How to Add Brush Lettering to Handmade Cards

Handmade cards are a beautiful way to show someone you care, and adding brush lettering can take your creations from 0 to 100 instantly. There are plenty of creative ways to incorporate brush lettering into your handmade cards and other DIY projects. 

Mega Brush Alpha Stamp Set

In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and tricks for adding brush lettering to your handmade cards, from using sentiment stamps to experimenting with water-based brush pens. Plus, we’ve got a brand-new online class that focuses on brush lettering and how you can add it to any of your paper crafting projects. Let’s get started!

What is brush lettering?

Brush lettering is also known as modern calligraphy because of its similarity to this ancient writing style. It consists of a downward stroke, which is done with a heavy pressure, and an upward stroke, which is done with a light pressure.

6 Easy Ways to Add Brush Lettering to Your Handmade Cards

1. Use alphabet stamps or sentiment stamps with a calligraphy font.

One easy way to add brush lettering to your handmade cards is by using sentiment or alphabet stamps with a calligraphy font. These stamps are designed to mimic the look of hand-lettered calligraphy, making it easy to add a professional-looking touch to cards, scrapbook layouts, journal pages, and other DIY crafts. Here are some of our fan-favorite sentiment stamps with a calligraphy font.

• Mega Brush Alpha Stamp Set
• Calligraphy Alpha Stamp Set
• Thank You Builder Stamp Set
• Just Because Builder Stamp Set

Simply ink up the stamp with your chosen color, press it onto your card, and voila! You have a beautiful brush-lettered sentiment without any of the hassle of actually hand-lettering it yourself. The best thing about it? Nobody needs to know you didn’t do actual brush lettering! Your secret is safe with us. *wink*

What is calligraphy? 

Calligraphy is an ancient writing style that dates back thousands of years and is rooted in various cultures such as Chinese, Arabic, etc. This writing style uses special tools and techniques to create beautiful letterforms that emphasize artistic expression and the aesthetics of writing. Throughout history, it has been used for religious texts, official documents, and decorative art.

2. Experiment with different brush pens.

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, consider experimenting with water-based brush pens. These pens are perfect for creating bold, vibrant brush lettering on your cards. Here are some of our highly recommended brush pens for brush lettering.

• Islands of Fiji Dual-Tip Brush Pens
• Zanzibar Dual-Tip Brush Pens
• Hawaiian Shores Dual Tip Pens
• Tahitian Terrace Dual Tip Pens
• Watercolor Brush Markers
• Metallic Watercolor 14 Pan Set

Just Because Builder Stamp Set

To use them, simply apply pressure to create thick downstrokes and release pressure for thin upstrokes, just like you would with a traditional paintbrush. The water-based ink also allows you to blend and layer easily, so you have even more creative freedom when adding brush lettering to handmade cards.

What to use for brush lettering?

For beginners in brush lettering, it’s easy to get sucked into the world of brush lettering pens and markers. Fortunately, you don't need an extensive collection of expensive or fancy brush pens to get started. A few good-quality, dual-tipped brush pens are all you really need to begin your journey. Of course, if your budget allows, you can certainly invest in higher-end, branded options. Ultimately, it's all about finding what works best for you!

3. Add brush lettering to envelopes.

Don't limit your brush lettering to just the inside of your card—consider personalizing the envelope as well! Adding hand-lettered addresses or names to the front of your card's envelope is a thoughtful and personal touch that will make your handmade cards stand out. Experiment with different styles and colors to create an envelope as beautiful as the card inside.

Kristina Werner used our Metallic Watercolors to create this gorgeous brush lettering on her card’s envelope. We highly recommend giving this a try - especially on black cardstock!

4. Customize handmade cards and invitations with brush-lettered names.

For an extra special touch, customize your handmade cards and invitations with the hand-lettered names of the recipients.

The next time you create DIY wedding invitations, birthday cards, or thank you notes, add the recipient's name in beautiful brush lettering - either on the card front, inside, or on the envelope. If hand-lettering each name feels daunting, you can always use any of our alphabet sentiments with calligraphy fonts (mentioned above).

5. Try “freehand” brush lettering your sentiments.

If you're feeling confident in your brush lettering skills, why not try freehand lettering your handmade card's sentiments? We know it can be a bit intimidating, but you can always practice on a piece of paper before trying it on your actual card front. This gives you more creative freedom and adds a personal touch to your handmade creations.

Start by lightly sketching out your sentiment with a pencil, then go over it with your favorite brush pen. Don't worry about perfection – imperfections can add character and charm to your brush-lettered creations.

6. Trace over the stamped “brush lettering.”

If you still want to make your brush lettering look more realistic, stamp your sentiment using the Mega Brush Alpha Stamp Set (or any calligraphy-like sentiment stamp in your stash) on a piece of vellum with light gray ink. Use a brush pen to trace over the stamped letters, and voila!

Tips and Tricks for Beginners at Brush Lettering

If you're new to brush lettering, don't be intimidated! Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started:

• Practice basic strokes: Before you start with full words and phrases, spend some time practicing basic brush lettering strokes. This will help you get a feel for how the brush pen moves and how to create thin upstrokes and thick downstrokes.
• Start with simple fonts: When you're just starting out, it's best to begin with simple, easy-to-master fonts. As you gain confidence, you can start experimenting with more complex styles. Jaycee has some tips and tricks in his video tutorial at the start of this blog. 
• Use guidelines: To keep your lettering straight and consistent, consider using guidelines. You can find printable practice sheets online or create your own by drawing light lines on your paper with a ruler.
• Embrace imperfection: Remember that brush lettering is meant to have a handmade, organic feel. Embrace imperfections, and don't be too hard on yourself if your lettering isn't perfect – that's part of the charm!

If you’re up for it, sign up for our upcoming Artful Brush Lettering Class with Lhey Ralston (aka Mommy Lhey Designs)! There’s so much in store for you in this exciting new online class focused on brush lettering for paper crafters, including specially curated class kits with never-before-seen products designed by Mommy Lhey! Learn more here.

BONUS IDEAS!

Here are a few more fun and easy ideas to add faux brush lettering to your handmade cards.

• Cover your card front with any colorful patterned paper from your stash. 
• Choose a sentiment with a calligraphy-ish font and stamp it onto the patterned paper.
• You can even go extra by stamping the sentiment in gold pigment ink.

• Use a sentiment die with a calligraphy-ish font.
• Die cut it once out of any colored cardstock and a piece of black cardstock.
• Adhere them together, offsetting the black die-cut a bit to give the top die-cut a shadow.
• You can also use white instead of black cardstock.

Add Brush Lettering to Your Handmade Cards with These Tips!

Adding brush lettering is a wonderful way to sprinkle some creativity and personality into each handmade card. Whether you're using alphabet and sentiment stamps, experimenting with water-based brush pens, or trying freehand lettering, there are endless opportunities to make your DIY cards truly unique. Remember to practice, enjoy the process, and embrace the imperfections! Go ahead and grab your favorite brush pens and try brush lettering on your next project.

Have you tried brush lettering? Do you have other tips and tricks? Share them in the comment section below. Find more cardmaking inspiration and ideas In the Craft Room.