Ok…I must admit, I have a new obsession.
This actually happens to me quite often. I LOVE to be crafty (even though I’m not very good at it) and when I find a new cute way to craft…
I. MUST. LEARN. ALL. ABOUT. IT.
This happened last week when a friend of mine told me I needed to check out the Art & Hand Lettering FB Group.
BIG mistake!
Hand Lettering Videos
When I saw all the cute and creative projects being created by the members of the group, I knew I needed to learn all about this hand lettering phenomenon.
So I, of course, went straight to Pinterest. There’s tons of stuff out there, but what I’ve found is that I was such a beginner that I really needed someone to go all the way back to the beginning for me – and that was kind of hard to find.
I found a couple great YouTube videos to get me started.
This one had some great ideas for getting started.
My next favorite one is from Made by Marzipan. You should really check out her blog!! Tons of fun crafty stuff to explore!
But I think my MOST favorite video right now is this one (also from Made by Marzipan) on Accents. I love the simple ideas that add lots of depth to your hand lettering project.
Hand Lettering Books
There are quite a few books out, but since I’m such a beginner, I kind of had trouble finding ones that start at the beginning. The two I found that I love are:
Zenspirations: Letters & Patterning
Hand-Lettering for Everyone: A Creative Workbook
PLUS I’m anxiously awaiting the book, Words to Live By: Creative Hand Lettering, Coloring and Inspirations, by the owner of the Art & Hand Lettering FB Group, Dawn, that will be released on April 1, 2016.
Supplies
I tend to go a little overboard when finding a new hobby. I want EVERYTHING and I want it NOW.
So I’m trying to hold back and just get some of the basics.
I found a 24 pack of Ultra Fine point Sharpie Markers on sale at my local going-out-of-business office supply store. This way I can add any color I want to my drawings. I’ve seen a lot of blogs talking about Micro pens. These will probably be my next purchase because for some small designs I can see that even the ultra fine point Sharpies are too thick.
I also got a Canson Wired Bound Sketchbook. I liked this one because everything will stay contained in one book (and not all over the house) and the paper is heavy enough that I don’t have to worry about the Sharpies bleeding through the paper.
I also have a few sharpened #2 pencils, a see through ruler, some black ultra fine point Sharpies and a clipboard.
But I think my favorite part of all of the office supplies is that I found an amazing way to store all this stuff that allows me to take it with me where ever I go!
The Clever Container Stuff N Go holds all of my supplies perfectly (even the clipboard). It’s got tons of pockets! I think I may need to buy everyone I know one of these for Christmas (that’s how much I love it).
Don’t Miss This Last Resource
OK…so I know I’ve said that each of these is my favorite, but this last one definitely wins for THE most helpful resource.
The Postman’s Knock has an Etsy store where she has a downloadable hand lettering worksheet pack. This has been amazingly helpful because it gives me some basic ideas of how to shape letters. I figure once I master these basic letters, then the rest will be a lot easier.
There are 6 different styles of letters and room to practice them (as much as you want because you can print it out as much as you want). The entire packet is just $5 and by far the best place to start for absolute beginners like myself!
I hope this was helpful! Please let me know if you find any other resources that might help me (or others reading this).
What do you think? Will you get addicted too?
