The ART of WordArt

The ART of Word ART….

by Betsy Burnett

So you see the files…you think they look cool…but you don’t have a clue as what to do with them. Word Art is a “high tech” way to add a bit of pizzazz to your layouts with out a lot of expense. Don’t let the term “high tech” fool you…once you know some basic’s it’s really quite easy to use these files to add unique decorative touches to your scrapbooking and paper crafting projects.

Before you get started let me start with a disclaimer…I am a PC user…for those of you with Mac’s…I’m sorry…my husband has tried to get me to convert…but I’m a bit stubborn when it comes to my computer so if you have any Mac tips we’ll be happy to add them to this tutorial. For PC users… you will need; a computer (naturally), a program to unzip the files, a program such as Microsoft Word, printer, and different types of paper and or cardstock, vellum etc.

First the Word Art comes in with two different formats, individual files, and a collection.

Fast and Easy

Start by saving the files to your hard drive. It comes as a zip file so you will need to extract the files before using and then save them. (Unzip tutorial) Now you can go into your photo wizard and open the file and print the collection “as is.” Make sure you chose the “full page fax” option in the printing wizard to avoid the problem of the edges being cut off. Print it on whatever medium you desire, vellum, cardstock, patterned paper, etc. If you wish to print out one individual file you can. You will need to select the image you wish to print then chose what “photo size” This will normally reduce the image size, but may cut off parts of the image depending on what size you want your Word Art.. You will need to experiment. Also you will need to remember to tell the program how many times to print the “photo” (Word Art Image) Depending on the size you chose you can print multiple images on one sheet. When finished, simply cut these out and adhere to your project.

Really it’s that easy. For those with a bit more time you can try some other things.

Getting a little “tech-y”

If you have access to Microsoft Word, start with a blank document. Go to “Insert” then choose “text box” a large box will appear that says “place text here” Take your mouse pointer and click on the box, you should see a “cross hatch” You will need to use this type of box to reformat the size of your word art. Right click on the edge of the box. A menu will appear, scroll till you see “Format text box.”

(Hint: if you don’t see the “Format text box” option you haven’t touched the edge of the box when you clicked.) Upon clicking on Format text box a screen will pop-up. You want to “fill” your box. DO NOT chose the “picture option” at the top of the box, make sure you select the picture option from the fill effects. Instead of choosing a color you want to chose “fill effects” You should see 4 options. One of them is “picture” click on this and browse to find where you stored the word art file. After clicking on the word art you wish to select. Make sure you click on “lock picture aspect” ratio.

This will allow you to resize your word art as big or as small as you desire. If you don’t see the entire Word Art image you might need to enlarge one or both sides. To reduce or enlarge the entire image, go to a corner and resize. In order to enlarge the sides or reduce/enlarge the image you will need to click and drag the mouse pointer where you desire it. After resizing, then you can print this page on your desired paper or cardstock.

After learning the basics, you can take your “Word Art” a step or two further.

A Little more“tech-y”

For those that want to experiment a bit more you can “Layer” your text boxes” Fill one with a color or pattern or even an actual “photo”, Then create a 2^nd text box for your Word Art and set it at a 50%
transparency setting. This will make your Word Art look like it’s vellum over the photo or paper. (This is great for digital layouts) You can also add lines to “border” the Word Art. As well as other fun effects. Don’t be afraid to play with the features of the program, you can always “undo”…or even start over.

Samples

The examples below were made using two text boxes with “photo fill” the first one was my picture and the smaller one was the word art. I set it at a 50% transparency to make it look like vellum then added a line border. (Due to the picture it’s a bit difficult to see the hearts in the Word Art, but hopefully you get the idea)

The 2^nd example is the same two boxes only with the Word Art with no transparency.

A little more artsy

Embossing-Some printers have ink that comes out of the printer a bit damp. If yours is one of them you can try heat embossing your Word Art. Immediately after printing, sprinkle your Word Art with embossing powder. Shake off the excess and then heat set it.

Rub-0ns-A tutorial on making your own rub-ons can be found here.

Try printing on fabric.
Run thin fabric (muslin, cotton, etc.) through a Xyron machine. I peel the fabric off and stick it on paper because my printer doesn’t like the “slippery” surface, but you might be able to get by with the Xyron paper backing.

Try printing on a transparency. This makes for a wonderful overlay on your photos. Be sure to change your printer settings to ultra glossy or something similar.

TRY???? It’s up to you. After learning a few basics, add some special paper, and your own unique personality and the Word Art will become a part of your own unique work of art.