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There are two reasons I can think of as to why hand-lettering is beneficial for scrapbooking. The first is that it allows for infinite creativity. Limitations are not based on the availability of appropriate stickers, die cut letters or a computer font. A hand-lettered title or journaling block can literally be placed anywhere in a layout with any design style.
Legacy is the second reason that I believe hand-lettering is an important element in our memory books. Our handwriting gives insight to our personalities and when included as part of our layouts we leave future generations a glimpse of who we are…things photographs can’t capture. I personally cherish a copy of a handwritten note of marital advice written by the great-grandmother that I never had the chance to know. Although the advice itself tells a great deal about her and the times she lived in, it would have lost an abundance of its sentimental value had it just been typed up in script on the layout.
There really is nothing to be afraid of when it comes to hand-lettering on your designs. Just remember the most important step is to sketch everything lightly first with a pencil. Once the basic look is achieved, the lettering can be filled in with markers, chalks, pencils, paints and more. If you are working with a permanent medium such as markers, make sure it has dried completely before carefully erasing any visible pencil lines. When working with chalks or pencils, you will need to make your pattern lines as light as possible and erase any unnecessary areas before filling in with color.
Ideas and styles for lettering can come from all around you. One of the easiest techniques is to use stencils for tracing the basic letter structure and then filling in the design with your own colors and patterns. Perhaps even a stamped letter that you can fill in and make your own. Inspiration can also be found on billboards, magazines and even movie covers. Simply do your best to recreate the lettering while still adding your own flare. Or once again, keep it simple by using your own handwriting, which you are already comfortable with.
When it comes to really making a hand-lettered title great…it’s details, details, details. The little things that you might not necessarily notice right off the bat are icing on the cake. Use a very pale blue marker or a VersaMark pen to subtly add shadows around each letter. No matter what style of lettering, this technique will make the words pop right off the page. Kick it up another notch by using a white gelly roll pen to add a hint of highlights to bold lettering. Then finish off the design with a few speckles stamped lightly across the words.
Be sure to try a few of these techniques on your next layout and take your creativity to the next level. And don’t forget to check out our Premier Store Listing for coupons to a scrapbook store near you.
