Step 1
STEP 1: Trace the Letters
Trace the chosen letters onto a piece of plywood.
This step begins in the video at 0:52.
Step 2
STEP 2: Cut the Letters
Cut out the letters using a band saw or a jigsaw.
This step begins in the video at 1:25.
Step 3
STEP 3: Plan the Lights Pattern
Count out how many lights are on the string lights. With that number in mind, trace out on the letters where each light will be placed, being sure to space them evenly.
This step begins in the video at 1:55.
Step 4
STEP 4: Drill Holes for the Lights
Drill holes for each of the lights and sand the letters thoroughly.
This step begins in the video at 2:11.
Step 5
STEP 5: Make and Attach Wooden Spacers
Cut small spacers out of the remaining plywood. Glue to the back of the letters to allow for space for the wiring.
This step begins in the video at 2:39.
Step 6
STEP 6: Shape and Attach the Flashing
Wrap the flashing around the letters and secure with the hot glue and a nail gun. Use a speed square as a brake when bending the flashing.
This step begins in the video at 2:55.
Step 7
STEP 7: Create Wooden Backing
Cut two pieces of scrap wood the approximate length of the letters.
This step begins (out of order) in the video at 6:40.
Step 8
STEP 8: Prime and Paint the Letters
Prime all the letters with spray paint and allow them to dry. Then, paint the inside of the letters with the desired color.
This step begins in the video at 4:56.
Step 9
STEP 9: Cover the Holes with Painter’s Tape
Flip all the letters upside down and cover the holes with painter’s tape to prevent paint from spraying to the other side.
This step begins in the video at 5:30.
Step 10
STEP 10: Finish Painting the Letters and Backing
Spray paint the outside letters with the desired color. Paint the two pieces of scrap wood for the backing the same color. Allow everything to fully dry.
This step begins in the video at 5:39.
Step 11
STEP 11: Remove the Lightbulbs
Remove all the lightbulbs from the string lights.
This step begins in the video at 5:50.
Step 12
STEP 12: Attach the Lightbulb Sockets to the Letters
With the plug on one end of the letters, hot glue each lightbulb socket into each hole in a logical manner. Once the sockets are all in place, secure each connection with silicone caulking.
This step begins in the video at 5:54.
Step 13
STEP 13: Attach the Lightbulbs
Screw all the lightbulbs back in place.
This step begins in the video at 6:30.
Step 14
STEP 14: Attach the Letters to the Backing
Secure the two backer pieces to the spacers on the letters with wood screws and a hand screwdriver. To make it easier, you can predrill the holes with a drill.
This step begins in the video at 6:45.