With the proliferation of electronic communications, the fine art of writing notes and letters by hand is going by the wayside. But nothing beats the special touch of a handwritten message, especially when it’s on personalized stationery like these monogrammed notecards. Make a set for yourself or as a heartfelt gift, packaged with matching envelopes.
What you’ll need:
Computer printout of a capital letter
Cutting mat
Hobby knife
Ruler
Cardstock
Ink pad
1. Using a computer program like Microsoft Word or Photoshop, type out your desired initial. Select a font that has a good thickness to it, which will make it easier to cut out. Size it to about one inch, and move the letter to the middle of the page — you want space around it. Then print it out, preferably on cardstock.
2. To make a stencil, place the printed capital letter on a cutting mat and cut out the letter with a hobby knife like an X-Acto knife. (Be careful not to cut your fingers.) Use a ruler to help you with the straight edges. If you’re cutting out a letter that has an opening in it, e.g. an “A,” “B” or “D,” be sure to leave a small piece connecting that opening to the letter outline itself so it doesn’t fall out.
3. Cut letter-sized cardstock into four equal sections. For precise cuts, use a paper cutter or a hobby knife and ruler. These note cards will fit perfectly into an A2 (4 3/8 x 5 3/4-inch) envelope.
4. Position the stencil on the note card. Lightly tape it in place if you want to make sure it doesn’t move. Then hold an ink pad upside down and press down over the stencil. Continue to dab with the ink pad until the letter is filled in with ink. Remove the stencil to reveal your monogram. Don’t worry if some ink has seeped under the stencil — the imperfection adds to the artisan feel.
Jonathan Fong is the author of “Flowers That Wow” and “Parties That Wow,” and host of “Style With a Smile” on YouTube. You can see more of his do-it-yourself projects at jonathanfongstyle.com.
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