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The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering: Create and Develop Your Own Style - INCLUDES 3 BUILT-IN CHALKBOARDS
Say it with chalk! Learn the art of hand-drawn chalk lettering from an Etsy superstar in a book complete with chalkboards!
Ubiquitous at boutiques and cafés, on Etsy and Pinterest, in stationery and home decor, the art of chalk lettering is hotter than ever. Valerie McKeehan, an Etsy standout, teaches us everything we need to know to create gorgeous hand-drawn chalk designs.
In over 60 lessons, learn the ABCs of lettering (literally) and basic serif, sans serif, and script. Next, how to lay out a design, combine various styles into one cohesive piece, and add shadows and dimension. Master more advanced letter styles, from faceted to ribbon to “vintage circus.” Use banners, borders, flourishes. And finally, 12 projects to show off your newfound skills, including a Winter Wonderland Snow Globe; a smartphone-themed birthday card to text friends and family; a one-of-a-kind party invitation to create, photograph, and mail; and a bake sale sign guaranteed to put everyone who sees it in the mood for a cupcake!
The book is also a practice space, with three foldout “chalkboards”—the inside cover and foldout back cover are lined with blackboard paper.
Ubiquitous at boutiques and cafés, on Etsy and Pinterest, in stationery and home decor, the art of chalk lettering is hotter than ever. Valerie McKeehan, an Etsy standout, teaches us everything we need to know to create gorgeous hand-drawn chalk designs.
In over 60 lessons, learn the ABCs of lettering (literally) and basic serif, sans serif, and script. Next, how to lay out a design, combine various styles into one cohesive piece, and add shadows and dimension. Master more advanced letter styles, from faceted to ribbon to “vintage circus.” Use banners, borders, flourishes. And finally, 12 projects to show off your newfound skills, including a Winter Wonderland Snow Globe; a smartphone-themed birthday card to text friends and family; a one-of-a-kind party invitation to create, photograph, and mail; and a bake sale sign guaranteed to put everyone who sees it in the mood for a cupcake!
The book is also a practice space, with three foldout “chalkboards”—the inside cover and foldout back cover are lined with blackboard paper.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2015
310 people are currently reading
729 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 24, 2019
this is a very cool book for anyone who is into lettering weather it be chalk based or not. I Have been into letting for much of my life and am getting back into it in broader ways so ya. And this book inspires greatly
October 11, 2019
This book is more for intermediate level - not for a beginner or advanced. Now, this thing with the levels I guess is relative but in any case, the book is very well built and you can apply the principles for any lettering medium you like to work with, not only chalk - it can be applied very well for digital too.
The book is lovely to hold, read, and every page has something to learn from.
Congrats to Valerie :)
The book is lovely to hold, read, and every page has something to learn from.
Congrats to Valerie :)
October 26, 2015
Lots of great ideas with detailed explanations and super pictures. Techniques and execution are specific to chalk, but are also great for lettering projects in general.
July 30, 2021
Très chouette livre avec beaucoup d'exemples de lettrages différents. Utile qu'on utilise la craie ou pas. Propose également des idées de présentation : cadres, banderoles,...
March 15, 2022
This book contains lots of ideas for flourishing and embellishment -- not really my thing.
Not enough detail about making letters look good, especially compared to Dina Rodriguez's book.
Not enough detail about making letters look good, especially compared to Dina Rodriguez's book.
January 12, 2024
Not as much instruction & font styles as I was expecting.
December 7, 2016
This is my kind of book - direct, great pictures/visuals and easy to follow. I've always been in awe over amazing chalk lettering. It seemed so out of my reach/talent/ability....until I read this book. I checked this book out from my library, returned it late because I didn't want to let it go and now I'll be purchasing it. So much fun and easy to actually do (well easier than I thought it would be). I will no longer be intimated, chalk signs are filling my house and greeting all who enter!
February 15, 2017
An impressive book that will guide beginners to create great chalkboard signage. Even folks like myself who dabble in calligraphy will pick up a few tricks. Many of the sample alphabets included in the book can be adapted for use in homemade greeting cards, valentines, posters, protest signs, and other projects that require lettering. The book includes a chalkboard so you can practice your skills anywhere. Highly recommended.
