Design a Custom Lovebug Wall Picture for Mother's Or Father's Day

For Mother's Day or Father's Day this year, give your parent a special handmade keepsake that can be proudly display on the wall. Enlist your child's help with this project for an afternoon of fun and memories.

This article will show you how to create this project using several different methods. The first method describes how to make the custom letters using a diecut machine such as the Cricut. If you do not have a diecut machine, then alternative methods are provided below.

Supplies Needed
1 piece cream cardstock
1 piece light green paper
Scraps of red and black paper
Black pen
Silver pen
Photo of your child, no larger than 4x6 inches
Glue
Scissors or paper trimmer
Optional: photo frame

How to Create the Letters Using a Diecut Machine
If you do not have a diecut machine, skip to step 13 .

In this project, I used the Cricut machine with the Sure Cuts a Lot software to create the letters. You can use your favorite diecut machine.

1. Load your favorite font cartridge or use the Sure Cuts A Lot software to choose your favorite True Type font.

2. Specify 1.5 inch tall letters.

3. Spell the word "lovebug."

4. Weld the letters together, if your software allows welding. If not, then the letters can be cut separately and then glued together later.

5. Spell your child's name. Be sure to make the first letter of the name slightly larger than the other letters.

6. Cut your words from the light green scrapbook paper.

How to Create the Lovebug Using a Diecut Machine
I used a free svg file with the Sure Cuts A Lot program to cut my ladybug. You can use any bug shape that you may have on a cartridge or that you can import into Sure Cuts A Lot. Butterflies are a fun option to use.

7. Cut the body using the black paper.

8. Cut the wings using the red paper.

9. Glue the wings to the body.

10. Draw little black hearts on the red wings.

11. Draw little silver hearts on the body for eyes and set aside.

12. Skip ahead to step 16.

Make the Letters and Ladybug Without a DieCut Machine
There are several ways to approach this project if you do not have a diecut machine.

13. Purchase individually cut letters and bug from your local craft store.

14. Use a sticker for the bug and letter stickers to create the words.

15. Draw the letters and bug using colored pens, pastels, or watercolors.

Assemble the Lovebug Wall Picture
16. Take each element and set on the cream cardstock for positioning. Be sure to leave enough empty space on the sides if you decide to frame the project.

17. Trim your picture if it is too large.

18. Glue the picture in place, slightly to one side to allow enough room for the diecuts.

19. Place the "lovebug" phrase above the picture and glue. If you have individual letters, you can glue them down individually.

20. Place the child's name to the side of the picture and glue.

21. Place the ladybug above the child's name.

22. Use the black pen to add some fun dashes around your design.

23. Allow the glue to dry completely.

24. Frame the finished lovebug wall picture.

25. Be sure to write the date on the back of the completed project.

Where to Buy
You can purchase Cricut machines or other diecut machines at your favorite local craft store. You can also search online for these machines and find great deals!

Purchase the Sure Cuts A Lot software from Craft Edge.

Download the free ladybug svg file used in the example photo from Everything Ladybug.