A 4-Point Overview in Hand-Lettering

I’ve been wanting for some time to write a post or two on hand-lettering, but as you can tell, that hasn’t happened.  I didn’t want to go much longer without writing about lettering since I already took photos and all for a few lettering posts.  So seeing it’s about time I get another blog post out for y’all anyway, I figured that today I’d pull something together that I could include some of those photos in. So here is a super quick, 4-point overview in hand lettering!

And FYI: I honestly had no clue what to call this post, since basically all I wanted to do was gab about 4 different aspects of lettering.  So if you think this post is terribly misnamed, you’re probably right :)

1
Supplies
Scrap paper and any kind of writing utensil is really all you need to get started.  I used colored pencils for a couple of things.  As you improve, however, you may want to look for double sided pens (one with a fine point and one wider) and pens that don’t bleed {much}.  I have some Callicreative Duotip Manuscript pens that I LOVE!  If you have a tendency for your words to slant, a ruler may be helpful for you.  I personally would much rather not use a ruler though, so I just focus harder on making my words not slant as much :)  A notebook with graph paper may also be helpful.  I used one when I first got started, although it isn't necessary.

 2
Inspiration
One word: Pinterest.
I use Pinterest ALL THE TIME for lettering inspiration.  It’s the best!  There’s so many examples and ideas that are sure to inspire lettering creativity.

 3
The Lettering Secret
The secret to letters that look like calligraphy is to thicken your down-stroke.  Its super-duper simple, really!  That’s my only secret to share, so all other ways of lettering are dependent on your creativity and inspiration :)

4
How to Use It
Scrap paper and blank notebooks are great for practice, but when you’ve got it down pat, there’s lots of ways to display your lettering!  I mainly use my lettering on cards, but you can it for lettering “welcome” on chalkboards and whiteboards, lettering Bible verses to frame, addressing envelopes, journaling, creating pendant jewelry, and more!


Here are a couple of photos of fairly recent random lettering projects I’ve done…






I didn't really "letter" on this one,
but I've had this in my photo folder for quite a while and wanted to share it

Comments

  1. Olivia Bell (aka Livy)August 23, 2017 at 3:36 PM

    How beautiful! Your art is superb, I love it! Being a huge fan of handlettered things, I usually use them as posters on my walls! Your tips were great! I'd like to get into handlettering. :)

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    1. Thank you! That's cool that you use lettered artwork to decorate your walls. Sometimes I just keep my cards on my desk as decoration, instead of putting them away :P I hope the points in this post were helpful for you, and motivational to get you started on hand-lettering! :)

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  2. Wow! How pretty! These are lovely, great work :)

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  4. I loved this post, Grace!! I have always wanted to do hand lettering, but I cant seem to do it. Maybe I'll try again. :) I should have you teach me, because your lettering looks so good!

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    1. Glad you liked this post, Joy! Yes, definitely give hand-lettering another go! :) And hopefully sometime we can get together soon! And then I can give you a mini-lesson in lettering ;)

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