4.09.2013

DIY West Elm Monogram Towels

Last week I shared on instagram these fun West Elm style monogram towels I made. I love West Elm's monograms, they are large and modern and not stuffy or preppyish. I thought it would be fun to make my own set of monogramed tea towels.


I used this set of 3 IKEA towels that are the perfect yellow and tan/grey. Stripes are just happy, almost as happy as polka dots. And at only $5.99 for all 3 towels, that's a steal.


I simply made 3 freezer paper stencil's using my Cricut machine, but you could easily trace and cut out your monogram with an x-acto knife. If you are lucky enough to own a Cricut, here's how I cut freezer paper stencils. Cut of piece of freezer paper to fit your cutting mat. Place the freezer paper shiny side down on the mat. Set the pressure to 3,  blade depth to 4, and the speed can be on 5. Then cut just as you would with any other paper. The stencils come out beautifully every time.

I chose 3 different fonts to make each towel unique. And then I just followed my freezer paper stenciling instructions (and if you like an ombre effect, these instructions might be helpful).


Wouldn't these make a great bridal shower or wedding gift?  


I was away for the last 4 days to our Church's Women's Retreat.  My BBF was in charge of the event this year and I was on the planning committee.  It was a lot of work, but the whole weekend turned out amazing. I was in charge of the craft, so I taught the ladies how to make these towels.  There ended up being over 50 women for the craft session.  It was a little crazy with that big of a group, but they all came away with some really cute towels.

22 comments:

  1. such a good idea! they would make great gifts. I don't own a Cricut but machine but might try it freehand..

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    1. Oh, you could definitely make them without a cricut. I do it all the time. I made my grey and white deer pillow this Winter by cutting it out with an x-acto knife. And F is a fun letter :)

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  2. You could also buy an alphabet stencil. You probably have to buy the whole alphabet, but if you use your 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby or Michael's, it would still be reasonable. And that way you would be prepared with any letter of the alphabet to make easy & inexpensive gifts. I can just see it now--hostess gifts, little gift for the teacher, party favors, etc. Fun!!!! Thanks for sharing this idea:)

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    1. Great ideas! I just love the seal that you get with freezer paper. The finished product always has nice crisp straight edges. The paint doesn't seep under the edges the way it can with regular stencils.

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  3. I really love these. I wish I had the patience to make some for myself!

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    1. They really are easy and require very simple supplies. You CAN do it! :)

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  4. Replies
    1. Thanks, they were fun to make. I'll probably be making some more very soon.

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  5. I'm currently working on my Kitchen Refresh (famous last words) and I need some tea towels. I found the perfect ones (grey, linen, with artichokes) on Etsy for $34.99 a piece. I'm sure they're worth it but I don't want to eat Kraft Dinner for the next 5 years. I have an Ikea near me so this is totally doable. Thanks for sharing.

    Besos, Sarah
    Blogger at Journeys of The Zoo
    Finding Humour in Everyday Life

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    1. Diggity Dang! $34.99 for a towel is a little steep. You definitely wouldn't want to use them at that price. Yay, for making your own.

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  6. It could be great for wedding gift but I think we should choose
    Turkish Towels. Because they are smooth,soft,comfortable,quality and world best towels.

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    1. Turkish Towels are amazing, I'm just going for the economical version here.

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  7. These look really great! (I saw them on Buzzfeed today.) How does the monogram stand up to washing?

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    1. No problem at all. They wash and dry well because the paint is permanent. I hope you try making some.

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  8. Maybe this was mentioned somewhere, but what kind of paint to you recommend? Thanks!

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    1. I just use Martha Stewart paints mixed with her fabric medium. There's a link for my freezer paper instructions that gives all the details. Thanks for asking.

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  9. this looks amazing. You have done great job at all.

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  10. How hard is it to learn how to use cricut? And is it expensive?

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  11. Do you remember what fonts you used?

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  12. what kind of paint/marker did you use so it didnt wash off?

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