NOEL Letters from Scrap Wood and a Grapevine Wreath

A friend asked me if I could use a few small grapevine wreaths that she was getting rid of. They had some decorations on them and I figured I could make something out of them,  so I said yes. They've been hanging out in my craft stash for a while now  and I finally decided what I could use them for. They would be perfect as the "O" in a word. I decided to make the word NOEL. I was thinking about JOY, but wasn't sure if I could cut the curve in the J very well. I found a scrap 1"x6" pine board and drew the letters N, E and L onto the board. The wreaths are 8" in diameter, so I made the letters 8" tall.  

I cut the letters out using a band saw.

I actually made 3 sets of the letters because I had 3 grapevine wreaths and enough scrap wood.

I sanded the rough edges and gave the letters a few coats of red paint.

After the paint was dry, I sanded the edges again to give the letters a distressed look.

Then I removed the decorations from the grapevine wreaths, added them to the wood letters 

and the word NOEL was complete.

I was thinking that in February I could make a "V" and use the L, E and wreath

 to spell the word LOVE for a Valentines vignette.

What do you think?

I have a set on my mantle. I took a set to my booth and I have a set available in my Etsy shop here.

I hope your Christmas season is off to a great start so far. 'til next time, Linking to: Prodigal Pieces Knick of Time