The Written Word Lettering e-Book

e Wri en Word Digital Compilation

by Somerset Studio

60+

PAGES OF INSPIRATION

journaling

Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling. You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

MAKING A POINT Sometimes what we are feeling or thinking can be summed up in one powerful word. Well, what better way to make a point than to turn that word into art? Tanyalee Kahler used a mixture of media and tools to pen the same word repeatedly on her journal page, and the effect is both visually striking and emotionally resounding.

More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2015 Issue of Art Journaling.

To learn more about Tanyalee Kahler, visit drawingboardau.com.

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Spring 2016

WO RD S OF WHI MSY A whimsical approach is a great way to turn your writing into a work of art. Here, Mary Brack played with size, color, and spacing to create words that seem to move across the page. An effective final touch is the curlicue inside each letter “O,� inspiring the reader to doodle a few of their own thoughts as well.

More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2015 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Mary Brack, visit mewithmyheadintheclouds.blogspot.com. artjournalingmagazine.com

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F E E L ING B LU E With so many colors at our fingertips, it can be hard to limit our choices, but there’s no denying that a monochromatic journal page can be beautiful. Ella Wilson extends the blue theme of her journal page to her writing, filling in the spaces with bold pools of blue. While her writing is the simple script that fills her everyday, the pops of color make it truly something special.

More from this art journal can be found in the Spring 2015 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Ella Wilson, visit ellasedge.blogspot.com.

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WA S HED WIT H COLOR Watercolors allow us to re-create the soothing colors found in nature. For a serene background for your writing, it doesn’t get much easier than a simple swipe of watercolor.

Here, Lindsay Ostrom penned her stylized letters atop a few blue- and green-toned brushstrokes. The results are words that look like they’re floating in a crisp mountain stream.

More from this art journal can be found in the Summer 2015 Issue of Art Journaling.

To learn more about Lindsay Ostrom, visit lindsayostrom.blogspot.com. artjournalingmagazine.com

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THE WRITTEN WORD Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling. You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

A S TA N D - O U T S TAT E M E N T Never underestimate the power of the color white. While it might seem like too subtle a choice, Victoria LeFevre shows us here that white letters over a colorful background create a big impact. A white paint pen is a great tool for writing over color, and a little shading with black ink or paint will make the letters truly stand out.

More from this art journal can be found in the Summer 2015 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Victoria LeFevre, visit victoriasartvisions.blogspot.com.

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Winter 2016

R EPU R PO S ED SCRI PT If you love the visual impact of writing but aren’t as concerned with what the words say, this technique by Linda Arandas might be for you. Cut samples of your writing into small strips, and use the pieces to build a focal point on a journal page. The elegant curving lines create wonderful patterns, and this is a great way to use up old notes, letters, and even journal pages.

More from this art journal can be found in the Summer 2015 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Linda Arandas, visit dandelioninkstudio.blogspot.com.

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THE WRITTEN WORD

R AY S O F W R I T I N G What lettering looks like is not the only decision to make — the other question is where to place it. We’ve seen many clever places for adding bits of journaling, and this example by Ella Wilson is one of our favorites.

Ella wrote her words along rays of sunshine, adding special emphasis to the message she is conveying.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2015 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Ella Wilson, visit ellasedge.blogspot.com.

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Winter 2016

A SPIN ON SHADING Black and gray tend to be the go-to colors for adding shading to letters, but things get more interesting when the tables are turned. Here Carrie Todd penned her words in black, and she used red ink to add shading and dimension. The result is bold and hard to miss — something we’d all like to achieve in our art journals.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2015 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Carrie Todd, visit mystudio13.com.

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Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling. You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

CLEARLY VERTICAL Valerie Teele is an artist who knows the value of writing vertically. Her vertical writing complements the tall statuesque imagery on the journal page instead of cutting across it, and the words are quite legible if the viewer wishes to look a little deeper.

More from this art journal can be found in the April 2015 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Valerie Teele, visit thehalftimeshow.typepad.com and ateliervalerieann.com.

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Autumn 2015

UP & DOWN & OBSCURED A simple but effective way to add unique writing to a journal page is to write in the opposite direction. Jenny Petricek wrote vertically on her page for added interest, but then used a light coat of paint to slightly obscure her words. The interest remains but the writing becomes part of the background as opposed to the focal point.