July 16, 2020
This was an outstanding book filled with tips and step by step guides. I appreciate all the alphabet idea for letter forms. At the end when McKeehan puts the techniques, illustrations, and lettering together in the form of a birthday invitation and party signage it shows again the real application of the book. I read this book on Kindle but I think the print book has a chalkboard on the cover that can be used to practice the skills being taught. A great book for letterers and the creative!
June 21, 2021
Inspiring
Beautifully illustrated with easy to follow step by step instructions, this book provides inspiration and confidence to aspiring chalk artists in the design and completion of their work.
Beautifully illustrated with easy to follow step by step instructions, this book provides inspiration and confidence to aspiring chalk artists in the design and completion of their work.
February 2, 2017
Really love this book- now if I just put the tips and techniques to use I could have some chalkboard skills too!
July 25, 2017
Boek over chalkletteren met stap voor stap instructies en foto's over letters, kaders, vaandels, schaduw, bloemen, ... en complete composities.
August 19, 2017
Beautiful!
October 6, 2017
A must-have for everyone that likes (chalk) lettering! Filled with great tips, techniques, fresh alphabets and examples to start you on your lettering journey (or to progress even further).
December 5, 2017
Predictable, but chock-full of specific forms and styles with plenty of guided excercises.
February 8, 2018
Clear, easy to duplicate (with a little practice) styles. This is a must-own book for the person serious about teaching themselves chalk lettering
February 28, 2018
Leuk om te zien, maar niet echt handlettering
February 5, 2019
Bastante completo, claro y útil
February 6, 2019
Simple superb
Its a complete lettering book for all age.. i can use this idea for paper lettering also. Thanku so much
Its a complete lettering book for all age.. i can use this idea for paper lettering also. Thanku so much
November 30, 2023
Easy to follow and fun read for beginners.
March 11, 2017
Delighted to find this practical and well executed book in my local library. McKeehan does a great job at explaining and showing how it's done! This review is coming from a person who usually prefers video tutorials for this sort of thing!
February 24, 2017
My penmanship is terrible, but now I've got a couple chalkboards lying around, I've been interested in lettering. This book was pretty helpful, lots of good tips. Maybe this will become a new little hobby for me (we shall see).
February 19, 2016
This is a great book that actually teaches you how to create using Chalk Lettering. I used one of the techniques for a Valentine's project and it turned out just how I wanted it to. The writer explains each step in an easy to follow way and has an illustration for each step as well. You can't go wrong learning from this book. I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways, but all opinions are my own.
January 19, 2016
I received this book from Goodread Giveaways. I have to say this book is amazing! As a crafter I greatly appreciate all the step by step photos and attention to detail. This book is for the beginner who has never used chalk as design as well as the expert trying to increase their ability. I especially love that she included chalkboards in the book so that you can practice. All around great book!
April 30, 2016
Easy to use step by step instructions.
I bought this book as an eBook copy. While the dead tree copy has a chalkboard built into the cover area, I was still able to follow along just fine with the digital version. The photos were excellent and so was the advice. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in this unique art form. Well done!
I bought this book as an eBook copy. While the dead tree copy has a chalkboard built into the cover area, I was still able to follow along just fine with the digital version. The photos were excellent and so was the advice. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in this unique art form. Well done!
February 21, 2016
Absolutely amazing!
This is a great how-to book that covers not only lettering but design, embellishments, as well as step-by-step illustrated examples that if followed will teach you how to create amazing designs. Loved it!
This is a great how-to book that covers not only lettering but design, embellishments, as well as step-by-step illustrated examples that if followed will teach you how to create amazing designs. Loved it!
June 11, 2022
Great book!
So many great tips, ideas, and inspiration that can be used for all lettering techniques. One of the best lettering books I’ve read to date, and I’ve read a whole lot of them
So many great tips, ideas, and inspiration that can be used for all lettering techniques. One of the best lettering books I’ve read to date, and I’ve read a whole lot of them
March 20, 2016
A wonderful book about chalk lettering--I have ordered my own copy!!
June 19, 2016
love the variety of lettering, the step-by-step illustrations, projects included. A great reference book for anyone who wants to learn how to make impressive chalkboard art!
October 30, 2016
really good and inspiring. makes me want to try some techniques.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews