DIY Lettering Transfer: How To Easily Draw Words

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Learn how to create lettering for all your DIY projects

Have you ever looked at writing on homemade signs and other DIY projects and wondered how they were able to get it so neatly done? Yes, a lot of times artists and crafters use their cricuit. However, here is a very simple and easy word drawing technique that I use ALL the time to get words and lettering how I want.

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Here is a simple DIY lettering and drawing transfer technique that I use to transfer words and images quickly. I have used a version of this transfer technique for chalkboard lettering, transferring words on paper, and for lettering on our memory boxes.

DIY Project Wishlist

One day I would love to try a die-cutting machine to help out with all of my DIY art and craft ideas. For now, my simple pencil technique will have to cut it…

But, here is a link to a Cricut Explore Air 2 machine which is highly rated. I am adding one to my wishlist since I follow this page and Cricut blogger who highly recommends this die-cutting machine.

DIY Lettering Transfer Steps

1) First, find the type of lettering and font you want. Create a print out of the lettering with the exact size you need. If you need the lettering larger than a regular piece of paper, you can tape different parts together to create your longer and larger words.

2) Using a pencil or soft graphite, scribble on the back of the words making sure to cover all of the lettering. 

3) Once the graphite is on the back, flip over and use a SHARP pencil or pen to carefully trace the lettering. Pay attention to the width. The more precise you are, the better your final lettering will turn out.

4) Make sure that you have traced all parts before lifting up your paper. It is very hard to match it back up, once it is lifted.

Design your DIY Lettering and Words

5) Using sharpies, pens, colored pencils or any material you want to design your lettering. I LOVE these colored pencils! At the time of this post, these pencils were on SALE! I have not seen a price like this for a long time.

6) If needing to transfer lettering to chalkboard, like I did for my DIY Chalkboard Wall, use white chalk on the back of the lettering instead of graphite.

Check out our DIY children’s memory boxes using this drawing technique and finally get all those papers and projects organized.

DIY projects that use DIY lettering transfer technique

We would love to hear from you about your DIY projects or what you made using this DIY lettering transfer to create unique fonts and words on projects.

Here is an example of how I used this DIY lettering transfer technique to transfer words in chalk to large chalkboard paint mural.

I also transferred a drawing of one of my good friends in these DIY personalized wedding gifts. She was so happy to have such a personalized gift. No one knew that it was actually pretty easy to make using this “tracing” drawing idea.

From DIY signs to homemade cards, this simple drawing transfer idea will help you in all of your DIY projects!