decorate your home with letters and numbers

The Wall
A trio of framed shadow boxes can capture highlights from family members' lives. Luggage labels, maps, and postcards commemorate an overseas trip, while report cards, badges, and awards intermingle with wooden blocks and varsity numbers to mark childhood memories. Here's how to make your own typographic wall art:

Step 1: Focus on a theme. Mix mementos, such as handwritten letters and passport pages, with photos in a shadow box.
Step 2:Layer the elements using pins, tacks, or even brooches within a box.
Step 3: Hammer a picture hook into the wall where you'd like to display the shadow box.

The Living Room
A store-bought lamp shade gets graphic with the help of ribbon, glue, and an eye chart. A printed table runner and writing on the wall offer more text messages.

The Mantel
There is strength in numbers. A grouping of different typographical elements becomes an impressive focal point for the mantel. Repurpose old signs, printing blocks, or even a bingo cage, then pair with artwork for a cohesive look.

Anywhere
Use various letter styles (fabric covered, metal) to form words that resonate with the spirit of the space. Spell out READ on a bookshelf, SLEEP in a bedroom, or EAT in the kitchen.

The Table
Create a clever eating surface by enlarging a restaurant menu on a copier. Or try a birth certificate, writ large, for a birthday party, or a wedding invitation for an anniversary.

All images from Real Simple.