Although several of us began with frames, it would be much easier to learn the technique first on a title strip.1. Decide on the font you want to use. A chunky one like Funky (EK Success), Helvetica Bold or Gothic(C-Thru) or the Chatterbox Lettering Genie (EK Success) would work best. If the title does not have many words you could use Bubble, or Varsity stencils (Close To My Heart).
2. After you have chosen the stencil, choose your paper and cut a strip that is long enough for the title you want to use and wide enough for even the tall and tailed letters plus two inches.
3. Turn the stencil over looking at the back, and turn the paper strip over (if there is a right and wrong side).
4. Working from right to left, draw the letters with pencil.
5. Next you need to draw a straight line across the top and the bottom being sure to catch the tops and bottoms of all letters. This does not work unless you use all capital letters.
6. Now, using an X-Acto knife begin cutting out the spaces between letters. Make sure you have a self-healing type of mat under the work. Pull the knife toward you slightly to the right (if you are right-handed) and turn the paper, rather than turning the knife.
7. Finish cutting the spaces between letters. Turn the strip over to see if you can read the words easily.
8. Clean up the cuts by trimming from this right side. Also, use an emery board to file off any rough spots. Then trim the top and bottom to an inch above and below the letters. On this one I decided to cut more from the "2" on the far right, but not from the first "E" which is readable as it is.
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9. Mount the strip on a contrasting color. Add detailing with chalks, pen lines and highlights.
10. Then try a frame.
