Lettering with Light and Shadow

We made it to this day, the final day of 2023. I hope that for all the "blahs," you were rewarded with even more "TADAs!" 

Before we crossover to the New Year, I'm here to share an easy craft. All we need are paper, a pencil, pens, and watercolor.

Let's do some hand lettering! I learned this technique at the Summer Creative Retreat, taught by Melinda (@mellie.zee). The use of color, light and shadow turns plain penmanship from blah to TADA!

We'll do two kinds of lettering.

First, we'll need some paper. These are just recycled cardboard (from empty food boxes) trimmed into rectangles (about 4.5 inches by 3.5 inches). You can use copy paper, watercolor paper or cardstock, too.

With a pencil and ruler, I drew a few lines to indicate the center point and use as guide lines. 

I chose the word "possibility." I wrote it on both cards, one in a thicker style and another in regular style. 

I erased all the lines I initially made.  

I added some watercolor for the background.

I followed the pencil marks using a brush pen.

I made the lines heavier, especially the downstrokes, using the same brush pen. 

I added shadow using a gray dual brush pen, as well as some highlights using a white gel pen.

This technique adds vibrancy and dimension to my handwriting...TADA!

For the second kind of lettering with the thicker style font, I also erased the guide lines. I used a dry paint brush to get rid of the eraser "crumbs" from the paper.  

I filled in the letters with watercolor, using a different color on each letter. I let this dry for a few minutes.

Then I made an outline around the letters with a fine-tipped black pen. 

I added shadow using a dual brush pen in gray and highlights using a white gel pen.

Here is my handiwork...TADA!

I wish you "Possibility" --  the belief that everything is possible, especially in the New Year.

Thank you for your regular visits and comments to my blog! See you again in 2024 and if you'd like more crafty ideas delivered directly to your inbox, please subscribe here.