More from this art journal can be found in the April 2015 Issue of Art Journaling. artjournalingmagazine.com

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TINY LINES, BIG IMPACT Tammy Murdock used a basic fine-tipped black pen to take her letters to the next level. The green thin block letters really pop against the vivid blue background, but it’s the tiny horizontal lines on the side of each letter that makes them truly unique. The lines not only function as shading, but they create a sense of movement on the page.

More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2014 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Tammy Murdock, visit her on Facebook (embellishstudios).

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LONG & ELEGANT In a day and age when handwriting has taken a backseat to computer-generated text, any elegantly written script is sure to catch the eye. Here Carrie Todd shows off her beautiful cursive, but she adds elongated lines at the beginning and end of each word for a dramatic effect that really fills the page.

More from this art journal can be found in the January 2015 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Carrie Todd, visit mystudio13.com.

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Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling.

You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

CURVES, CURLS & COLORS Roc Nicholas is known for her use of bright colors and striking patterns, and she employs all of the above in her writing here. Roc wrote upon gently curving lines, which adds movement to her design; the curlicues inside select letters create a playful vibe; and by coloring in certain letters, she really makes her message pop off the page.

More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2014 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Roc Nicholas, visit whatsuproc.blogspot.com.

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DOTS OF DETAIL If you want to add an interesting detail to already elegant handwriting, take a cue from Tammy Murdock and add delicate dots to your letters. Tammy added small yellow dots to select letters, which reflects the dotted motif that runs throughout her page. To draw your own dots, use a gel pen or a paint pen for the richest color.

More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2014 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Tammy Murdock, visit her on Facebook (embellishstudios).

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MIXED UP IN BLACK & WHITE Lettering is one of Lindsay Ostrom’s many talents. On this page, she highlights her various writing styles using black ink on stripes of white paint.

The contrast makes each style shine ‌ and black and white is always a classic color combination.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2013 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Lindsay Ostrom, visit lindsayostrom.blogspot.com.

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FRONT & CENTER Make a bold statement by using your writing as the focal point on your page.

Becky New wrote on a boldly bordered label, which immediately draws in the eye. To further the effect, she wrote her story upon gently sloping lines. Try this technique on a label, a die-cut, or by hand-drawing your own border.

More from this art journal can be found in the Summer 2013 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Becky New, visit glimpseart.com.

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Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling. You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

LARGE & LOUD For a lettering style that is hard to miss, take a cue from this art journal page

by Miriam Schulman. Miriam drew large block letters with simple black ink, allowing the space inside to reveal the background, and painted the surrounding area with a coordinating color.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2015 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Miriam Schulman, visit schulmanart.ning.com.

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ALONG RIVERS OF INK Some techniques have an especially artistic edge, and allowing drips of colorful ink to flow down paper is one of them. Jessica Brogan accentuated these inky rivers by writing her journaling along the lines. The result is a journal page with movement and meaning.

More from this art journal can be found in the Summer 2014 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Jessica Brogan, visit jessicaleighbrogan.com.

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HIGHLIGHTED WITH WHITE A white pen is on the must-have list of many artists for its ease and effectiveness when adding highlights to a design. Tammy Murdock used a white pen to outline and detail her red writing. The contrast between white and red makes the letters pop, and the little glimmers of white are a refreshing touch to the page.

More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2014 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Tammy Murdock, visit her Facebook page (embellishstudios).

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UPS & DOWNS One of the most unnecessary concerns art journalers deal with is trying to make their writing consistent. Who says it has to be? Here, Robyn P. Thayer penned letters that go up and down in size, and even differ in style. The lettering adds interest and emphasis that pulls you in for a closer look.

More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2014 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Robyn P. Thayer, visit studiolila.com.

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Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling.

You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

A SPLASH OF PATTERN If your journal page calls for lettering that has a little something extra, follow this example created by Jennifer Bomgardner. To complement her colorful and feminine design, Jennifer filled block letters with a soft blue color and playful polka dots.

More from this art journal can be found in the Summer 2014 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Jennifer Bomgardner, visit thepaintedflower-jennifer.blogspot.com.

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CHARACTERISTICALLY CURSIVE Everyone’s cursive writing exhibits unique traits, but why not take it a step further and make it truly one of a kind? Here, Susie LaFond penned a quote in charmingly imperfect cursive, reflecting her unique style.

More from this art journal can be found in the Spring 2014 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Susie LaFond, visit mylifeonebitatatime.blogspot.com.

