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Ready to add a bit of bold color to your hand lettering projects? This fun technique, which I’ll show you how to do in the tutorial below, creates a gorgeous painted background that looks like you’re a pro. But trust me, it’s way easier than it looks.

All you need is a blank canvas, a hand lettering template, and some paint, and you’re ready to go. And the best part is this tutorial is easy for anyone to follow along with — the level of difficulty is up to you! Just add more, or keep it simple to find your comfort zone. 

Supplies You Need for This Color Hand Lettering Tutorial

For this tutorial, I used a 9×12 canvas, but you can use whatever you have on hand (like a wood sign or notebook). You can find the canvas at Hobby Lobby or your preferred craft store.

➜ You can get most of the supplies below in my Amazon storefront!

Paints (any brand works):

• Light blue
• Orange
• Bright pink
• Teal or dark blue-green
• Yellow or chartreuse
• White

Brushes:

• Mix of different sizes (whatever you have on hand will do just fine)

For Lettering:

• Black lettering marker (Faber-Castell works great)
• White paint pen
• Hand lettering template
• Gray graphite paper
• Pencil
• Painter’s tape

Finishing Touches:

• White charcoal pencil
• Glitter gel pen (optional but fun!)
• Spray sealer

Step #1: Paint Your Heart Out

Here’s where you get to be messy. Don’t worry, it’s actually the goal!

1. Start light: Begin with your lightest color (I used light blue) and make random brush strokes.
2. Layer it up: Add orange, then pink, then teal. Don’t worry about staying neat, you want it to be less polished. 
3. Mix brush sizes: Use big brushes, little brushes, whatever feels right as you work.
4. Let colors touch: Some blending is perfect, some separate spots are too.

There’s no perfect way to do this. If you put paint somewhere and hate it, just paint over it! You just don’t want it to look too polished. 

Step #2: Add Your Hand Lettering

Once your background is dry, it’s template time. You can use whatever lettering template you like, but the one I used in this tutorial is from the Template Library (scroll to the bottom of this post to learn more or follow me here for the details!). 

1. Position your template and tape it down gently
2. Slip graphite paper underneath (shiny side down)
3. Trace your letters with a pencil
4. Remove the template and letter with your black marker

PRO TIP: Thicken your downstrokes slightly for that professional look.

Step #3: Add the Details

Time for doodles! Add these randomly (not in patterns) for the best look:

• Dots with a white paint pen
• Simple stars with a black lettering marker
• Little hearts
• Squiggly lines
• Whatever makes you smile!

Then, you can add details like shading and glitter wherever it feels right. And don’t forget to spray it with a spray sealer to keep it protected after it dries!

Explore More Lettering Templates in the Template Library!

This technique is all about letting go of perfection and embracing the fun. Every single one you make will look different, but that’s the magic of it.

Don’t overthink it. Don’t stress about making it look exactly like someone else’s. Just play, create, and enjoy watching something beautiful come together under your hands.

Ready for more lettering fun? Subscribe to the Template Library!

The Template Library offers new worksheets and traceable lettering designs monthly and includes access to over 380+ designs, with new designs added each month. Themes include fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, winter, Christmas, inspirational designs, and so much more!

Learn more about the Template Library here.