Learn the Art of Chalk Lettering + Giveaway!!

It’s no secret that I love chalkboard art.  I’ve created a few very basic text designs on the computer and stenciled in some others for decorating purposes.  I covet all the trendy chalk art that crosses my path.  Now, I’m a girl who likes to do all the crafts and chalkboard lettering is the epitome of charm and DIY and whimsy.  But hand-drawing – not my best skill.  Not even close.  What’s a girl to do when there are so many empty chalkboards in the world?  Well, I’m going to tell you.  I’ve discovered The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering by Valerie McKeehan.  I think this is my in.  This book is SO detailed and SO complete; she tells you allllll the secrets to develop your own chalkboard art style.  (Read through for a giveaway!!)

So, as part of the book tour, I wanted to at least try my hand at chalk lettering.  I paged through the book.  I found it fascinating.  The author discusses all the tools you’ll need (and here I always thought you only needed chalk!).  She covers the basics of different chalk “strokes” and the anatomy of all kinds of letters.  There are numerous sample alphabets (so you can see how to make EVERY letter!) and teaches step-by-step how to make banners, frames, flowers, and snowflakes! And so. much. more.

The sample projects in the book are simply gorgeous!  I want to do all of them!  I think the projects in this book could keep me occupied for a long time before I have to face the pressure of a blank chalkboard and creating my own design.  There are even 3 fold-out chalkboards in the book so that you can practice, practice, practice.

So practice I did.  This was my first attempt with chalk art – snowflake doodling in front of the TV at midnight.   Um, pretty darn good for a girl who can barely draw a stick figure.  I was hooked.

I made a couple more.  I don’t know how they rank in the artist world of free-hand, but in my world, they are spectacular!  😉 Being able to create something decent in my first attempts was so encouraging.  The author is truly gifted at creating designs for beginners, breaking them down into really achievable steps, and then teaching the reader how to combine them into a piece of art that looks straight out of a boutique!

I wanted to keep trying more projects from the book, but I was sad to erase the chalkboards.  So I scanned the pages into my computer, resized them for cards and printed them out!  I’m in love!

If you are interested in improving your chalk lettering and chalk art skills, would like to boost your confidence, and create beautiful things, I’d encourage you to give this book a try!  The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering by Valerie McKeehan is available through this affiliate link at Amazon.  You can also find SO many gorgeous hand-lettered products for sale in Valerie’s online shop – Lily & Val.
Follow along on Valerie McKeehan’s book blog tour:

Dec 8                     Arrow and Lace Designs

Dec 9                     Girl Inspired

Dec 10                   Handmade Mood

Dec 11                   Rad Mom Cool Kid

Dec 14                   Flax & Twine

Dec 15                   Molly Jacques (instagram only)

Dec 16                   Jaco’lyn Murphy Designs

Dec 17                   A Little Craft in Your Day

Dec 18                   Craft Gossip

Dec 21                   Nearly Crafty

Dec 22                   CraftSanity

AND!  I get to GIVE AWAY A COPY OF THIS AMAZING BOOK to one lucky artist out there!  Leave a comment below to be entered to win.  I’ll randomly select and email a winner on December 16, 2015.  U.S. entries only.

*I was given a copy of this book to review.  All opinions, as always, are expressly my own.  Thanks for reading!*