A house becomes a home when it begins to have a sense of you and your style. And what better way to make your mark than with a monogram?
The intertwined curves or sharp corners of stylized initials can turn almost anything into a signature object.
Monogramming has long been reserved for personal items, such as linens and stationery, but this centuries-old decorative art form can lend unexpected appeal to many other household objects. A number of methods – from stenciling to stamping – will help you to be creative.
Creating a monogram
To design your monogram, search for letters in typesetting manuals, online databases or monogram books. Add flourishes from books of clip art. Or look for ready-made stencils at art-supply stores.
You will also need to choose the right combination of letters, which can be confusing. Here are some guidelines:
You can use one to four letters. A one-letter monogram typically represents your last name. Use two letters for the first and last names of one person or for the first names of a couple. Or you may choose to connect a pair of two-letter monograms – with a meaningful symbol or a motif in between – to represent two people.
For a three-letter monogram, you have a few options. Make all the letters the same size for your first, middle (or maiden) and last names, reading left to right. Or use a larger center initial for your last name, flanked by your first and middle initials. For a couple, use the larger center initial for your common surname, with your first initials on either side.
Appliqued linens
Bedding adorned with monograms was common in the 19th century, and it remains a wonderful way to dress up pillowcases or sheets. You can applique or embroider linens yourself, or have the work done for you at a fine-linen shop.
Embossing ideas
Have an embosser made at a stationery or stamp store, so you can create your own customized stationery, paper napkins and gift cards. Just slip the item between the disks of the embosser and squeeze the handle to make an impression.
You can also frame cherished photographs with embossed mats, which is a sophisticated way to unify a group of pictures. Since a photo mat is actually too thick for an embosser, you can affix a piece of embossed card stock on top instead.
For this project, you will need: a white archival-quality photo mat, white card stock, a metal ruler, a pencil, a utility knife, an embosser and low-tack spray adhesive.
Begin by measuring the inner and outer perimeters of the photo mat. Mark off the same dimensions on a piece of card stock and, using a ruler as a guide, cut out the shape with a utility knife. Find the center of the card stock’s bottom section; press with the embosser. (You may want to practice on a scrap of card stock first.)
Spray the photo mat with the adhesive, and carefully lay the embossed card stock onto the mat, smoothing it so that the edges line up perfectly. Center the photo inside the mat, and frame.
Pierced lampshades
A letter punched out of a paper lampshade is almost invisible, until you turn on the light.
To make a monogrammed lampshade, you will need: a piece of white paper, a paper lampshade, removable tape and an awl.
Start by creating a template: Print a letter on white paper or enlarge one from a book on a photocopier. Position the template on the lampshade, securing it with removable tape. With an awl, carefully prick along the outline of the letter, spacing the holes about 1/8-inch apart. (Practice on scrap card stock first.)
Carefully remove the template.
Stenciled furniture
Give an otherwise ordinary piece of furniture a more prominent presence with the addition of a monogram on a drawer or a panel. You will need: a watercolor pencil, a metal ruler, clear-plastic stencils for the monogram and a decorative border, low-tack spray adhesive, acrylic paint, a disposable paint palette, a stencil brush and a sponge. If possible, remove the panel or drawers that you are stenciling, for easier handling.
With a watercolor pencil and a metal ruler, mark guidelines around the edge of the panel or drawer for aligning the border. Spray the back of the border stencil with adhesive and line it up evenly along a section of the guideline, pressing to adhere.
Next, squeeze paint onto a disposable palette. Evenly apply paint to a stencil brush by tamping the brush on the palette; then tamp paint firmly inside stencil. Once you’ve completely filled in the design with paint, gently peel off the stencil.
Repeat all the way around the edges to complete the border.
Next, measure and mark the center point of the panel with a watercolor pencil. Center the monogram stencil and paint as you did for the border. Let the paint dry completely, about an hour. Wipe off any pencil marks with a damp sponge.
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