Every time we share a photo featuring the framed letter collage above our living room console table like this…
…or this…
…or this…
…we get lots of messages asking where we bought the large “P” print that sits front and center. The truth is it’s not a store-bought monogram at all but a simple DIY: we cut out the initial from the opening of a magazine article — the oversized first letter some layouts use — trimmed it to a neat rectangle about 1 x 2 inches, and had it enlarged at a copy shop.
Enlarging that tiny magazine detail by roughly 300% and framing it behind glass turned a small found piece into a bold custom print with almost no effort. The result is a clean, modern monogram that feels intentional and polished. It looks especially good when paired with a sizable mat and a substantial frame to give it visual weight.
It’s an easy technique you can use for your own initial — or any letter you like. Flip through magazines until you find the typography and shape you want, cut a small rectangle around the initial, and take it to a local copy shop to have it enlarged. For just a few dollars you’ll have custom art ready to frame.
Tips for the best result:
- Choose a high-contrast letter or a distinctive typeface so the shape reads clearly when enlarged.
- Trim the magazine piece neatly so the copier can scan it without extra background clutter.
- Ask for a matte finish or plain paper if you want to avoid glare behind glass.
- Use a wide mat and a substantial frame to give the single letter a gallery-quality presence on the wall.
This project is quick, inexpensive, and highly customizable — perfect for renters, gallery walls, or as an easy gift. Give it a try and make your own oversized initial that feels both personal and stylish.