How-Tuesday: Stenciled Handwriting Art

julieincharge

Story by julieincharge

Published on Dec 14, 2010 in Make

Photo by BlueDayDesigns

With just a steady hand and a few basic supplies, you can whip up a personalized holiday gift that pays tribute to the handwriting of a favorite friend or family member. Write a love letter to your crush, make a memento for a mom, or create a family keepsake for your grandparents. In this week’s How-Tuesday project, Australian artist Emma, a.k.a. Blue Day Designs, shares her detailed stencil-making expertise.


I’m Emma and I live on a farm a few hours from Melbourne. I love making children’s portraits and stenciled artworks. Getting out into the shed with a can of spray paint is my favourite pastime. (Geeky, but true.)
 
I was inspired to make this project after my aunt showed me a postcard written by my grandfather when he was 5 years old (in 1906!). I loved the old-fashioned writing and thought it would look great as a stenciled artwork. It was great fun to enlarge his writing and then cut it out of paper – it looked really beautiful even as a paper stencil.

This tutorial focuses on making a stenciled artwork featuring children’s handwriting. The handwriting can be yours, your child’s, your grandparents – anyone’s. This is a unique way to preserve a child’s writing, whilst creating an edgy artwork at the same time. A stenciled artwork featuring a child’s handwriting creates the perfect personalized gift. 

Here are some more ideas for making this project your own:
    •    Use a sample of your partner’s 1st Grade writing to make a surprise gift
    •    Do “his” and “hers” handwriting artworks for newly married friends
    •    Recreate your child’s first handwritten message to Grandma
    •    …The possibilities are endless!

 

Materials Needed:

  • An image manipulation program such as Photoshop or GIMP. (Go here to download Gimp for free.)
  • Sample of some handwriting
  • Scanner and printer
  • Cardboard
  • Cutting knife or scalpel
  • Self-healing cutting mat
  • Can of adhesive spray
  • Spray paint
  • Canvas
  • Safety mask

 

Directions:

 

 

 

1. Get a copy of some handwriting. I’m going to use this sample of my grandfather’s writing as a child, taken from the bottom of a postcard. You only need to use a few sentences or a phrase, and it doesn’t matter if the handwriting is messy. (It looks better that way!) 

2. Scan your handwriting and open it in your image program.

First, crop any edges so that you just have your writing. I’ve cut out the picture from the postcard so I just have writing. In Photoshop go to Image>Crop.

 

 

You might then have to clean up the image, getting rid of any marks or writing you don’t want. In Photoshop, select the Pencil Tool, then use the Color Selector to choose a white color.

 

 

 

Then just start erasing unwanted marks or writing. Below, you can see I’ve started to erase some printed text on the post card, and some of the pinkish background.

Now I want to make the writing a little bit darker, and completely get rid of the slight pinkish tone in the background.  In Photoshop, go to Enhance>Adjust Color>Replace Color.
 
The Replace Color box will come up. It looks like this:

Using the little eye droppers you select the color you want to change. I clicked on the pinkish background. Then, go to the “lightness” setting and push it all the way up to the right. This will lighten the pink. Then press OK.
 
To darken the writing, bring up the Replace Color box again and this time use the eye-dropper to select some of the colors of the writing.  Move the “lightness” setting down towards the left, and you’ll see all the writing gradually get darker.

You should end up with something like this.

 

   3. Depending on how you want to lay out your final stencil, you may have to move words around, or put them into different lines.  I want to move my top line a little to the left. In Photoshop do this by selecting the Selection Brush Tool. Use this tool to highlight the text you want to move. I’ve highlighted the top line of text by drawing around it with the Selection Brush Tool.

 

 

Then, select the Move Tool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And use this tool to move the text to where you’d like it. I’m moving it slightly to the left.

 

 

 

 

 

My design now looks like this.

 

 4. You need all the white parts of the design to be connected so that when you cut your stencil out it all hangs together. This means you now have to get rid of any “white islands” (isolated sections of white).  
 
Here are some white islands in my handwriting sample; the “white islands” are the white circles in the middle of the O and bottom of the Y.

In your design, look for white islands and connect them up to another bit of white by drawing a white line through some black to connect the white sections up. (To draw the white lines in Photoshop select the Pencil Tool, then use the Color Selector to choose a white color and you can start drawing).
 
With the Y I looked for the place where the black was the thinnest and just drew a little white line in. With the O there was no thin place, so I just drew a line where the O connected at the top.

The white lines you draw should be at least .25″ (.5cm) wide. If they are too thin they might break when you cut them out.

