Poster Child: How to Make Large Scale (Hand Lettered) Artwork in Under an Hour

By Brittni • posted on 02/14/2024

Woman holding large hand lettered artwork that says blah blah blah

I’ve been on a little bit of an art kick lately. Probably has something to do with all of the blank walls in our house.

So today I’m sharing a large scale art project that is super affordable and all kinds of easy, in partnership with Pentel of America.

If you’ve ever tried to paint words onto a canvas or paper with a brush, you know there is a pretty big learning curve involved. And plenty of going back to your palette for more paint. But this version of hand lettered wall art is MUCH less difficult because it uses a Pentel Color Brush instead. It’s a pen that writes like a brush. So, if you can write with a regular pen, you pretty much have it covered. Yay!

I have a fun little video tutorial (which is just over a minute long) that goes through the step by step process. And we included one of the many outtakes at the very end too, just for laughs…

As you’ll see in the video, I painted the backgrounds and teamed up with Erica Loesing again to take the lettering portion to the next level (get Erica’s tips for better hand lettering here).

Here’s what you need to get started…

Materials Needed

Large heavy duty paper (I like Reeves BFK)
Matte finish paint (I like to use flat interior house paint)
Paint brushes
Pentel Color Brush (they come in lots of colors, in case you don’t want to use black)

How to Make Large Scale Art in Under an Hour

1. Start by selecting a color palette that works well for your space. Then paint the paper in a solid color. *You can also do a color blocked design or paint an all over pattern for a different look. Wait for the paint to dry completely before moving onto the next step.

2. Prepare your Color Brush by removing the plastic ring, according to the directions on the pen, and then twisting the handle back on. Then push the ink down to the brush tip with a quick squeeze of the handle.

3. Next, write out the phrase or saying that you want to include. Using your first go as a guide for additional layers (watch the video to see what I’m talking about here).

4. Then go over the original text you’ve created until you reach a desired look and thickness. Wait for the ink to dry and hang.

Pastel artwork with hand lettering (DIY artwork idea)

Large Scale DIY Artwork (Budget-Friendly)

Brittni
I've been on a little bit of an art kick lately. Probably has something to do with all of the blank walls in our house. So today I'm sharing a large scale art project that is super affordable and all kinds of easy.
If you've ever tried to paint words onto a canvas or paper with a brush, you know there is a pretty big learning curve involved. And plenty of going back to your palette for more paint. But this version of hand lettered wall art is MUCH less difficult because it uses a Pentel Color Brush instead. It's a pen that writes like a brush. So, if you can write with a regular pen, you pretty much have it covered. Yay!
I have a fun little video tutorial (which is just over a minute long) that goes through the step by step process. And we included one of the many outtakes at the very end too, just for laughs...
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Ingredients
  

  • Large heavy duty paper (I like Reeves BFK)
  • Matte finish paint (I like to use flat interior house paint)
  • Paint brushes
  • Pentel Color Brush (they come in lots of colors, in case you don't want to use black)

Instructions
 

  • Start by selecting a color palette that works well for your space. Then paint the paper in a solid color. *You can also do a color blocked design or paint an all over pattern for a different look. Wait for the paint to dry completely before moving onto the next step.
  • Prepare your Color Brush by removing the plastic ring, according to the directions on the pen, and then twisting the handle back on. Then push the ink down to the brush tip with a quick squeeze of the handle.
  • Next, write out the phrase or saying that you want to include. Using your first go as a guide for additional layers (watch the video to see what I'm talking about here).
  • Then go over the original text you've created until you reach a desired look and thickness. Wait for the ink to dry and hang.
Did you make this?Mention @paperandstitch or tag #paperandstitch!

Photography by Kimberly Murray
Hand lettering by Erica Loesing of Yes Maam
Crafting assisted by Linda Jednaszewski
Concept and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff

Pretty simple, right?

I honestly think the hardest part is coming up with clever sayings to use. So, if you need any ideas, feel free to try any of the ones I used. Or check out my sayings and quotes pinboard for more inspiration in that department.

So what do you think? Have a blank wall that could use a piece of artwork like this? Or any suggestions for additional phrases that would be fun to use for this DIY? I would love to hear ’em.

This post is in partnership with Pentel of America. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this site possible. To see more posts like this one, visit the dip dyed hand lettered DIY stationery and 3 DIY ways to dress up plain textiles.

22 comments | Click here to reply

[…] 37. hand lettered wall art DIY […]

63 Awesome DIY Gifts for Everyone on Your List + What's your Favorite Gift You've Ever Received?! - Paper and Stitch

Since I practice calligraphy I look for short quotes, this is my favorite: Be obscure clearly. by E.B. White
http://anneritataylor.blogspot.com

Anne Rita Taylor

Those are pretty awesome tips you’ve posted Brittni! Will try this as soon as the weekend comes. And cheers for the photographer who took awesome pictures!

Elle Salazar

[…] hand lettered wall art // Paper & Stitch […]

DIY Letters | Wattlebird

This is a very creative way to decorate a boring room. Instead of painting a background, I think one could also print out a design they like and paint on it.

Richard Thompson

I love this! It’s so awesome! I can’t wait to try it – I decided to include it in my “Things to Try this May” post!

Laura Flint

Thanks Brittany! That song is still one of the top ones on my running playlist, so I figured it was worth adding in there. Glad you like it. 🙂

Brittni

[…] Large Scale Handletter Art by Brittini […]

Lets DIY - DIY Mama

I totally love this idea! and “turn down for what” just so happens to be a fave quote of mine 🙂

brittanyMakes

[…] – Get on my walls ASAP! And this too! […]

Happy Early Weekend! - The Crafted Life

Haha. Thanks Lex. I’m going to put that on my resume: headbanging and your poster-modeling.

Brittni

Okay. Alright. You are the cutest with your headbanging and your poster-modeling. I love this project! We’ve got lots of naked walls up in here so this is perfect!

Lexy | PROPER

Happy Easter to you too, Juju.

Brittni

What a fun project! I can’t wait to write some inspirational quotes in this style and have them all around the house =) Happy Easter!

Juju Sprinkles

This would be great for a child’s room, Carisa. I could totally see it, with a cute inspirational phrase or quote from a kids movie. Good thinking!

Brittni

I love this! I’m excited to try it for my daughters room. Love your color choices on the patterns too!

carisa

Thanks Anna! Next time I see you I’ll bring a few of mine to test out.

Brittni

I have been looking for a pen like this everywhere!
I am obsessed with the color block print! Amazing job ladies:)

Anna @ IHOD

Thanks Leandra! Happy to hear this has inspired you to make your own.

Brittni

This is awesome! I have always seen these types of posters and now I want to make one for myself!

www.littlemissfresh.net

Leandra Guillet

Thanks Kel. 🙂 Erica did such a great job on the lettering….I think I’m going to frame a few of them up.

Brittni

I really love this series, B! That art is AH-MAZING!!!!!! I love the patterns mixed with the black hand lettering. And Turn Down for What was an EXCELLENT idea! 😉

Kelly @ Studio DIY
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