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DELIGHTFULLY 3-D Creating a third dimension with nothing but a pen can be difficult, but here Jolene Eborn illustrates how to do so in two easy steps. Simply draw your letters with a broad black marker, and then highlight each using a white gel pen. The result is writing that jumps off the page.

More from this art journal can be found in the Summer 2013 Issue of Art Journaling.

To learn more about Jolene Eborn, visit joleneeborn.blogspot.com.

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CRACKLE THAT POPS By using chipboard letters to spell out her thoughts, Andrea Chebeleu is already making a bold statement in her journal. But it’s the crackle paint applied to the letters that makes this technique really pop.

Simply paint chipboard letters, allow the paint to dry, and then apply a crackle medium (following the manufacturer’s instructions).

You’ll love the result!

More from this art journal can be found in the Spring 2014 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Andrea Chebeleu, visit aworkofheart.com. artjournalingmagazine.com

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Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling.

You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

PEEK-A-BOO Art journalers are always looking for new ways to obscure what they’ve written, just in case they need to keep some thoughts more private. A great way to create some coverage without keeping it all under wraps is to cut a window through the page, providing just a peek at the writing underneath. This wonderful example was created by artist Tina Koyama.

More from this art journal can be found in the Spring 2013 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Tina Koyama, visit tinakoyama.com.

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Autumn 2014

IT’S THE INSIDE THAT COUNTS We often consider the shape, size, or color of our letters; but what about the space inside? Here, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer filled her letters with eyecatching illustrations. Follow Julie’s lead and make a statement inside your letters.

More from this art journal can be found in the Spring 2014 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, visit balzerdesigns.typepad.com.

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REINVENTING RANSOM-STYLE This technique may be associated with a criminal act, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish. By individually cutting out letters from magazine pages and piecing together her words, Roc Nicholas created a bold look for her quotes that is sure to garner attention.

More from this art journal can be found in the Summer 2013 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Roc Nicholas, visit whatsuproc.blogspot.com.

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PLAYFUL LINES Sometimes all it takes to make your writing more artistic is a playful line added here or there. Mou Saha has lovely writing, but to make it even more special she extended the lines at the beginning and end, and even in-between her words.

The result is writing that appears more elegant and more substantial on the page.

More from this art journal can be found in the Summer 2013 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Mou Saha, visit collagecollagecollage.blogspot.com.

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Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling. You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

WRITING ON RAYS Sometimes it’s not how you write but where you write that creates an impact. Michelle Gellar wrote her thoughts within painted rays radiating out from the center of the page, creating a message that literally reaches out to you.

More from this art journal can be found in the Spring 2012 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Michelle Gellar, visit michellegellar.typepad.com.

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SLIM & SUBTLE Deborah Powell used long, slender letters to add journaling to her page, resulting in writing that looks more like a pattern than words. She also used this technique with a white gel pen atop a watercolored background, leaving behind just the faintest hint of her message.

More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2009 Issue of Art Journaling.

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HEARTFELT WORDS To not only write about how you are feeling, but to make your words illustrate your emotions, follow this example by Diane Teigiser. Diane wrote with the color red to symbolize her stress, and added typed stressful thoughts that are literally bursting from her head ‌ a side effect of stress that we all can relate to.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2010 Issue of Art Journaling.

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HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT Robyn P. Thayer both concealed her journaling and incorporated it into her imagery. Painted characters cover most of her writing, yet squares of red paint allow glimpses of the words. Large, white letters add another layer and message, contributing to the complexity of her design.

More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2013 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Robyn P. Thayer, visit studiolila.com.

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Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling. You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

EMPHASIZING THE FUN If your art journal leans toward the playful side, highlight these elements with your journaling. Here, Kate Crane used her writing to outline a whimsical, collaged character, drawing attention to both her words and the image. The result amps up the fun factor and creates an unforgettable focal point.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2012 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Kate Crane, visit thekathrynwheel.blogspot.com.

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BOLD, BLACK & WHITE To make your words really pop, especially on a colorful background, write with white ink or with a white paint pen, and outline the letters with black ink. As illustrated on this journal page created by Natalie (Malik) Mutrux the contrast between the colors makes the words really jump off the page, and the journaling takes on an edgy and modern appearance.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2010 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Natalie (Malik) Mutrux, visit nataliemutrux.com.

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A FONT MADE FOR COLOR Follow Hope Wallace Karney’s lead and create your own stylish font that just begs to be colored in. Hope’s letters each contain negative space that leaves room for color, which she filled in with shades of pink to add personality and complement her journal spread.

More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2013 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Hope Wallace Karney, visit besottment.com.

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THE SCENT OF INSPIRATION For those who use their art journals for illustrations, there’s bound to be some interesting shapes just waiting to be filled in with writing. Here, Pam Carriker wrote her words within the steam rising from a hand-drawn cup of coffee. Not only does this accentuate her illustration, but it also allows the rest of the page to remain simple and uncluttered.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2010 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Pam Carriker, visit pamcarriker.com.

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Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling. You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

A BIT OF COLOR To add interest and color to your writing, vary the fonts and sizes and then revisit the letters with touches of paint. Robyn P. Thayer created this eye-catching writing using only a simple black marker and a bit of blue paint.

More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2013 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Robyn P. Thayer, visit studiolila.com.

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Winter 2014

TIME TO PLAY If colorful and fun is what you’re going for, take a cue from this journal page by Mindy Lacefield.

Mindy used a variety of writing instruments, in a variety of colors, to add her journaling, giving the page a playful, youthful vibe.

More from this art journal can be found in the Spring 2013 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Mindy Lacefield, visit timssally.com.

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ARTISTICALLY WRITTEN For a fun challenge, find a way to make your writing truly part of the artwork. Here, Sascha Schmidt journaled beneath the image of a hot air balloon, scattering the words about as if they’re falling from above.

More from this art journal can be found in the Summer 2013 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Sascha Schmidt, visit sascha-schmidt.com.

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FRAME IT To give your writing yet another purpose, use it to create a frame around your journal spread.

Chelsey Velilla painted a black frame around her journal pages, and journaled atop the frame with a white pen. This technique emphasizes both the artwork and the writing. ' More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2013 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Chelsey Velilla, visit swirlgirlstudio.blogspot.com.

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{the written word} Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling. You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

THE IN-BETWEEN On this journal page, Jill K. Berry chose the most important word to take center stage, and then filled in the spaces between with subtler yet still stylized writing. An absence of paint creates the large letters, while a thin, black pen was used to write upon the colorful background.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2010 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Jill K. Berry, visit jillberrydesign.com.

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WRITING IN THE ROUND Kate Crane is known for her use of vibrant colors, and by applying these colors in rings upon her page, she created a circular motif that carries through to her writing. Kate stitched spiraled lines atop the painted rings, and her writing playfully follows the winding path.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2010 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Kate Crane, visit thekathrynwheel.blogspot.com.

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THE THIN & THICK OF IT It’s said that variety is the spice of life, and it can sure spice up lettering too! By using a variety of thicknesses in her lettering, Carrie Todd created writing that really catches the eye. And best of all: This technique only requires a black pen or marker!

More from this art journal can be found in the Spring 2013 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Carrie Todd, visit mystudio13.com.

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WORDS ILLUSTRATED If elaborate lettering isn’t your thing, but you like to present your writing in a unique way, follow Peggy Euser’s example here. Peggy wrote within the confines of her illustration, blending her words into her design and highlighting her artwork all at once. ' More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2012 Issue of Art Journaling.

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{the written word}

journaling ART

Spring 2013

Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling. You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

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FACIAL EXPRESSION After spending the time to create a striking sketch, one might be hesitant to cover it with writing; however, as Linda Harre shows us here, a bit of writing can really enhance the expression of a face. Linda used colored ink to add a handwritten list over her pencil sketch, bringing even more attention to her illustrative talents.

More from this art journal can be found in the Summer 2010 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Linda Harre, visit studiostuffgirls.blogspot.com.

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More from this art journal can be found in the Summer 2010 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Elizabeth Bunsen, visit elizabethbunsen.typepad.com.

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ANY WHICH WAY Elizabeth Bunsen took advantage of grid on her journal page by writing within the squares. She then took her creativity a step further by writing each square of text in a different direction, adding visual as well as physical interest to the page. Elizabeth chose white ink that pops against the background and complements the brown, white, and black color scheme.

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IN GOOD FORM Artist Belinda Fireman shows us here how an illustration can provide the perfect place for writing. Using a simple black pen, Belinda documented her thoughts within her drawing, adding interest to the form and even emphasizing the perspective by writing on an angle.

The contained writing makes for a cleaner-looking page and really highlights the drawing.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2013 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Belinda Fireman, visit belindafireman.com.

Journaling. To learn more about Ingrid Dijkers, visit ingriddijkers.com.

