Extraordinary Hand Lettering: Creative Lettering Ideas for Celebrations, Events, Decor & More

by Doris Wai

Are you a curious hand lettering beginner or long-time enthusiast looking to take your craft to the next level? Or are you a DIY guru or event planner wishing to breathe new life into a boring gift, event signage, or party décor? Extraordinary Hand Lettering opens your eyes to the endless possibilities in the world of creative lettering, showing you how to work with types of surfaces, such as wood, glass and acrylic, chalk, and even mirrors.
First, learn the simple tools and tricks of hand lettering essentials—cursive and basic typefaces, creating balance and composition, and how to draw letters, as well as secret tips on what words you should choose to spotlight or shadow.
Then, discover the lettering potentials of everyday items by transforming household objects or discarded items, such as old vintage mirrors, jewelry, and furniture, into a customized gift, unique decoration, quirky art piece, or stunning signage—all with the right lettering and choice of pen, pencil, or marker. For all DIY art-and-crafters, homemakers, and small business entrepreneurs, lettering is a versatile and necessary skill that can repurpose the old into something that is new, beautiful, and functional.
Finally, draw inspirations from twelve whimsical projects suited for the girlie girl, the sophisticated man, or the modern minimalist. Combine the art of lettering and upcycling crafts to bring beauty into your everyday lifestyle.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Crafts

148 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2017

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Doris Wai's work!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, the photography in this book is wonderful! Pictures are very detailed and beautifully laid out. The author, a hand lettering artist, describes in great detail the materials she uses for her hand lettering projects and provides detailed explanations of how to work on different surfaces (chalkboard, wood, glass, etc.). Specific step-by-step instructions and pictures are provided for a variety of how-to DIY creative projects.

My only complaint is that, as a beginner, more instruction on actual lettering was not really provided but the reader was simply encouraged to "practice on your own". If you've never hand-lettering before and want to learn specific lettering and alphabets, this is not the book for you to start with.

[NinaB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though informative, this book would’ve been better as a video series. It consists of step by step instructions of several projects that are beautiful, but too specific . I expected more general instructions on how to start with hand lettering, and incorporating those lessons into reader-specific projects.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really gorgeous and just fun to look at. The photography and layout is nicely done (which I think is crucial for a book about hand lettering!) Her breakdown of materials is super helpful and interesting. Out of all the lettering books I've read recently, the actual lettering in this one was my favorite. I wish she showed more of her sketches though because those were some of the best parts for me, and really got into like the basic start of her process. This book might be better for readers who have some lettering experience but don't know quite how to make their projects a reality. I love how Wai shared what materials she uses on a variety of different surfaces.

[dobbs the dog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I follow Doris Wai on Instagram and just love her work. I found the supplies list extremely helpful, and also the beginning where she talks about practicing what you're going to letter and sketching a rough draft and such. I had never thought of hand lettering as illustration before and thinking of it in that sense has helped me SO much!

[Ishaana Cherian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this read, how the concepts are described and explained so beautifully. The author also takes you through the projects, and makes it very easy to follow. I borrowed this from the library, and ended up buying a copy for my workspace. As a lettering and calligraphy artist, and absolute DIY enthusiast, this was such a great book!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can save you the trouble: use something you can erase to sketch it in and use tape for lines. But I still don't think my lettering will be as dazzling. Mostly because I probably won't do drafts or make guides.

[NayDoubleU · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for newbies

I felt like this book would be more informative to those looking to perfect that craft in letter writing. For a newbie like myself it had me feeling overwhelmed and second guessing if i even want to try

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

The list of supplies the author uses was helpful.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not necessarily so much the technical aspects of handlettering, but how to implement new and interesting projects!

[Corinnagoodwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

a little disappointing

[Kristine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is for those who are advanced in lettering. The book is beautifully photographed and contains great project ideas and tutorials however there are no actual lettering tutorials.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super sweet examples of lettering on a variety of surfaces. So talented and stylish.

[Jessica Sellers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate her ideas and her art work. It is gorgeous!!

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun to look at.

[Sadie Esplin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is perfect if you’re looking for tips on tools and lettering on different mediums. She gives great advice on lettering on different surfaces, and Creative project ideas. This is not a book to teach you HOW to hand letter, though she does go into some basics.