DIY Wired Word Signs Tutorial and Free Template

I absolutely love word art as home decor. It’s one of my favorite crafting hobbies, right up there with air dry clay.

I don’t enjoy being limited by the word signs sold in stores, so I developed an easy, affordable method for making custom cursive wire letter signs. These can be tailored for any room, season, or occasion.

One of my favorite uses for wire word art is holiday decor. These handmade signs look beautiful on a Christmas tree or Valentine’s display and are perfect for dressing up a plain store-bought wreath. Later in this post I explain how to add twinkle lights and other finishing touches.

I’ll walk you through making words from wire and several finishing options. The example shown here is a “Welcome” sign made to adorn a holiday wreath.

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How to Make DIY Wire Word Signs

This straightforward project uses a printed word as a guide, shapes armature wire to match the letters, then wraps the wire in the material of your choice.

The technique is flexible. I’ve made signs wrapped in jute twine, faux neon glow-in-the-dark pieces, and versions wrapped with fairy lights. Below I describe finishing ideas and step-by-step instructions so you can choose the look that suits your space.

Video Tutorial – DIY Wired Signs

A video tutorial accompanies this written guide if you prefer to watch the process. It demonstrates shaping wire letters, wrapping techniques, and finishing touches. If you enjoy video instructions, look for the tutorial from the same creator on their channel.

Step 1: Print your sign template

Type the word or phrase you want, choose a script font with consistent stroke thickness, scale it to the size you want, and print it. If your word is large, print it across multiple pages and tape the sheets together to create a continuous guide.

A free template for the “Welcome” sign is available from the original creator, set up to print across two standard 8.5″ x 11″ pages to make an 18″ sign. There are also larger template packs sold separately for those who prefer ready-made layouts.

Tip: Using a script font with even line thickness makes the wire easier to follow and the final wrapped sign look cleaner.

Place the taped pages on your work surface and secure them so they won’t move while you shape the wire. Gaps at the page edges are fine since the printed layout is just a guide.

Step 2: Guide the wire along your template

Begin at one side and carefully bend the armature wire to follow the printed letters. Armature wire is easy to shape, which makes this step forgiving—don’t worry if the wire lifts off the paper or doesn’t sit perfectly flat.

For sharper bends, use needlenose pliers to form precise points. Where a letter requires doubling the wire back onto itself, fold it tightly and press the bend closed so the wires lie closely together.

When you reach the end of the word, trim the wire with snips. Scissors are not recommended for cutting wire because they can dull quickly.

Step 3: Wrap your wire word sign

Secure the starting point with a dab of hot glue, then begin wrapping the wire tightly with jute twine or the material you chose. For a neat finish, position the twine so it begins as close to the wire tip as possible and wrap firmly to cover the metal.

When you reach a letter tip that doesn’t continue into another stroke, apply a thin line of glue along the form, wrap the twine with slightly spaced turns to the tip, then quickly double back with tight wraps while the glue is tacky. This prevents bulky buildup at pointed ends.

When letters cross—like an “e” or an “l”—reinforce the crossing with an X-pattern wrap so the sections stay secure and tidy.

Note: If your twine ball won’t fit through a loop, pull a long length from the ball and cut it so you can thread it through. If you run out mid-wrap, glue the end down and continue with a new strand.

Add small glue dots at transitions or any spots that feel loose. Continue wrapping until the whole word is covered, secure the final end with glue, and trim the excess material.

And you’re done!

This “Welcome” sign took about 20 minutes. Simpler or shorter words will take less time; longer phrases will require more wrapping and shaping.

If you prefer a different look than jute, there are many finishing options that change the whole vibe of the piece.

Finishing Material Ideas for Wired Word Signs

• Chunky yarn
• Battery-operated fairy lights (twinkle lights)
• Glow-in-the-dark paint or tubing for a faux neon effect
• Ribbon
• Fabric strips
• Gimp or trim
• Embroidery floss
• Thin leather strips

You can embellish any wrapped option with small flowers, felt balls, beads, or other accents. Glow-in-the-dark wraps make adorable kids’ bedroom signs, and fairy lights create cozy reading-nook lighting when wrapped around the finished word.

For a twinkle light version, simply wrap battery-operated fairy lights around the completed form. The light-string wire generally holds in place well; glue can be added where needed for extra security.

Ways to Decorate With a Wire Word Sign

Wire word signs are lightweight, inexpensive, and versatile. Here are some practical and creative ways to use them:

• Hang them on a Christmas tree as custom ornaments
• Prop them on shelves or mantels as seasonal accents
• Use them to personalize gift wrapping
• Create instructive or decorative signs for an entryway or small business
• Place them inside wreaths to upgrade store-bought decor
• Hang them on doors or above doorways

Because they’re easy to make and customize, wired word signs are perfect for seasonal decor, gifts, and small personal touches throughout your home.