Typography is a core element of graphic design, and in most cases, including card-making, it becomes an intrinsic part of the composition.
Decorating the alphabet
Having a stash of decorated wooden alphabet letters is a great way to prepare for upcoming birthdays; it's like meal prep, but for card-making. A graphic designer friend recently joined me for an afternoon of letter decorating, which was a great way to relax, catch up and be creative, all in one hit. It was interesting how we each used the available resources to come up with such different results.
I find straight-sided letters are easier to trim than curvy, so my go-to method for a quick, straight-sided letter is to paint it first, including the sides, and allow to dry. Then glue a scrap of wrapping or specialty paper to the top surface with glue stick. When fully adhered, carefully trim the edges, and apply shine or sparkle as desired. Decorate letters to suit the occasion; use paint and sand paper, gild with gold leaf, adorn with sparkly sequins, micro-fine glitter and glass beads, festoon with funky fur & feathers, sprinkle with sand and tiny sea shells or embellish with Hundreds & Thousands.
More Ideas ...
Typography is like a language with many dialects, where subtle nuances can impact the meaning in interesting ways. The form of the letter, its font, typeface, shape, colour, texture, size, prominence, and even the space between and around it, are all important parts of the narrative. Find more inspiring lettering & numbering ideas on Pinterest.
Want more card-making ideas?