“Chalkboard” Lettering Photoshop Tutorial January 27 2015, 0 Comments

Recently, a friend asked how to create a custom chalkboard-look print for framing. She wanted to make a “where we’ve lived” keepsake that has the hand-made look of chalk art without the mess. Here’s an easy way to achieve the effect if you know a little about Photoshop but are intimidated by lettering.

Create a new document in Photoshop. Mine is 1200x1200 pixels. Fill the document with dark grey. I used #1e2228 (R: 30, G: 24, B: 40). This becomes your background layer.

TMI: Keep in mind that your document should be sized appropriately for your final output. If you are making an image for the web or email, use pixel measurements and a resolution of 72. For a printed document, use inches (or centimeters) and a resolution of 300. RGB color mode is fine while you work, but printed documents may require changing the mode to CMYK as a last step. Ask your production facility or printer for details.

Copy and paste an image you want to trace, which creates a new layer. For best results, use a gif or png file with a transparent background. Resize the image as desired.

Create a new layer. This becomes your chalk outline layer. Pick a "chalk"-like brush. Mine is "Pastel on Charcoal Paper." The default size is 63, but mine is 15. Trace the image.

Hide the layer with the image you traced, and repeat steps 3 and 4 for any other shapes. You also can do this with text by typing a word, choosing a typeface, and tracing it on a layer above.

Add some freehand embellishments and hand-lettering.

For a more realistic look, "erase" some chalk: With the eraser tool selected, specify the "Dry Brush Tip Light Flow" brush and set the size to 60. Make sure the opacity is 100%. Sparingly delete areas to mimic an erased chalkboard.

Save and enjoy. To create a file to use on the web, go to File > Save for Web. Specify the desired size and format, then click Save. This generates a flat file (with no layers), ideal for web use. To create something adequate for printing or other production, flatten the file and Save As... a tif, jpg, or png. For more details of web versus print output, see "Understanding DPI, Resolution and Print v. Web Images” at Vsellis.

DIY: Industrial “Brushed Metal” Letter Sign December 03 2013, 0 Comments

One of my long-term home projects is incorporating lettering throughout the space. When I stumbled upon Life as a Thrifter’s “Knock-Off Anthropologie Letters” tutorial, I decided to do something similar for my son’s room.

TOOLS/SUPPLIES

• Dropcloth: A broken-down cardboard box works. Cost: free.
• Lightweight wood or paper composite letters: I used Hobby Lobby 8" papier maché letters. They are surprisingly sturdy, stylish, and inexpensive. Cost: $2.50/each.
• A can of metallic spray paint: I used Krylon Premium Metallic in Original Chrome after debating between that color and Sterling Silver for way too long. Cost: $5.99.
• Aluminum foil
• Black acrylic paint: For easy cleanup, be sure to use water-soluble acrylic. I used Anita’s brand. This project requires very little paint. Cost: about $1.00.
• 1/2" paintbrush: The size isn’t too important. In a pinch, a cheapy sponge brush, paper towel, or even finger works. Cost: about $1.00.
• 3M Command strips: Cost: about $4.00 for 8.

METHOD

Space the letters a couple of inches apart on the dropcloth.

Lightly spray-paint the letters. Let dry for about 10-15 minutes, depending on your climate, and spray again for better coverage. Let dry completely and repeat with the backs if desired.

Crumple up a bit of aluminum foil and scuff the painted surfaces. You can lightly scrape in one consistent direction for a brushed-metal look or go all over the place like I did for a more distressed feel.

Dry-brush a bit of black paint onto each letter. The best look is achieved by “staining” areas that normally would wear or get dirty with age--grime accumulates in corners and on edges.

Be sure to compare the letters side-by-side to maintain a consistent look.

Once dry, place the letters on a bookshelf or another home spot and walk away from them for a bit. Come back with fresh eyes and make any desired adjustments.

To hang vertically stacked like I did: Estimate the height of the sign. Level the bottommost letter and adhere to wall with 3M Command strips. Once the first character has been hung, stack and stick the rest. Voilà!