The Art of Whimsical Lettering (11 page)

Paint muslin fabric with acrylic paints and letter a message with assorted permanent pens. I added machine stitching around this piece to frame it.

Write a verse in pencil or a fine-tip Pitt pen on muslin fabric. Handstitch over the written message with colorful embroidery threads.

For a fun alternative to a journal, keep a collection of small written words and phrases in an accordion-style book.

Remember making a paper fan out of looseleaf paper back in grade school? The same concept is used for making an accordion-style art journal. Cut watercolor or Bristol paper into strips at least 3" to 8" (7.5 to 20.5 cm) by 12" to 20" (30.5 to 51 cm). Any size strips will work, but you want to have large-enough pages to paint and letter. Fold the paper in half and then fold the sections back and forth using the paper-fan technique. Paint and letter each individual page on both sides.

Write one large word and then fill in the interesting spaces around it with tiny lettering.

Color assorted papers with spray inks, then tear them into strips. Add favorite words and phrases on the papers and paste them on journal pages, textured cardboard, or any heavy paper background.

Paint a canvas with acrylic paint and add lettering with permanent pens or acrylic paint markers.

If you panic at the thought of adding hand lettering on your beautiful artwork, try my tissue-paper trick.

Construct homemade journals with colorful painted and stenciled art papers. Fold the pages into a book and add your handwritten thoughts and inspirations. Use broad-tip markers for lettering over busy patterns.

Illustrate words in assorted font sizes and colors. Use continuous free-flowing handwriting as a border or background filler pattern.

Doodle words in black and white. Fill in the negative space around the phrase with bright watercolors, frame it with a loose line, and use writing as a border element.

One of the most enjoyable practices in mixed-media lettering art is making fun and funky backgrounds for words and quotes on journal pages or other surfaces. Anything goes in creating background art! There are countless techniques for making backgrounds to showcase lettering art. Here are just a few examples.