Brush
1-3 strands of Christmas Lights (depends of the phrase you decide to go with and the size of the strands)

Step 1 - Pour glue into a container for easier use

Step 2 - Paint tacky glue onto the back of the letter

Step 3 - Sprinkle glitter onto wet glue (over a clean sheet of paper so you can easily transfer back in container the glitter you don't use)

Step 4 - Make sure entire surface is covered in glitter

Step 5 - Repeat on all letters, let dry 1-2 hours

Step 6 - Drill holes into letter (this is best done with a partner) Test the drill size you are using before hand to ensure the lights you have will fit in the hole

Step 7 - Repeat on all letters

Step 8 - Spread out letters and begin to arrange phrase on your canvas

Step 9 - Place on canvas

Step 10 - Using craft adhesive, glue each letter to the canvas

Step 11 - Time to get back out the drill and drill the holes in the canvas (one person job)

Step 12 - Insert lights, use tape where necessary to secure the lights. I had a few lights that would reach to the next hole, those I covered with foil