Painting A Monogram on Leather

Painting A Monogram on Leather

A Lil Blue Boo Tutorial

No leather is safe in my house now that I have a full set of Angelus leather paints!

I've always loved the look of the custom Louis Vuitton monograms...a pricy luxury, right?

Shopping list:

Let's get started!

Closeup project idea

I found a $5 leather purse at the thrift store and made Boo her own Louis Vuitton-inspired purse....a "Boo-tton" (thanks for naming it Melissa!). I have a VERY shaky and unsteady hand so if I was able to paint this....anyone can!

Finished Project 1

Here's how you can create your own:

Step 1: Make sure the purse is clean and free of oils:

Clean the leather

Step 2: Print out a sample monogram using a text or word program. The font shown below is Academy Engraved LET. Draw lines to block off each letter:

Get your letters straight

Step 3: Using a light colored pencil mark where you want the monogram to be painted:

Lay it out

Measure and mark the other guide lines:

And mark it up

Step 4: Start painting! You will need small tiny detail brushes. For my smallest brush I cut off half of the bristles (see the photo of this brush in my painted headband tutorial).

Get to painting

Step 5: The key to painting very detailed letters is to start very skinny...it's easier to widen the letters as you go. Add additional guide lines if you think you need them!

Start thin and widen letters as you go

Step 6: Use adhesive contact paper or painters tape to block off any stripes or additional blocks you want to paint:

Painters tape helps keep edges

Paint just a very thin layer to use as your guide....paint will seep under the tape just a bit but you will be able to see your lines to work with and touch up the edges as you go. You can keep a clean damp paintbrush nearby to quickly clean up any mistakes.

Again, start with thin lines

Step 7: Slowly paint the lines with your smallest brush rotating around to different parts of the purse to allow other areas to dry. You will probably need several thin coats on each area:

Allow plenty of time for places to dry

It will take several tries and touch ups to get everything just right:

Touch ups are a thing so be patient

A finished monogram with stripes!

Finished project 2

....and it looks detailed and professional!

Finished project 3

Boo approved....not that she needs a hand painted purse at this age....but I think it's something she'll appreciate when she's a little older!

Finished project 4