5. Now all you have to do is decide what size you’d like your stenciled artwork to be. To make cutting out the stencil easier, it is best if the letters are at least 4″ (10cm) high. Use Photoshop or GIMP to resize your design to whatever size you’d like it to be. (In Photoshop go to Image>Resize>Image Size then select your dimensions).
 
6. Print your design. Depending on what size your stencil design is, you might need to go to a professional printer to get it printed out. Ask for it to be printed on ordinary 80gsm thickness paper (printer paper, not card stock).
 
7. Buy some cardstock (around 250gsm) at a size a bit bigger than your stencil design. (You can buy two bits and tape them together if your design is very big).

Step 8. Trace your stencil design onto the cardstock. It will probably be too hard to do this on a table, because the cardstock is normally too thick to see through. So, you can tape your stencil design to a window, then tape the cardboard in front of it.

Using a sharp pencil, trace your design onto the cardstock.

9. Once you’ve traced all the letters it’s time to cut out your stencil. This is probably the most time-consuming part of the process. Put the cardstock onto the self-healing mat and start cutting around your design with a cutting knife.

You should end up with something like this.

10. Choose your canvas. You can spray onto flat canvas, which you buy off the roll and then have to get framed or stretched. Another option is to buy a canvas board, which is like a tile. You stencil onto this hard surface, then buy a stretched canvas the same size as the canvas board and glue the board onto the front of it — and, voila…you have a stretched canvas artwork!

11. Choose your spray paint. You can use specialized street art spray-paint, like Montana Gold, but ordinary spray-paint from a hardware store will be okay too. For this artwork I’m using Montana Gold in turquoise.

12. Set-up your spraying area. Find a work-bench or flat surface to work on and work in a warm, well-ventilated room or shed.

 

13.  Put your cardboard stencil cut-out onto some old newspapers or cardboard. Turn it over, and spray adhesive spray onto the back of it. You just want a fine, even coat — not great globs of spray. Do this with your safety mask on because the adhesive spray produces a fine mist of glue, which your little lungs will not thank you for!

 

14. Now, put the stencil design, right side up (glue side down) on your canvas, and start pressing it down with your fingers.

It will probably take about 15 minutes to get that sucker really pressed down. You need to run your fingers along every part of the design.

15. Tape paper or newspaper over any parts of the canvas that are exposed, which you do not want spray paint getting onto.
 
16. Shake your paint-can for about 10 minutes.

 

 

17. Start spraying! You just need a good coat of paint over all of your letters. As you’re spraying, look at your stencil from a few different angles, so you can see if all the white parts are covered.


18. When you’ve finished spraying wait about two minutes, then carefully lift up your stencil.

And, there you go! You have a unique, stenciled artwork which is ready to be stretched or framed. You are a legend. (Yes, really, you are!)

 If you make this project, please share a photo with us in the How-Tuesday Flickr group!

Stencil Tutorials | More How-Tuesday Posts

Discuss: 103 comments

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  • TwinkleStarCrafts

    TwinkleStarCrafts says:

    Great tutorial. Thank you!

    1 year ago

  • OtherEarthly

    OtherEarthly says:

    How awesome!

    1 year ago

  • DevineCollectible

    DevineCollectible says:

    Like that, "toddlers first scrawl"... real nice, peace out, DevineCollectible

    1 year ago

  • soule

    soule says:

    Cute! way to go on the clear tutorial! I <3 Stencils too! I love the feeling you get when you first spray your image and see the way it turned out!

    1 year ago

  • constantgatherer

    constantgatherer says:

    this is really sweet! i did something like this in my artwork with a somewhat simpler method. project the writing using a tracing or overhead projector (craft stores or borrow!) onto your canvas/wood/paper taped to the wall-and trace the lettering with a pencil- then fill in with whatever paint or ink you like! xo

    1 year ago

  • curlygirlglass

    curlygirlglass says:

    thank you for sharing the info!

    1 year ago

  • carlossantiago

    carlossantiago says:

    really cool! i love it! what a great idea!

    1 year ago

  • AshenDrift

    AshenDrift says:

    Ideas abound! Merci:)

    1 year ago

  • stonesoupjewelry

    stonesoupjewelry says:

    Thanks for the detailed and fabulous tutorial! My kids may want to try this as a last minute holiday gift for grandparents. :)

    1 year ago

  • BlueDayDesigns

    BlueDayDesigns says:

    Hi there - thanks for your comments! Using a projector is a great idea, I've seen quite a few artists working that way with very large artworks.