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More from this art journal can be found in the Summer 2010 Issue of Art

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RAYS OF WRITING Ingrid Dijkers is known for her innovative art journaling techniques, and this applies to her writing as well. Ingrid created a sun across her journal spread, and used the rays as lines for writing.

The black lettering and orange lines create a vibrant pattern that fills spread and adds an element of fun, as there is now a need to rotate the journal in order to read it.

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Summer 2013

Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling. You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

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MEDITATIVE MANDALA Artist Linda Wiggen Kraft chooses to create in the form of a mandala, which is a sacred circle. Linda followed this form when she added her journaling, writing along the inside edge of the circle. Her loose, flowing script complements the page’s organic feel, and takes a supporting role to the overall design instead of attracting all of the attention.

More from this art journal can be found in the Spring 2013 Issue of Art Journaling.

To learn more about Linda Wiggen Kraft, visit creativityforthesoul.com/blog.

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More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2011 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Valerie Sjodin, visit valeriesjodin.com.

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SHAPE & SHADING Shape and color are two powerful factors in creating artistic lettering, and Valerie Sjodin achieved both with her writing. She drew wavy lines upon her journal page, and filled them in with soft shading in a green-and-yellow color scheme. Her writing takes the shape of the lines, and the colors make the entire message shine.

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BLACK & WHITE Laura Miller used black and white paint to create an intense and emotional page, applying both to the background haphazardly. In order for her writing to be seen, Laura alternated between black and white pens, using the opposite of the background color — an ingenious and eye-catching lettering technique.

More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2012 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Laura Miller, visit lauratrailsendranch.blogspot.com.

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More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2012 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Leslie Wood, visit lesliewoodarts.com.

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READING IN THE DARK In her horror-themed art journal, Leslie Wood wanted her words to pop against the dark and dreary backgrounds. To do this, she first applied white paint in small sections, and then rubberstamped her words over the paint. The result is striking, spooky, and perfectly legible.

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{the written word} Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling. You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

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Winter 2013

OUTSTANDING OUTLINES

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If you’ve got your heart set on black letters but a dark background is getting in your way, simply outline them. Here, Amber Walker used white and green pens to outline black letters on her journal page. The black letters really complement the page, and the colored inks create contrast and make them pop.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2012 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Amber Walker, visit alteredbyamber. blogspot.com.

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

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More from this art journal can be found in the Summer 2010 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Nancy Lefko, visit nancylefko.blogspot.com or mycollageart.com.

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Don’t let a fear of inconsistency keep you from adding your handwriting to a page. Blending writing of opposite styles is just the kind of touch that can make a message memorable.

Nancy Lefko chose to pair a thin, elegant script with large, dimensional, simple letters. She used the larger font to highlight key words that call attention to the quote.

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Winter 2013

SHAPE UP

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Make your writing take center stage by placing it within a shape on your journal page. Here, Dina Wakley wrote within one of her signature silhouettes, emphasizing both the shape and her writing. The shapes can be created with masks, stencils, or stamps, and the writing can be in any style you desire.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2011 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Dina Wakley, visit dinastamps.typepad.com.

ONE WITH ART

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More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2012 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Cathy Bluteau, visit cathyb.typepad.com.

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For subtle writing that can become one with the art on the page, try this lettering technique by Cathy Bluteau. Cathy formed her writing along the shape of her art — in this case a tree — using the same color as the image for an even more harmonious effect. The words are visible, but they take a backseat to the hand-painted imagery and beautiful collage work.

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Autumn 2012

Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling. You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

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SHADING & DEPTH A quick and easy technique for adding lettering to a journal page is to use preexisting letters, whether from a book, magazine, or even stickers. Here, Victoria LeFevre used letters to spell out her thoughts, but it’s the expert shading around each letter that really makes them special. Shadows and cross-hatching created with a black marker adds depth to each letter, grounding them on the page and making them pop.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2012 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Victoria LeFevre, visit victoriasartvisions.blogspot.com.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2009 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Pat Pitingolo, visit patpitingolo. blogspot.com.

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CONTINUING A COLOR SCHEME If you’re an artist who adds journaling last, consider using this technique by Pat Pitingolo. Pat kept her letters simple, but then filled them in with bold colors to complement the color scheme of the spread. White lines created first with chalk and then painted over, helped keep the words straight and add a striking burst of white against the muted background.

