Extraordinary Hand Lettering: Creative Lettering Ideas for Celebrations, Events, Decor, & More

by Doris Wai

Overview

Are you a curious hand lettering beginner or long-time enthusiast looking to take your craft to the next level? Or are you a DIY guru or event planner wishing to breathe new life into a boring gift, event signage, or party décor? Extraordinary Hand Lettering opens your eyes to the endless possibilities in the world of creative lettering, showing you how to work with types of surfaces, such as wood, glass and acrylic, chalk, and even mirrors.
First, learn the simple tools and tricks of hand lettering essentials—cursive and basic typefaces, creating balance and composition, and how to draw letters, as well as secret tips on what words you should choose to spotlight or shadow.
Then, discover the lettering potentials of everyday items by transforming household objects or discarded items, such as old vintage mirrors, jewelry, and furniture, into a customized gift, unique decoration, quirky art piece, or stunning signage—all with the right lettering and choice of pen, pencil, or marker. For all DIY art-and-crafters, homemakers, and small business entrepreneurs, lettering is a versatile and necessary skill that can repurpose the old into something that is new, beautiful, and functional.
Finally, draw inspirations from twelve whimsical projects suited for the girlie girl, the sophisticated man, or the modern minimalist. Combine the art of lettering and upcycling crafts to bring beauty into your everyday lifestyle.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781510721920
Publisher:	Skyhorse
Publication date:	11/07/2017
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
File size:	47 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Doris Wai is an illustrator devoted to drawing letters. A self-made entrepreneur with her company Love Lettering, she sees all objects, plain or ornate, as blank canvases with amazing potential to be more than what they are. She lives in Toronto, Canada.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Lettering Basics 3

Technical Terms & Definitions, Simply Put 4

How to Begin Creating & Drawing Type: Basic Lettering 6

Why Hand Lettering Is Easy; Try It! 11

Chapter 2 Extraordinary Tools 13

Tools for the Sketching Stage 14

Tools for the Execution Stage 15

Tools for Each Surface & How to Remove 19

Chapter 3 Composition & Design 29

Spotlight Words 30

How to Choose Fonts 30

Finding the Center 31

Borders, Mapping & Breathing Room 32

Shapes & Angles 34

Design & Decoration 35

Chapter 4 Surfaces 37

Wood 38

Chalkboard, Faux Chalkboard & Black Foam Core 39

Glass 40

Mirror 41

Cleaning & Prepping Your Surfaces for Lettering 41

Chapter 5 Ideas for Lettering 43

Chapter 6 Lettering on Wood 47

Event: Whiskey & Cigar Bar Birthday 49

Home Decor: Secretary Desk Conversion to Cozy Dining Spot 57

Gift: Hostess Gift Basket 65

Chapter 7 Lettering on Glass 71

Event: Pink Lemonade Party 73

Home Decor: Holiday Window 81

Gift: Air Plant Terrarium with Quote 91

Chapter 8 Lettering on Chalkboard 97

Event: Bloom School Bridal Shower 99

Home Décor: Chalkboard Mountain Wail Playroom with Quote 107

Gift: New Baby Nursery Chalkboard Signage 115

Chapter 9 Lettering on Mirror 121

Event: Seating Chart Installation on Floral Wall 123

Home Décor: Fabulous Closet Quote & Inspiration 131

Gift: Family Name Mirror for the Home 137

Chapter 10 Final Thoughts 143

Grateful Acknowledgements 145

Vendor Credits 147

Editorial Reviews

"For anyone who covets the curvy lines of stunning hand lettering, you no longer need to have handwriting FOMO! Doris is here with her open heart and brilliant mind, spilling all the tricks of the trade out on the beautiful pages of this book. From uncovering the tools to stunning ideas that you can apply immediately to your home or any occasion in life, this book is brimming with all the DIY inspirations one will need to personalize their world and write sweet nothings on just about anything. As a designer and maker, this book makes my heart happy and uncovers the magical art of hand lettering in such an accessible and sweet way! I love it!"
—Tiffany Pratt, designer and author of This Can Be Beautiful

"For anyone who covets the curvy lines of stunning hand lettering, you no longer need to have handwriting FOMO! Doris is here with her open heart and brilliant mind, spilling all the tricks of the trade out on the beautiful pages of this book. From uncovering the tools to stunning ideas that you can apply immediately to your home or any occasion in life, this book is brimming with all the DIY inspirations one will need to personalize their world and write sweet nothings on just about anything. As a designer and maker, this book makes my heart happy and uncovers the magical art of hand lettering in such an accessible and sweet way! I love it!"
—Tiffany Pratt, designer and author of This Can Be Beautiful

From the Publisher