Guides · Family signs
How to make a name tile family sign
Everyone’s names crossing like a word game, cut as little letter tiles with point values and glued on a dark backing. It is a favourite gift for families, weddings, teams and classes, and the app works out where the names cross for you.
Choose a style
| Product | Best for |
|---|---|
| Family sign | A wall sign whose backing follows the tiles |
| Ornament | A round Christmas ornament with a hanging hole |
| Plaque | Weddings and anniversaries, with words underneath |
| Framed sign | A stepped picture frame or a deep shadow box |
| Store-bought frame insert | Cut to fit a 4×6 up to 16×20 in frame |
Step by step
- Type the names, one per line. Put the family name first: it runs across the middle.
- Press Rearrange tiles until you like the layout.
- Set the tile size, rounding and font, and choose whether to show point values.
- Pick the backing: follow the tiles, a rectangle, a heart, an arch, a house and more.
- Add a frame or words such as “Est. 2012” if you like, then export.
Cutting and gluing
Cut the backing from a dark wood and the tiles from a light one. The backing has faint guide squares engraved on it, so every tile lands in the right place when you glue.
Tip: if a name will not cross the others, add a name that shares a letter with it, or change the order of the list.
Gluing it up neatly
- Mask the tile sheet before engraving the letters, so smoke doesn’t stain the light wood.
- Lay all the tiles out dry on the engraved guide squares first, to check nothing is missing.
- Glue one name at a time with a small dot of wood glue under each tile; too much squeezes out between tiles.
- Press flat under a board or a few books until the glue is dry.
- Add a hanger on the back, such as a sawtooth hanger or a keyhole slot, sized for the finished weight.
See the wood guide for choosing light and dark sheets and for cleaning smoke from cut edges.
Questions
How big is the sign?
It depends on the tile size and how many names you have. The size shows under the preview as you change things.
Can I use it for a wedding?
Yes. Put the couple’s names in, add words like LOVE or FOREVER, and use the plaque with the date underneath. For the rest of the day, the wedding place card generator makes matching place cards and table numbers.
Can I make it as a Christmas ornament?
Yes. Choose the Ornament style for a round version with a hanging hole. The Christmas ornaments guide covers finishing and batching, and the gift ideas list has more seasonal products.
What should I call it in a listing?
Describe it as a letter tile or word game style sign. Board game names are trademarks, so leave them out of titles and tags. For plain layered names without tiles, use the name sign generator, and price either with the price calculator.