{"id":2971,"date":"2023-04-04T09:08:39","date_gmt":"2023-04-04T13:08:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/?p=2971"},"modified":"2023-04-23T18:55:14","modified_gmt":"2023-04-23T22:55:14","slug":"your-own-handwriting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/your-own-handwriting\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Own Handwriting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you ever flipped through some of your mom\u2019s old recipes and just loved seeing her handwriting on those cards?  Do you cherish seeing your dad\u2019s handwriting on letters he sent to mom?  Do you ever want to leave your own legacy in your scrapbooks that make them even more personal?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping our memories through scrapbooking is one of the main reasons that most people scrapbook.  But the written word in our journaling can be just as visually powerful as the photos themselves.  When we use our own handwriting, instead of some random font we got off the Internet, it leaves behind a part of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve tackled placing photographs and some basic decorations, the next thing you should be looking at is trying to use your own handwriting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Incorporating letters, drawings and other handwritten journaling into digital layouts is truly wonderful.  And digitally capturing drawings and handwriting of our little ones is a wonderful way to keep those precious memories safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note:<\/strong> If you\u2019d like more details about the featured image above you can find them in my gallery here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step #13: Incorporating Real Handwriting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In last week\u2019s post about journaling<\/a><\/strong>, I promised I\u2019d give you tips on how to incorporate real handwriting in scrapbook layouts.  So here we go\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In traditional scrapbooking that\u2019s pretty easy.  You just write your words either directly on the layout or on a separate piece of paper (mat) that can be mounted on the page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With digital scrapbooking, things aren\u2019t quite that simple.  But it can still be accomplished.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"The<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Start with a piece of plain white paper (preferably without lines).  Don\u2019t use a heavy bond or one with any kind of texture.  Simple, home-use printer paper will work great.   Then using a black ink pen with a medium to heavy point (but not too heavy) just write your journaling.  A piece of advice here\u2026write (or even type \u2013 good for spell checking) your words beforehand so you can wordsmith the story prior to writing on the final paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And before you panic about writing on unlined white paper there\u2019s a trick for that.  I, even before doing digital layouts, created my own solution.  I just took a piece of standard notebook paper and drew over the lines (using a ruler) with a black \u201cSharpie\u201d pen.  I then placed that sheet under my clean white paper.  This allowed me to see the lines well enough to follow them as I wrote on the unlined paper.  Problem solved!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capture The Written Word<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Scan the handwritten page using a high-resolution setting of 300 dpi.  Save the scanned page as a jpg\/jpeg file rather than a PDF.  If you don\u2019t have a scanner, you can take a picture with your phone (or camera).  Just be sure to use good (preferably natural) light and good focus trying to eliminate as much shadow as possible.  I\u2019m using a scanned version of one of my mother\u2019s old cookie recipes.  It\u2019s featured on the layout at the top of the post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know\u2026it\u2019s not on white paper and it has all the lines & other \u201cbackground\u201d imaging.  But there\u2019s a \u201cmethod to my madness\u201d, as they say.  Sometimes you may want to capture something handwritten by someone else that isn\u2019t on white paper.  And what I\u2019m about to show you will fix all of that.  It\u2019s just easier if we start with plain black & white whenever we can.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Old<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Preparing The Image<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With the handwritten document now uploaded to your computer, open the image in your graphics editor.  The rest of what I explain is done using Photoshop Elements (PSE).  If you don\u2019t use PSE, I\u2019m fairly certain you can accomplish the same in whatever software you are using.  And if you need more help, I know there are a variety of online tutorials.  Just search for tutorials specific to your software. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your initial image is perfectly white & black, you can generally skip this step.  If like me you\u2019re using something else (like an old recipe card) you can make some adjustments.  So, select Layer> New Adjustment Layer> Threshold.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Adjustment<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It\u2019s fine to keep the default layer name for this step so just click OK.  Now you\u2019ll see the Threshold level adjustment box.  You can either slide the \u201cbutton\u201d or simply increase\/decrease the number itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjusting the threshold level will turn the image to black and white (no grey, no color).  Be careful not to set the threshold so high that the words get so thick\/fuzzy that letters start to \u201cfill in\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Adjusting<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

I was happiest using a threshold of 177.  I could have gone a bit higher but it started to get too closed in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice that there are still some unwanted blemishes\/lines on the image, those can easily be cleaned up later using the spot healing brush, clone tool or brush tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Save the image under a different name so as to preserve the original scanned image as a backup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extracting The Image<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With the \u201cthreshold adjusted\u201d version of your image open, make the necessary touch ups to any remaining blemishes and re-save the document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next create a new transparent document that is slightly larger than your handwriting sample.  Select File> New> Blank File and choose Transparent for the background contents and the height\/width based on what you need then click OK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next drag your handwriting sample from the Photo Bin onto the new transparent document.  Click on the handwriting sample layer to select it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes it helps to adjust the contrast.  If you need to make this adjustment, press Ctrl+L (Mac: Command+L) to get the Levels dialog box.  