    1 year ago

  • odiliafu

    odiliafu says:

    Love this tutorial!! Thanks for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • 5280bliss

    5280bliss says:

    i love this! i've done this on a much smaller scale using freezer paper onto onesies and t-shirts. ♥ shirley

    1 year ago

  • YacsPocket

    YacsPocket says:

    Do you like these kittens? Yes, of course! I like a big stenciled writing, too! What a poetic idea it is! Thank you!

    1 year ago

  • Jusadreamin

    Jusadreamin says:

    HOPE YOU MUCH SUCESS thanks for sharing

    1 year ago

  • cedokter

    cedokter says:

    Awesome. I never would have thought about this but it's a lovely idea. Now to go buy a few canvases.

    1 year ago

  • MegansMenagerie

    MegansMenagerie says:

    This is so cool! Thanks so much for sharing! =)

    1 year ago

  • Earleyimages

    Earleyimages says:

    Great tutorial

    1 year ago

  • lovelygifts

    lovelygifts says:

    Awesome!

    1 year ago

  • Jusadreamin

    Jusadreamin says:

    HOPE YOU MUCH SUCESS thanks for sharing

    1 year ago

  • PlumeandPetals

    PlumeandPetals says:

    Very cool~! Thanks for sharing =)

    1 year ago

  • loveinbloomboutique

    loveinbloomboutique says:

    Very cool! I think I may try that...

    1 year ago

  • myvintagecrush

    myvintagecrush says:

    Legendary! Haha, love it!

    1 year ago

  • rozzie

    rozzie says:

    oh! interesting idea! I thought maybe the writing was printed onto canvas but cutting out and spraying would be more work but definitely more special with the real media tactfulness.

    1 year ago

  • Parachute425

    Parachute425 says:

    Thanks for sharing. Great shop.

    1 year ago

  • silkiness

    silkiness says:

    Thanks for sharing this, I would love to try it when my little ones get a bit older! I will remember this! Thanks a lot!!

    1 year ago

  • Asianexpressions

    Asianexpressions says:

    Awesome! I'd like to try it.

    1 year ago

  • Leocardia

    Leocardia says:

    That´s a nice suggestion to follow. The early writings of my daughter are soo funny!

    1 year ago

  • anotherdonkeydesign

    anotherdonkeydesign says:

    Great tutorial. Thanks so much for sharing. Will keep it in mind for when my little man (1 today) learns to write!

    1 year ago

  • lauraprill

    lauraprill says:

    Lovely, thanks for sharing this...

    1 year ago

  • superlungs

    superlungs says:

    Omg brilliant idea & very good tutorial. Thanks for sharing!!

    1 year ago

  • JulieMeyer

    JulieMeyer says:

    What a lovely idea! Thanks for sharing your very detailed tutorial.

    1 year ago

  • vKnit

    vKnit says:

    what a lovely idea! my boyfriend whos type and stencil mad will love this *forwards on* thankyou!!! xox

    1 year ago

  • persuede

    persuede says:

    great tutorial and a good departure point for variation. thanks!

    1 year ago

  • livingstonandporter

    livingstonandporter says:

    love handwriting....vintage paper... old letters....This is such a perfect post and a lovely idea!

    1 year ago

  • heartatart

    heartatart says:

    fabulous!

    1 year ago

  • blueskyclouds

    blueskyclouds says:

    This is FANTASTIC...I've saved so many of my parents' letters, because they had beautiful and distinct handwriting as well as verbage....I plan to do something very interesting with them eventually......

    1 year ago

  • daslinoleum

    daslinoleum says:

    i love etsy how-tos and i certainly love stencil art (usually seen on the streets so i am glad it has made it into etsy!). this is a great idea for personalized presents and cool art!

    1 year ago

  • jjboz10

    jjboz10 says:

    Great idea,love this tutorial!!

    1 year ago

  • tatimaia

    tatimaia says:

    Oh, I love stenciling!!! Thanks for sharing this tutorial!

    1 year ago

  • stgilmore

    stgilmore says:

    I am going to do this of a love note from my three year old daughter who said she had misbehaved because she was "wore out". Bless her heart. She is 20 now and I think she would like it! Thanks for the tutorial!

    1 year ago

  • dasweetzpot

    dasweetzpot says:

    this was awesome... I think it is so important to surround ourselves of the things that bring us joy and comfort... I have framed elementary school grade 'special' mother's day artwork from my children... fun to see them draw a picture of mommy and title it 'best mommy in the whole wide world'! will try this project, sounds like fun!

