One of the housewarming gifts we received when we bought our house a few years ago was this charming, handmade sign from by my dear friend, Lea.
Lea and I became fast friends while we were stationed in Japan. We lived in the same housing complex and spent several years supporting one another while our husbands were frequently away at sea. With Navy life, you don’t ever know if you’ll see someone again after a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) so I feel incredibly fortunate that Lea and her family moved to the Virginia Beach area and we can continue to be a part of each other’s lives.
Accordingly, this sign holds a special place in our hearts and home. It beautifully captures the progression of our family: Sam and I got married in 2009. (Landis is my married name.) A few years later, we got our dog, Kona, and then had both of our children — all in Yokosuka, Japan.
I found it fitting to make this sign the centerpiece of a gallery that we affectionately call, “The L Wall.” It’s wall decor with meaning — not just trendy or space filling — that also expresses our individual style. And it’s an opportunity to get crafty in designing new letters!
Here’s our monogram gallery wall in its initial splendor! (Pun intended.)
Rather than buying a bunch of letters and throwing it together, I think it’s most rewarding when it’s added to over time with pieces you really love. I’m always on the lookout for new buys or diys to improve our collection.
If you’re interested in creating a monogram gallery wall in your home, here are the sources for the L’s on our wall to get you started:
L Wall Sources
1 // BLUE AND WHITE LETTER // reg. $2.49
I’ve always loved the classic look of blue and white china. I couldn’t find a letter with a similar look, so I made my own. I bought a 9.5″ tall MDF letter from Hobby Lobby (with a 40% off coupon), spray painted it white and decoupaged it with paper napkins in a China Blue pattern.
2 // MICHAEL’S METAL LACE LETTER // reg. $16.99
The L originally came in grey, but I wanted the femininity of pink so I gave it two coats of spray paint and a light distressing. The pink provides a lovely pop of color and complements the pale blue paint of the walls. These letters are currently on sale for $6.79 with further discounts available for military, teachers and students.
3 // MULTI-STAIN SCRAP WOOD LETTER
Handmade by moi with scrap wood, joining biscuits and leftover stain. Tutorial to come.
4 // ANTHROPOLOGIE MARQUEE LETTER HOOK // reg. $18.00
Just like the black-and-white striped hooks in the entryway, I cannot resist pretty little things. This stylish L hook was a bit of a splurge, but so worthy to hang our gifted sign. I like how its silver and brass finish ties the other L’s together as well.
5 // THRIFT STORE SCRIPT LETTER
This thrift store find was the first L I ever bought. With a simple red ribbon, it was most likely an ornament. I didn’t know what I would do with it at the time — perhaps just hang it on the Christmas tree once a year — but I like that it’s now on display every day. To hang, I removed the ribbon and used a decorative upholstery nail.
6 // HOBBY LOBBY TRINKET TRAY // reg. $4.99
Adding a bit of gloss and shine to the wall, this cute little trinket tray was on sale at 50% off. To hang, I used glue to attach a D-ring hanger onto the back.
7 // MICHAEL’S GALVANIZED 3D LETTER // reg. $6.49
The link above is for a larger version, but mine is a 3.5″ galvanized 3D letter that cost $2.20. It made it onto the wall based on its varied typography and size. I also like that it can sit on the top of the sign in the event I need to move it (to fit more L’s).
Black & White Coat Hooks | Head Sign
So if you’re looking for ways to add more meaningful decor and a personal touch to your walls, consider creating your own monogram gallery wall. Thanks for reading! — v.
Where did you get the gold hooks with the black and white striped
The hooks are from Anthropologie. It looks like they are currently sold out, however, so hopefully they will restock soon. Thanks for reading, Courtney!
Okay, I know it’s not the point of this post, but I love the “head” plaque on your bathroom door! Did you get that somewhere?
As a child I had the same lucky circumstance with a friend… her family and mine were both stationed in Hawaii, then re-stationed back to the states to the same place in Texas, again at the same time. She was the only friend I had ever had for more than a couple years. That was more than 30 years ago and we’re still vaguely in touch.
Isn’t that fun, Kathleen?! I found it on Amazon (click here). I got my husband a “Chief’s Mess” sign for the door leading to the garage from the kitchen, too! How cool that you are still in touch with your childhood friend — that’s pretty rare for military brats!