How to Use Scrapbooking Fonts
Put away your pen, and stay at your computer. Digital and traditional "paper" scrapbookers use fonts as a way to tell their stories or add a bit of art to their scrapbook pages. Fonts can even help you save money on scrapbook supplies when you use your own computer to make page accents. Whether you work with fonts that your computer already has, or you download one or more of the many fonts available online, pick a font and get typing.
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Instructions
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Choose a simple, legible font for the story text, such as a typewriter or handwriting font. Digital scrapbookers can add the font directly onto the page. For paper scrapbookers, measure where you want your journaling to go, then create the appropriate-size text box in your publishing or photo-editing software. Print, crop and adhere to the layout, or print directly onto the layout itself if it fits in your printer.
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Make decorative titles. In the October 2009 edition of "Creating Keepsakes" magazine, contributing writer Tiffany Tillman recommends using "display fonts"---theme-related fonts that are meant for just a few words. Script fonts, for example, are useful for wedding and prom layouts, Tillman says.
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Turn fonts into lettering templates. Select a bold or fat font, and type your letters or numbers, adding space in between so you can cut around them. After printing and cutting, use temporary adhesive to stick the font in reverse (like a mirror image) to the back side of your cardstock or patterned paper. Cut, remove the "templates" from the back and add the characters to your page.
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Design with font "dingbats." Fonts such as "Wingdings" contain special symbols and characters that make inexpensive page accents.
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Create your own patterned paper. Using word-processing software, type until the words fill an 8½-by-11-inch page, Tillman says. Then print the paper. You can also create a digital background. Play with fonts and text that complement your story, such as words your child says or special holiday quotes.
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Experiment with text orientation and shapes to make design elements with fonts. "Scrapbooks Etc." magazine's website suggests using text-wrapping tools or shaped text boxes if your software offers those. (see reference 2)
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Tips & Warnings
Add dimension to a dingbat accent by applying a clear, epoxy sticker on top.
Although mixing fonts on a layout adds visual interest, Tillman says too many fonts makes pages look cluttered. Stick to no more than three fonts on a page.
