We have all had those moments in which we can’t find the right letter for our title. Maybe we used up all of one specific letter or perhaps the right color just isn’t in our stash. Digital alphabets can be the perfect solution.Digital alphabets are easy to store and can be budget friendly. Choose just the right one and it can work for you again and again. The block alphabet is one that can offer you the most advantages. It’s like having three sets of letters all in one.
When choosing a blocked letter set, look for colors and fonts that meet your style. Photoshop may allow you to alter the colors to fit your needs. To get the most from the set, choose fonts with thicker letters. At times, you may want to fussy cut letters out of the block. Thicker letters will be easier to cut and will allow you to insert paper into the negative spaces.
You will need to explore the print options available to you on your personal printer. I find it best to print my letters using the thumbnail option on my Epson printer. The letter is approximately one inch in size.
You need not print the whole set of letters. I like to have a separate file for printing to which I add only the letters I need for my title. Some digital alphas have the option of a printable PDF which also works with your punches. Remember to uncheck the button to “fill the frame” when you print. You don’t want to cut off parts of your letters.
I have said that block alphabets are like three sets of letters on one. If you are short on time, it’s easy to cut the blocks out and use them as they are directly onto your layout. If you want to get more creative, you can fussy cut the letters out of the block. You will then have a letter plus a block with a negative letter space. Fill that space with cardstock or patterned paper to transform the letters to fit your needs.
When you fussycut the letters, start with the smallest parts first. I have circled them in the example above. Make small cuts and rotate the paper as you cut.
If the letter tears, don’t fret. You can use a glue pen to glue both pieces back together. It is easiest to do this directly onto paper. When paper tears, one edge usually shows the paper core. Glue that piece down first, and then glue the other piece over it. Usually, the tear won’t show, but if it does, you can use beads, stickles or small glue to hide it.
Storing the letters is a matter of preference. It helps to know how you use your regular stash of alphabet stickers. I like to keep mine with the kits they come with or by color. I can easily do both with digital alphabets. I just copy the letter file from the kit and paste it to the Digital Alphabet folder.
Building a collection of digital alphabets can be very beneficial. You will never lack the right color or letter when it comes time to make your title. Blocked Alphabets are versatile and can offer you a speedy option when your creative time is limited. Look for fonts or colors that work with your style and decide how to store them to get the most use from you letter.
#Lucky by Christy Strickler Supplies| Patterned Paper: Crate Paper, Jenni Bowlin; Digital Letters, Journal Card: Jenni Bowlin; Flowers: Prima, Recollections; Ephemera: Jenni Bowlin; Other: Rhinestones, Billing Statements