How do you...

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

make words or letters that look like diecuts? I've seen them used a lot in layouts (as a header, etc.). I've seen many in cursive and many using a childs name, etc. so I know they were likely not purchased that way. It seems it would be VERY hard to get them looking so perfect by way of template and exacto. I can't even perfect a simple block letter with an exacto. An example of this is a layout titled golden over at twopeas (posted within the last 24 hours).

Thanks

 

[grover]

I had someone here do a title for one of my swaps-it was awesome!! She used the disney font to write Disney, it is a cursive font. She printed it off and then used her exacto knife to cut it out! And she double matted it this way! So it has a black,red and white layer, it looks sooo good but a lot of work I am sure! Not sure if there is a easier way to do it!

Grover in Winnipeg

 

[Timon]

Once you get some practice with your exacto knife, it's really not that difficult but it IS time consuming. Just pick a nice cursive font and print out your title in MS Word, using Word Art to color it or just type it then print it out and cut it. Use scissors for as much as you can to cut it out then use your exacto knife for the rest. It just takes TIME and PATIENCE!

Tip: cut out the gaps in your letters first before you start cutting the rest EX: In the letter O, cut out the inner o part before you cut the outside edges.

Here's an example from my cruise...I am assuming that this kind of title is what you mean...

I used Word to print out Serenity Bay (I think I used Mistral font?)and then I cut it out. You can also glue your letter to a different shade of cardstock and cut around that to have some nice looking matting for your title.

Good luck!

 

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

See there are so many things about this computer that I am unaware of. I really should take a computer course sometime. I had no idea that word art even existed and was wondering how people were getting their fonts so thick and big. I thought they had special fonts. So I figured it out and am almost done cutting out the words beautiful, small and wonderful (all things bright and beautiful, small and wonderful...). I've got to say that I NEED a new exacto knife. My husband gave me this one and he used it a lot when he worked on slot cars, so the blade is very dull. My friend informed me that a sharp blade really makes all the difference. I'm not TOO disappointed with this outcome, so I think I'll be very pleased with the result once I get a new knife.

Once again, THANKS for the lesson

 

[BevS97]

do you know about reversing the font in Word Art, so that when you cut it out all the lines are on the back?? That helps a lot.

I find a sharp blade in the knife and an exacto knife really helps. I also do a lot with my microtip scissors.

In both cases, I try and move the paper, rather than the blade, as it seems to be smoother that way.

when you are first starting, it helps to choose an easy font - one with straightish lines, and quite chunky. Also individual letters are easy than a cursive word for starting out - because if you make a mistake you can always cut another letter out, rather than having to start again.

Saying all that, I don't think I could manage Serenity Bay - that's gorgeous, what a great job Timon!

Bev

 

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

Hi again Bev

I wanted to say that I was thinking just that! Wished there was a way to flip the letters so the rough edges were on the reverse side. Now I'll definitivly have to give it a try. Thanks for the tip!

 

[BevS97]

Tammy,

after you are happy with your word in Word Art - go to Draw, then select Rotate /Flip, Flip Horizontal, and it will print it out backwards. Just remember to put patterned paper in the printed upside down! (so it prints on the back)

Bev

 

[Timon]

Bev, thanks for the compliment! I am sure with a lot of patience, anyone can do any kind of lettering! I flip my letters when they are big and chunky but usually when they are cursive, I find it easier to cut out when they are printed forward, the correct way.

My first attempt was on my yummy food page and I surprised myself there! YUMMY is very small and cursive but it turned out pretty good.