    1 year ago

  • Prittyfy

    Prittyfy says:

    wonderful! may try some day.

    1 year ago

  • theroyal

    theroyal says:

    great job

    1 year ago

  • DinosDiedOfBoredom
  • doveandflower

    doveandflower says:

    What a terrific tutorial of a super idea. I'm putting my elf hat on and whipping one up for my hubby. A really rocking present. Thanks so much for sharing it!

    1 year ago

  • crystalworld

    crystalworld says:

    Thanks for the detailed and fabulous tutorial!

    1 year ago

  • baconsquarefarm

    baconsquarefarm says:

    Hmmm this is interesting the process that is used, thanks for sharing. :)

    1 year ago

  • BlueDayDesigns

    BlueDayDesigns says:

    thanks for all your awesome comments - this is very exciting! If any of you try this tutorial and have any questions as you go along please feel free to convo me. I love to spread the stenciling joy around! The idea of using the 3 year-olds love letter is just gorgeous.

    1 year ago

  • shop1848

    shop1848 says:

    Super cool idea!!

    1 year ago

  • minakim

    minakim says:

    really good!!!

    1 year ago

  • SnuggliMumCreations

    SnuggliMumCreations says:

    Awesome! Thanks for the idea!

    1 year ago

  • hilarysarobot

    hilarysarobot says:

    Very cool idea! I may have to try this.

    1 year ago

  • HulaGirl1922

    HulaGirl1922 says:

    way cooool!!! Cheers :D

    1 year ago

  • iheartmy

    iheartmy says:

    This is beautiful! I thought about doing this with a picture of my toddler. I see your pictures and now think it will look great!

    1 year ago

  • GardenAngels

    GardenAngels says:

    Absolutely the best tutorial I've ever seen! Bravo!

    1 year ago

  • 3pearls

    3pearls says:

    Thanks for the really thorough tutorial. It makes it all seem quite do-able. You covered some things I wouldn't have thought of.

    1 year ago

  • AndreaFuentesDesigns

    AndreaFuentesDesigns says:

    good stuff! love your work

    1 year ago

  • frenchtoastfriday

    frenchtoastfriday says:

    Wow what a great idea! Thanks

    1 year ago

  • leesmith

    leesmith says:

    So Cute! I love the look you get using the handwriting. Great Tutorial :)

    1 year ago

  • redemptionart

    redemptionart says:

    this is a wonderful idea, i have a weakness for keeping all the notes from my grandchildren, so i have a lot to work with..thanks again!

    1 year ago

  • HandmadeHandsome

    HandmadeHandsome says:

    I love what you make, especially the portraits. Thanks for sharing this tutorial.

    1 year ago

  • LittleWrenPottery

    LittleWrenPottery says:

    Lovely work, I think this would be fabulous with an old fashioned love note.

    1 year ago

  • WiltsieBridgeCS

    WiltsieBridgeCS says:

    Great idea! I have a bunch of digital French feedsack images I purchased from Oliverue, might just make this project! I also have a large chalk board sign mounted near the road outside my shop. I can make up "chalkboard art" to catch peoples eye on dry weather days.

    1 year ago

  • WiltsieBridgeCS

    WiltsieBridgeCS says:

    This project is useful for shops with storefront windows as well, just wanted to point that out!

    1 year ago

  • Colecciones

    Colecciones says:

    Yes...The handwriting look is FAB!!! Timely article for me, as stencil art is a new obsession...¡¡¡Muchisimas gracias!!!

    1 year ago

  • rockandpurl

    rockandpurl says:

    Love this project!!! Love it! :) Great idea for stencilling my studio walls...

    1 year ago

  • MissHildebrandt

    MissHildebrandt says:

    One of the best 'how tuesday' ever. Ah to ride the coast of someone's written word...deep! Oh the process is what seems the most interesting.

    1 year ago

  • jewellerytreasures

    jewellerytreasures says:

    would love to try this with my daughters writing

    1 year ago

  • opendoorstudio

    opendoorstudio says:

    I love this. what a fun way to bring back family memories long past! capturing a moment in time! I hope to try this soon! thank you so much for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • TatterBeans

    TatterBeans says:

    This would be lovely to do with your children s handwriting to capture as a memory...this is a must do ..and on my list

    1 year ago

  • SMIRNOFFdesignSTUDIO

    SMIRNOFFdesignSTUDIO says:

    Great and funny idea! Thanks for sharing :)))))))))))

    1 year ago

  • FeltJellyBean

    FeltJellyBean says:

    Awww...I really love it, I came with quite a bunch of ideas just by reading it! Many, many thanks :)

    1 year ago

  • jessamae22

    jessamae22 says:

    oh wow, I love this.....I have the most unsteady hand when writing, though! I would have to have the husband help out:) btw that handwriting is fabulous

    1 year ago

  • EnglishShop

    EnglishShop says:

    Needs to be learned ...