I recommend that you leave the \u201cChannel\u201d at the default setting.  Then move the right and left sliders under the histogram inward slightly, which will make the black blacker and the white whiter. You generally don\u2019t need to move the middle slider.  Click OK.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Adjust<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Make the necessary adjustments and re-save the document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, select the Magic Wand tool.  Check the Options Bar to make sure that Contiguous is not checked.  Also ensure that Anti-Aliasing IS<\/em> checked.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Selecting<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Next, click once on the background surrounding the text. This creates a selection which looks like marching ants around the text (and the background).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s hard to see in the image below.  Depending on the device you\u2019re using to view this page you may be able to see a larger version by tapping\/selecting the image below.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Marching<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Now, press Delete or Backspace on your keyboard to delete the background.  And there\u2019s the handwriting with no white background.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Background<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Sometimes a bit of the white background may cling to the words.  If that happens, press the letter D to ensure your Color Chips are set to black and white.  Then press Alt+Shift+Backspace (Mac: Opt+Shift+Delete) to fill the words with black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, save the handwriting sample as a PNG file to preserve the transparency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now you know how to use your handwriting and your creativity to create custom designs with text.  Try creating personalized, handwritten titles or handwritten journaling.  Capture sample text from your child\/grandchild at each age.  Include a letter from a loved one in their own handwriting.  You can even use the text from immigration documents, deeds, letters to Santa or passport information to create one-of-a-kind background papers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you\u2019ll take the time to experiment with capturing your handwriting.  And if you get lost or too confused, please don\u2019t hesitate to \u201cMessage Me<\/a><\/strong>\u201d.  I\u2019ll certainly do whatever I can to assist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create A Font From Your Handwriting<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Convert<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Have you ever wished you could turn your handwriting into a font?  There are at least a few tools around that can take your own writing and turn it into a usable font.  It doesn\u2019t take long and as long as you can write legibly, it can produce a nice, quality font for almost any use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a number of websites that offer to turn your handwriting into a font but one of the most common ones is Calligraphr (formerly MyScriptFont).  It isn\u2019t the only service of its kind out there, but it does make short work of this process.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will first need to register with the site, but after that you can create as many fonts as you\u2019d like (at least that\u2019s what it says today).  There are some limitations to the free version: limited to 75 characters, no ligatures (glyphs), and other limits.  If you find that the free version doesn\u2019t suit your needs you can upgrade to the Pro version (currently $8.00 monthly or $4.00 per month with a six-month upgrade).  All pricing is in USD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All you will need is a printer, a scanner and a good ball point pen for this to work.  The website does everything else.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Calligraphr\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Just navigate to Calligraphr by clicking here<\/a><\/strong>.  Once you have registered, just create your template.  The site has a nice little tutorial that will help you do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then download your template, complete all the boxes in your own handwriting (cursive or printing) and scan it.  Then all you have to do is upload the template and let Calligraphr do its thing.  It will digitize your handwriting and turn it into a font file ready for you to download.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A couple tips.  When printing the template, make sure to use portrait format.  Complete it using a good quality black pen and make sure all letters are clear and legible.  Practice a few lines to get yourself warmed up.  Writing out your alphabet cold turkey often leads to a bit of stress when things don\u2019t seem to line up.  But don\u2019t overthink your writing, either.  Just be casual in how you write your letters and think of them as flowing out of your hand, even though the letters aren\u2019t connecting to each other. When scanning, make sure it is 300dpi and no larger than 4000 x 4000 pixels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Single Most Important Tip About Using Real Handwriting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s truly a treasure to capture real handwriting of our own or our loved ones.  Even if you don\u2019t feel like creating your own font, please do find a way to capture your handwriting.  You don\u2019t have to do it all the time.  But I know your loved ones will enjoy seeing your, or their own handwriting in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks for stopping by the blog for another edition of the Tuesday Tip series.  <\/em>If you like what you\u2019ve been reading click \u201cFollow Me<\/a><\/strong>\u201d to stay updated for more\u2026and until next time, \u201cHappy Scrapping!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Stay<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Have you ever flipped through some of your mom\u2019s old recipes and just loved seeing her handwriting on those cards?  Do you cherish seeing your dad\u2019s handwriting on letters he sent to mom?  Do you ever want to leave your own legacy in your scrapbooks that make them even more personal? Keeping our memories through scrapbooking is one of the main reasons that most people scrapbook.  But the written word in our journaling can be just as visually powerful as…<\/p>\n

Read More Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2984,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"0","landing_page":"","tag":"0","restrict_content":""},"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2971","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tuesday-tip-day"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2971","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2971"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2971\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2984"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2971"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2971"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2971"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}