5 Unique Surfaces for Hand Lettering & Calligraphy
Tired of using paper for hand lettering & calligraphy? Looking for creative ideas that will take your lettering business to the next level & impress clients? In this post, we’ll show you 5 unique surface materials that will spark creativity and boost your handmade designs.
SLATE
Hand Lettered Engraved Slate Dinner Menus by Memory Lane Paperie
Hand Lettered Slate Dessert Menu by Plume and Proper
Slate’s history and material properties make it a great surface for hand lettering & calligraphy. In the late 18th century, before wall-sized chalkboards existed in classrooms, students wrote on individual sheets of slate. According to Concordia University, James Pillman is credited with inventing the first modern blackboard in 1801 when he hung a huge piece of slate on his classroom wall.
Because slate is a rock, it is both a durable and sustainable choice for hand-lettered designs. What is unique about slate is its surface texture: when harvested, natural slate has these uneven planes called clefts that create its signature rough texture.
Slate’s refusal to have clean edges or a smooth surface gives it a very minimalist, rustic and natural feel.
2. CORK
Hand Lettered & Engraved Cork Wine Menu by Half Moon Lettering
Hand Lettered & Engraved Cork Wine Menu by Half Moon Lettering
Cork is much more than that thing that stands between you & your glass of wine or that notice board that you thumbtack your notes on to. This unique material has become widely popular in the design world because of its versatility- its pliable & eco-friendly nature has made it a top choice for decorative fabrications.
When it comes to hand lettering & calligraphy, cork is an enjoyable surface material to work with. It is suitable for many lettering applications such as laser engraving, vinyl lettering and inking. Cork can also be easily cut into any desired shape. With cork, the sky's the limit!
Cork pairs well with nature-inspired events involving lots of greenery because it has that wood-like aesthetic. Using it to make things like hand-lettered name cards, coasters, dinner menus and signs will add that perfect touch to these kinds of events.
3. LEATHER
Hand Lettered & Engraved Leather Place Cards by Half Moon Lettering
Hand Lettered Leather Name Cards by August and Ember
If you look at the extensive history of leather, as well as its many physical characteristics, you’ll understand why it has been & will continue to be one the most popular materials in design.
Leather making is an ancient art that has been in practice for many centuries. Some of the earliest leather goods came in the form of footwear, clothing and military equipment. Because it was found to be excellent at resisting abrasive forces, leather became a popular material for rugged occupations including cowboys and aviators. It’s flexibility earned leather a role in American sports as equipment such as baseball gloves and footballs.
So why should any calligrapher or hand letterer consider writing on leather?
Its aesthetic qualities work well in a variety of different settings, from a rustic southern inspired wedding to an edgy boho wedding.
4. HARDWOOD
Hand Lettered & Engraved Olive Wood Place Card Coasters by Memory Lane Paperie
Hand Lettered & Engraved Cherry Wood Name Card by Half Moon Lettering (photo by Melissa Fitzgerald West, florals & concept by Maxit Flower Design)
There’s a good chance that you’ve seen lots of calligraphy and hand lettering on wood surfaces while scrolling through your Pinterest feed. Wood is an easy alternative to paper when it comes to lettering- you can use a variety of techniques when writing on wood.
But we think that you should consider the variety of wood types that exist, especially hardwoods. Hardwoods are woods that are of higher quality, have beautiful grain patterns and come in a variety of colors.
Wood has an obvious natural aesthetic to it, so lettering on it would be perfect for any event with a natural, forest-like feel to it.
5. METAL
Hand Lettered & Etched Brass Boxes by Half Moon Lettering
Hand Lettered Copper Cocktail Sign by Paper Tangent
Presumably the most heavy duty & durable material you can hand letter on, metal is a unique surface for those looking to get creative with their lettering.
Metal comes in several types that differ in color, finish and weight. Each metal type is commonly used for different products: copper is used for pennies and moscow mule mugs, whereas stainless steel might be seen in your kitchen appliances.
Hand lettering & calligraphy looks beautiful on metal surfaces and has a distinct industrial aesthetic.
Looking to explore new material options for your hand lettering or calligraphy business? Download our free PDF guide below to find the perfect material for your next project!