2015 Topic #9: Words {Challenge}

Topic 9: Words

Hi everyone, Leandra here

Over the next 2 weeks we are exploring 'words' as a crafting topic. Bit odd you may think, but for me, and I'm sure you are the same, using script, fonts, book pages, quotes, text are just some of the wonderful ways 'words' features in almost every crafty project I make.

How do you use words in your crafting projects? Do you print them out and add them to a page? Do your journal illegibly or legibly? Can you do calligraphy? Do you use quotes that might be ready made in the form of rubber stamps? Maybe you like enormous, large letters, and randomly arrange those to make a background, or perhaps its handwritten scripty-style that you prefer stamped into texture paste? What about words in a foreign langue? This list is endless!

But first, here is Darcy to announce the challenge winner for Topic 8: Sprays .

Hi everyone, Darcy here. Thanks for all your spray entries over the last 2 weeks, was great ideas you have. It has been brilliant to see how many different sprays have been used, they are definitely a firm favourite with most people. 

Sooooo, the winning name from Topic 8: Sprays..goes to... Debs from Notations of a Crafter

 To claim your £50 voucher, please email me, Darcy with your details to darcydotneedles@hotmail.com and I'll explain how you claim your prize. 

Thanks Darcy for drawing the prize winner, and well done to our latest winner Debs

So....it's Leandra back for the rest of this post to chat some more about Words. Check out the following cues for a few tips that might kick start your brain into action with this topic 

...here's this week's video...

Words can be used as a focal point. On this book cover the word is the title, emphasised by the texture in this sample.

Words can also be used cut up, sometime you might print them yourself, other times they can be cut out of magazines, or repurposed from old discarded books.

Of course, as we have seen earlier this year in the Fragile Papers Topic, the words as a feature of pages can be the focus in their own right...

This is a really fun idea, one I attempted to teach over 10 years ago, unaware of the somewhat X rated book I had unwittingly provided the class in question with!! Some had a lot of fun making slightly rude found poems, and I have never attempted to teach this concept since! LOL However, below is a somewhat tame version, I urge you to have a go at this idea. And I love how the 'poem' is so beautifully linked with the blue.

So let's move onto handwriting... this is an example of a somewhat unexpected use of script, it adds wonderful interest to an area the is usually not covered with font. That contrast works beautifully in this example.

The example below was a technique I learned years ago from watching Teesha Moore. She would draw random lines, somewhat wobbly ones, and then fill the lines with printed style handwriting using a mix of upper and lower case letters. If you hate your handwriting, this technique is a good one. I think any handwriting looks good done this way! On this example, the creator has taken it a step further and used a different font style on each line. Again, try this, its easier than you think.

This is a beautifully simple idea, but so effective. Handwriting, positive and negative and colour used to great effect.

Calligraphy is fantastic if you can master it! It takes a lot of practise, but can be a fabulous tool if you master this skill. I love the addition of colour to the calligraphy below.

Another example of calligraphy...

We would love you to join in with the 2 week challenge for Topic 9:Words. 

Feel free to join in and share your ideas and link up your creativity to this page.

All links go in the draw to win a voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Words link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, May 24th, winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.

1. The challenge is a chance for you to show how you have been inspired by a particular technique of the fortnight. Your entry should contain:

- a mention of which post inspired you and why, and 

- a link in your blog post to that original post on the PA blog.

The whole concept of this challenge is 'play along with us'. You are encouraged to put your own twist on ideas you see on our blog. We love to see how you are inspired!

2. The link you put on our linky page must lead directly to the specific post on your blog where you have explored the technique/ idea mentioned in point 1 above. Don't link to the home page of your blog, or we will be unable to find the post to leave you comments.

3. Spam links will be deleted.

4. We prefer your challenge post is created exclusive to our challenge, but if our topic fits perfectly with another challenge, then of course your post may link to both if you feel it is appropriate.

5. You are most welcome to use stamps/ products/ substrates you have to hand from a variety of companies, we do not expect you to exclusively use PA products - it's lovely when you do though!

6. You can enter as many times as you like in the fortnight. We don't want to restrict your creativity or participation! Link closes at 17:00 Sunday May 24th (London Time)

7. The winner of the random draw will receive a £50 credit to be redeemed on the PaperArtsy Website, the credit includes VAT and postage. We request that one of your purchases is an A5 rubber stamp. You can add any other items to your basket, but the final total should not exceed £50

8. Each Sunday fortnight the winner will be announced at 19:00, also, in the same post, the link for the next fortnight will be posted. It's your responsibility to claim your prize coupon from Darcy: email her darcydotneedles@hotmail.com

Good Luck! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!