    1 year ago

  • trillity

    trillity says:

    AMAZING IDEA!!!

    1 year ago

  • AnnTig

    AnnTig says:

    Wonderful tutorial! Thank you and Merry Christmas from AnnTig Jewelry!

    1 year ago

  • bhangtiez

    bhangtiez says:

    what a fun project...& u'r grandfathers is adorable! Thank u for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • BlueDayDesigns

    BlueDayDesigns says:

    Wow - it sounds like quite a few Estians are going to give this a go. I would LOVE to see what you come up with (feel free to e-mail any photos to me!!) I guess this is the kind of idea that can be taken in different directions - from using love letters to children's scribbles. Thanks to those who commented on how detailed the tutorial was, I really wanted to make it very do-able. (Julie In Charge was very helpful too!)

    1 year ago

  • BonTons

    BonTons says:

    Great tutorial, thanks for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • talktothesun

    talktothesun says:

    thank you for the inspiration!! lovely work!!

    1 year ago

  • vivikas

    vivikas says:

    Cool, thanks for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • Snowdon

    Snowdon says:

    Fantastic tutorial, I absolutely love handlettering, this is extra special as it's so personal, thank you!

    1 year ago

  • FancyCuts

    FancyCuts says:

    I'm going to try this with my little grandaughter's notes and messages that she mails to me.... great idea.

    1 year ago

  • 2hawks2fishes

    2hawks2fishes says:

    Great idea. So sweet.

    1 year ago

  • JazzGreen

    JazzGreen says:

    what a great tutorial - thank you for the step-by-steps...

    1 year ago

  • Simag

    Simag says:

    BB E A U T I F U L L L L Love this tutorial!! Thanks for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • iMariStol

    iMariStol says:

    O my chicken socks! I just learned more from you, about my Photoshop Elements program, than all of the booOoring books that I have tried to learn from. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! Hugs, Maris Write a book?

    1 year ago

  • FrenchGirlOrganics

    FrenchGirlOrganics says:

    this is such a lovely way to capture a moment in time -- really appreciate your sharing this with us and we intend to put it to good use -- merci!

    1 year ago

  • BlueDayDesigns

    BlueDayDesigns says:

    LOL - thanks iMariStol, I never learnt much from those books either. I always felt my eyes starting to droop after a page!

    1 year ago

  • thoughtfullyadorned

    thoughtfullyadorned says:

    Oh this is such a cool idea! I love the idea of having writing of a special someone stenciled on your wall. Love this tutorial-thanks!

    1 year ago

  • henry9905

    henry9905 says:

    fabulous, thank you

    1 year ago

  • thefamilyjewels3
  • Stellaoils

    Stellaoils says:

    Wonderful! I have always thought that handwritting or the effect of, creates a personal effect!

    1 year ago

  • FreshyPhotoArts

    FreshyPhotoArts says:

    Emma -- I absolutely love this and thanks so much for the tutorial! I love using unique & artistic ways to preserve and showcase my kids' creativity and development.

    1 year ago

  • Chopstik

    Chopstik says:

    I love this idea! My 5 year old daughter writes us little notes everyday!

    1 year ago

  • juliacakevintage

    juliacakevintage says:

    So great! I don't yet have PhotoShop (I'll have it soon), so I will have a lot to learn with that program. My mother will absoultely love me when I do this with my late grandfathers letters. Blessings!

    1 year ago

  • StudioCherie

    StudioCherie says:

    so cute. What a fun idea

    1 year ago

  • rule42

    rule42 says:

    this is awesome, thanks!

    1 year ago

  • Jenniferjoan44

    Jenniferjoan44 says:

    Awesome!my best friend is getting marries so I think I'm gonna do this with her wedding vows

    1 year ago

  • sissysparrows

    sissysparrows says:

    Fabulous Tutorial... thank you for sharing with us all. Can't wait to give it a try!

    1 year ago

  • ionesAttic

    ionesAttic says:

    clever idea, precise presentation!

    1 year ago

  • BasahanAlit

    BasahanAlit says:

    Thank your for sharing :)

    1 year ago