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WRITING OUT LOUD Block letters are a bold way to send a message, but add 3-D effects and shading and that message becomes impossible to miss. Carrie Todd transformed pink block letters into a 3-D statement by using a black marker to give them amazing depth. A subtle shaded line gives them a realistic shadow, making the letters appear as if they’re towering over the page.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2011 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Carrie Todd, visit mystudio13.blogspot.com.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2010 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Debra Cooper, visit littleblackkitty.typepad.com.

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ON RIBBONS OF WHITE What better way to get your lettering noticed than to give it a stage to stand upon? Debra Copper placed her everyday, personal handwriting over bright white lines of correction tape, making her words the center of attention on her journal page. The white lines shine on the kraft paper background, and your eyes are drawn directly to her thoughts and feelings.

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www.stampington.com

Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling — you are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

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PENNED WITH PRECISION This lettering is so well executed you may think it’s a font! But, artist Aimee Dolich penned each of these lovely letters by hand. The black ink is the perfect choice against the colorful background, and the splashes of color within the letters really complete the page’s color scheme. Mixing printed and cursive words adds interest, and colorful boxes drawn around specific words help Amy to get her point across.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2010 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Aimee Dolich, visit artsyville.blogspot.com.

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More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2010 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Pam Carriker, visit pamcarriker.com.

Spring 2012

SCALLOPED ALPHABET A wonderful way to try out a new lettering style is to create an exemplar on a journal page. Artist Pam Carriker did just that, inscribing an alphabet in her journal of simple bubble letters. The letters were drawn with black ink, and filled in with a light wash of color that complements the page. A delicate scalloped edge adds flair to the left side of each letter, highlighted by white ink to really make them pop.

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www.stampington.com

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BOLD & BEAUTIFUL Intense colors and a single silhouette act as a backdrop for these graphic black letters. Artist Dina Wakley haphazardly applied black paint through a stencil, creating letters with an artistic, edgy vibe. Layered over the color and black letters is handwriting in white ink, which not only stands out in contrast but also takes second stage to its stenciled counterpart, allowing private thoughts to be overlooked by others.

More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2009 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Dina Wakley, visit dinastamps.typepad.com.

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More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2009 Issue of Art Journaling. Donna Bauermiller welcomes email at dbauermill@aol.com.

Spring 2012

WRITTEN IN WAVES Sometimes less is more, and these simple black letters created by artist Donna Bauermiller definitely make an impact. Donna outlined each letter with black ink, and challenged herself by writing upon both sloping and straight lines. The lines dictate the size of each letter, resulting in an ever-changing flow of words and a striking visual effect.

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Summer 2012

Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of Art Journaling. You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.

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COLOR UPON COLOR For those who love color, colorful words on a colorful background are a feast for the eyes; but in order to keep those words from getting lost, a black outline is key.

Leslie Wood spent both time and patience implementing this technique, but the result is worth the effort. The simple, black ink line drawn around each letter makes the pastels really pop against the vibrant background.

More from this art journal can be found in the Autumn 2009 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Leslie Wood, visit lesliewood.typepad.com.

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More from this art journal can be found in the Summer 2011 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Natalea Kandefer, visit kandeland.typepad.com.

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EMPHASIZED ELEGANCE Words can emphasize the tone of a page, and Natalea Kandefer created the perfect lettering to match her elegant and feminine artwork. The thin, flowing script that covers the page adds movement and whimsy, and the white highlights catch your eye and bring light into the design. With nothing more than black and white pens, Natalea created words that truly shine.

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Summer 2012

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PLAYING WITH FORM Joanne Sharpe’s passion for lettering leads her to play with the style and form of words. As this journal page illustrates, Joanne adds interest to her artwork and brings attention to her words by mixing fonts. The majority of her writing is in a decorative yet subtle style, while words like “Shine” and “Create” stand out in bolder, more prominent lettering.

The bold words set the theme for the page and can be achieved with a simple black pen.

More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2012 Issue of Art Journaling. To learn more about Joanne Sharpe, visit joannezsharpe.blogspot.com.

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More from this art journal can be found in the Winter 2012 Issue of Art Journaling. To see more artwork

by A.J. Tallman, look for her on Flickr under the alias AnicaAnscott.

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THE ART OF SUBTLETY These words may seem simple and plain, but it’s the manner in which they were written that makes them special. A.J. Tallman is an artist with a lot to say, and she fills her pages with small, close handwriting. The size and proximity of her words creates two ingenious effects: The words become a design element themselves, filling the page with a unique pattern; and the small size allows for anonymity, keeping A.J.’s thoughts private unless looked upon more closely.

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