I’ve always wanted to make my own tactile letters, but even the thought of cutting the sandpaper with scissors sends a shiver up my spine. Tactile letters can be so expensive, that purchasing them is a little hard to swallow on a limited budget.
I was in my favorite home improvement store (that would be the Home Depot, of course) waiting for my garage wall paint to be mixed when I gazed down only to find the most fantastic option to sandpaper possible for making tactile letters! It’s adhesive outdoor tread designed to be placed on steps. It’s absolutely perfect–it’s easy to cut with scissors AND has a sticky backing so no gluing necessary!
All you’ll need to make your tactile letters is the outdoor tread, a copy of the letter templates (print pdf below), 2 poster boards, a pencil and scissors.
Step 1: First measure and cut 4″ x 5″ squares from the poster board.
Step 2: Cut the letters from the template. Be sure to cut the inside white of each letter too.
Step 3: Flip the letter over and trace the letter on the back side of the outdoor tread.
Step 4: Cut the letters from the outdoor tread with scissors.
Step 5: Peel the backing from the letter.
Step 6: Adhere the letter to the poster board.
Click the following link to download a free pdf of the letter templates. Tactile Letters
Do you know if a die cut machine would cut through this stuff. I did sand paper with one and it simplified the project.
I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work. That’s a great idea. It certainly would make the project easier.
I love this idea. I’m also working on sight words written in glue on index cards and placed in envelopes. My kids will do a crayon rubbing over the envelope to “discover” the sight word. Just trying to keep learning fun and interesting. Thanks for the ideas you share!
I really like this idea! Last year I tried to do the sandpaper letters and I couldn’t stand they way it felt cutting them! this sounds much better. I am adding this to my list of projects for this summer. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Julie, thanks for this great idea. Yes, I think the die cut would work. I saw one at NAEYC conference last year that cut through very thick stuff. I wonder about the CRICUT too? If it can cut through cardboard, I am sure this would work too. Great idea. I, too, have not been able to think of cutting sandpaper…ugh!
I have a cricut and love it! Boy, not sure I would try it. It may work, but hey, it’s summer, I’ll cut out those letters while watching t.v. Thanks for leaving a comment. Julie
The only problem might be that the adhesive would stick to the die. It’s pretty easy to clean scissors when they get goopy, but it’s really hard to clean a die.