Need a last-minute gift for a lit-loving friend? You can whip this wordy craft together with markers and paper (and if you don’t have those two things, this column probably isn’t for you, anyway).
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Do-Lit-Yourself is a column for book lovers with a crafty streak. This pinteresting monthly is written by LPG Education and Engagement manager Lauren Perruzza.It’s no secret that we love poetry here at All Lit Up, but have we ever put it to page? (Yes, but not this way; please stay with us.)Inspired by those Pinterest-y inspirational quotations in everything but their level of inspiration, we thought we’d make up our own handwriting-art ode to poetry. You could do this with a line from your favourite poem, though we decided to keep it general with an ode to poets in general (and our dude, Gord Downie).For this craft, you’ll need a sturdy paper or card stock, markers, liner pens, a pencil, an eraser, and a ruler. If you want to make this real nice for display or you’re giving it as a gift, get a frame to put it in, too (these IKEA ones are perfect). I used grey brush pens that can give you a varied line, and a hot pink felt tip for accent.Instructions:1. Start by marking out a square or rectangle that you’ll be writing your sonnet in. It’s nice to have a trim area, as you can test colours and embellishments on the margins before putting them on your work.2. In that margin or on a piece of scrap paper, make a thumbnail of your design. This is where you can experiment and get real messy. Think of the words you’re using as Tetris pieces that need to fit into your square. Then, stack them up in different ways until they work together and fill the space. Try different forms of handwriting, upper and lower cases, and different spacing. If you’re having trouble with a certain word, just add a shape. Pinterest loves shapes.
My first attempt on the left, and then adding a bunch of handwriting for fanciness purposes on the right. Note that I’m not using any special handwriting, just my own. YOU CAN TOO.3. Once you’ve settled on your design, lightly draw it on your paper with a pencil. You may formalize some of the elements that were in your sketch (I changed the triple underline under “are” to a triangle, for example). Then, start going over everything with your markers. Use variegated line widths to keep things interesting.
I changed the line for “the” into an arrow, and added quotation marks and “The Tragically Hip” because attribution is important in this business, and in life.4. I added some accents with the pink felt tip, erased my most egregious pencil lines, and was done! I’m sure you could best me with your creative prowess! Check out our poetry section to get some words of your own.
* * *If you make your own sonnet sampler, share it with us on Instagram at @alllitupcanada. For more do-lit-yourself, click here.
