This is a really easy project but it turns out very cute. You will need a rectangular shaped piece of cardstock or poster board about 4” high by 18” long (adjust sizes as necessary for longer or shorter words). Fold it in half and continue folding in half until you have the correct number of squares to add a letter to each one to spell out a name or a word. For an uneven number of letters, simply cut off the extra square or decorate it with a symbol (heart, star, etc.) instead of a letter.
Let your child paint the squares. He or she can use all one color, mix and match lots of colors, or alternate two colors. It looks great if you leave a little of the edge showing and paint the center, alternating the background colors and then sponge painting over them with the other color.
Your child can write the letters, stencil them on, or use adhesive lettering to spell out his or her name or a special word. Then, just decorate as desired, place on a table and surround with cute items, or hang it on the wall.
This project is great for holidays too:
Christmas
Make three folds and spell out the word JOY. Decorate both sides so you can use it as a tabletop decoration. Try traditional Christmas colors or alternate gold and silver. Surround with sprigs of holly and other greenery.
New Years
This is a great one for mixing sparkly gold and silver. Try a black background with white letters and gold or silver glitter, or both. Use glitter paint pens to accent lettering. Surround with metallic confetti and sparkly garland.
Easter
Spell the word Easter and use pastel colors to decorate. Glue bits of Easter grass around the bottom of the card and set a few small decorative eggs against the card randomly, or create a pattern.
Thanksgiving
Spell out Thanks. Use autumn colors and surround with colored leaves, dried naturals, or artificial fruits. Decorate the top with raffia.
Birthday or Anniversary
Make two separate cards and spell the words Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary separately. Add string to one top corner in the back. Leaving the string slack, attach the other end to the other top corner. Use the string to hang the cards on the wall. Place ribbons or raffia bows at the top center of the string.