Learn how to easily draw words for all your DIY projects
Have you ever looked at the 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 circuit. However, here is a very simple and easy word drawing technique that I use ALL the time to draw words and lettering how I want.
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This simple DIY lettering and drawing transfer technique is one that use often to transfer words and images quickly. I have used a version of this transfer technique for chalkboard lettering, transferring words on paper, and 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 to get easy do-it-myself lettering 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.
Why use this drawing technique?
If you want to save time, then this is just a different way to do so. It is kind of like tracing but the opposite because you are pushing the graphite or the chalk onto the surface. By using a printout of the font of your choosing you are able to get a more professional look and easily be able to control the spacing. Trust us, when the spacing is messed up, people notice.
Easiest Way To Get Lettering
Do It Yourself Lettering

Easily transfer any font so that you can add words and saying to your next DIY project.
Materials
- Print out of font or saying
- Other drawing or painting material
Tools
- Pencils
- Drawing paper or wood
Instructions
- Find the type of lettering and font you want. Create a printout 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.
- Using a pencil or soft graphite, scribble on the back of the words making sure to cover all of the letterings.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
This is a great method for transferring sayings to signs or for homemade invitations and cards.
Easily Design Your DIY Lettering and Words
Use 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.

What about DIY chalkboard lettering?
Instead of using graphite on the back of the text, rub white chalk. Then tape your lettering on the chalkboard wall and still use a pencil to trace the lettering. Remove the lettering printout and retrace the letter with chalk markers or chalk in the color of your choosing. We plan to add sayings soon to our kid’s DIY Chalkboard Wall.
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. You can see how I used a similar technique to get a drawing for 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.

Our Related DIY Art ideas
5 Easy Homemade Holiday Card Ideas
DIY Baby Helmet Design Idea (use this exact method to sketch out image)
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Kerri
Friday 5th of April 2019
What a clever idea! I hate the price of graphite paper! Cant wait to use this idea!
Christina
Friday 5th of April 2019
Going to have to try this for my bullet journal, thanks!
Erin
Tuesday 9th of April 2019
Hi Christina! Thanks for visiting our site. I would love to hear how the DIY letter transfer went in your bullet journal!
maita
Friday 8th of March 2019
wow! i have not yet done this kind of craft but because you made it look so easy, i'm interested now to give it a try :)
Michelle gibbs
Sunday 21st of April 2019
Some great ideas that I will be giving a try. Thank you
Andrea
Friday 8th of March 2019
Such a cute idea. I never DIY any lettering because I didn't know how. Your tutorial makes want to try it now. ;)
Erin
Friday 8th of March 2019
Hey Andrea! Awesome and you should go for it. I am glad we inspired you. This method also works well for image transfer. Just be very precise when tracing things. Have fun being creative.