Nothing says Christmas like your favorite holiday words -- literally!  Spell out your holiday wishes, thoughts, and joys with these Christmas wood crafts.  This is one of my favorite holiday crafts because it is simple and inexpensive, but looks great.  I made one of these signs outside of the holidays as a gift for a friend's baby shower.  That got me to thinking that these signs could be used as decorations or could be personalized as gifts for family and friends.

Pop into your local craft store and locate the aisle with all the pre-cut wood items.  Spend a few minutes searching for the right backing and letters for your taste.  I chose to go with a large, thin-cut wooden board with a half-inch wooden border already attached.  There are many wooden backings in various shapes, sizes, and textures.  Find what is best for your tastes, as well as letters to fit on your board.

Once you have chosen your basics, decide on colors.  If you're spelling "Joy," for instance, consider using 3 different colors -- 1 for "J" and "Y"; 1 for "o" and the border; and 1 for the background.  Use as many or as few colors as you would like to achieve your desired Christmas wood craft design.  Tubes of acrylic paint are great for this craft.  

Take your goodies home and begin by pouring yourself a warm cup of hot chocolate and turning on your favorite holiday tunes.  Begin your sign by deciding on and painting your background.  Once that is done, put the first layer of paint on your letters. It will probably take 2-3 coats of paint before you no longer see the wood.  Keep in mind, it only takes a few moments for the paint to soak in before you can begin on the second coat. 

If you're looking for a more artistic sign, paint your letters with various designs -- stripes, dots, shapes, etc.  Once all the painted items are dry, glue your letters onto the backing in a fun design.  Think outside the box and place your letters at multiple levels, alignments, and rotations.  Have fun with it!  Check About Christmas Crafts for some more fun and creative ideas for wood crafts.

Once you have everything painted, arranged, and glued, allow your sign an hour to dry.  Hang in your favorite place for everyone to see! 

Helpful hint:  For suggested words, consider the following.

-- Joy

-- Happy Holidays

-- Season's Greetings

-- Peace

-- Love

-- Noel

-- Holly

-- Glory

-- Tidings

-- Merry Christmas

-- Santa's #1 Stop

-- Milk & Cookies Here

If you make your signs for yourself, enjoy your work and design!  If you are using these as wood crafts for Christmas gifts, then be sure to let your friends and family know that you made their gifts from scratch.  Everyone appreciates the thought that goes into handmade gifts!  Either way, I hope you enjoy making these Christmas wood crafts.