This summer I was invited to write a guest post for Kelly Creates Blog page. I was super thrilled as Kelly is one of the first people I followed when I started my handlettering journey! You can find her at: www.kellycreates.ca

Circle of Memories

I’m excited to share with you a special way to capture your summer memories!  You only need a few items to be able to recreate your own circle of memories.

Here is a list of supplies that I used to create this project:

• Smooth Plain paper
• Small brush pens
• Fine liners – a variety of sizes is helpful to create some variation
• A small bowl – any circular object you have on hand will work
• Pencil
• Eraser

Start by brainstorming a list of words that you would like to include.  Some ideas include locations, weather, dates, modes of travel, activities and events.

You will begin your project by centering the bowl in the middle of your paper.  Gently trace the outer bowl with a very light hand using your pencil.  You will be erasing this circle at the end of your project, so you will want to make sure you do not press very hard on your pencil.

I like to intuitively start placing my words. However, you can lightly pencil in your words to create an initial layout if you find that easier.  Just make sure that you do not fill in all the space as we will be adding some embellishments later.  You will need to erase any marks at the end, so ensure to keep a light touch on any pencil work that you do.

Now that we have done all the prep work, we can go ahead and start filling in some of our words.  I like to check off any words I have used in my list as I go, so that I don’t accidentally repeat them or miss any.

Try to alternate between the brush pens and the fine liners.  This will create some variation in your lettering and different areas for your eyes to focus on.

Some ideas to help create variation:

• A mix of large and small fonts
• Alternate between brush script and print
• Mix capitals with small letters
• Try outlining a word
• Create a shadow

One thing I try to avoid is writing a word completely upside down.  It makes it difficult for the reader.  I do have a few words that are almost vertical but none that are completely upside down.

I find it easiest to put the a few larger words in first, then slowly reduce my font size to start filling in any empty spaces.

I am happy with how my circle is starting to fill in, so I will keep adding my words to fill in some more of the empty areas.  Make sure you leave some blank areas so that you can add some decorative elements.

As you fill your circle, you can start writing in smaller words.  Make sure that you are still keeping some white space to add some fun details.

Once you have finished writing all your words, you can start adding in some small details and elements.  Try drawing a wavy circle around a word, adding a drop shadow, use an arrow to point to something exciting, draw small images of coffee mugs, flip-flops, sunglasses, or other items that are unique to you.  I have used things that are specific to my summer holiday.  Look around for inspiration!  I drew 3 coffee cups so apparently that was a very important part of my holiday!!

Now you want to fill in all those leftover areas with our smallest details.  For this you will want to use your smallest fine liners, I have used Kelly’s #03, #01, #005.  You want to fill in the areas, but you do not want them stand out.  I have used dots, stars, # sign, hearts, waves, happy faces, rain drops!

When you are sure that the ink has fully dried, slowly and carefully erase any pencil marks.

Frame and hang your final piece on a wall then try creating another one!  You can make a card for a friend, a bookmark, or add one to your planner.  You can also try different shapes – stars, squares, even a blob!

I hope you enjoy making your own! If you’re on Instagram, feel free to tag me so I can see what you make. You can find me @valerie_akkerman

~Valerie