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I’m fully embracing the “back to school” mentality, even though my daughter has started preschool at the same school she’s been at since she was three months old. It’s a special milestone for all kids and I’ve really enjoyed dreaming up a special way to document this occasion each year.
Vintage letterboards are all the rage and we’ve loved ours, even though it’s only been changed a few times since it arrived under our Christmas tree in 2017 (thanks, Husband!).
Until a few days ago, we had only the 1″ letters that came with our beautiful board from Letterfolk. These are great letters, but I wanted to say A LOT on this board while being a bit more creative. I ordered a set of lowercase letters (from Letterfolk) and this gorgeous set of 2″ letters.
I would have loved to have this amount of variety when I started, so it got me thinking how much fun it would be to put a “getting started with letterboards” list together. You might be in one of two camps:
“I’m not sure I’ll love it, so I don’t want to spend a lot, but let’s LETTERBOARD!”
If you’re ready to dip your feet in on letterboards, simply snag a set that comes with pre-cut letters, two different sizes, an organizer box, and an easel like this one. Bonus that it’s double sided, so you can experience immediate variety!
“I’m 150% sure that I love Letterboards and I want 10,000…but maybe I’ll start with a respectable collection of the basics.”
Find a quality board in a color that you will want to look at day in and day out! I LOVE the black with white letters look. It’s the most classic, in my opinion. We also got a cute little pink one with black letters for Dagny to use when she can be more responsible with the tiny letters.
Choose a size that makes sense for everyday use. I was gifted Letterfolk’s “The Writer”, which is 16″ x 20″, and it’s the perfect size for more detailed / long sayings. It’s rather large for “everyday” use, unless I’m intentionally building a board with lots of blank space. I might choose something like “The Poet” from Letterfolk (10″ x 10″) or a 12″ x 12″ as a good all-around size. All of the Letterfolk boards are amazing quality and hold letters of all sizes like a charm.
Buy the big and little letters. Buy the scripts if it’s your jam. Just do it! Take creative liberties and go ALL out with your board. I love these 2″ letters and these lowercase letters featured on my girl’s back to school board. This script set is fun too, but I haven’t ordered it yet.
You MUST buy the proper trimmer for the letters. Even if the letters come pre-cut, you may still want to trim them down if the “tail” is still present. I’m super type A, and this is the best tool, hands down. Here is another option with a lower price point. I cringe when I see the little tails in photos, because it’s just so easy to get rid of those with the proper tool. Cutting will go twice as fast when you have the right tool. I promise!
Don’t use the drawstring storage bags that come with the letters. You’ll roll your eyes every time you try to find a letter after dumping it out. These storage boxes are perfect. I have two and organized all 3 sets within these two with no problems.
My goal is to change up our letterboard at least every month so that I can justify getting a few more soon for around the house…and one for Dagny to learn how to spell on!
I’d love to know what you choose as your very first letterboard announcement!
