ACOT Message Board

I am new to scrapbooking and have a question about letters for the titles. I cannot afford to buy the preprinted letters so new a cheaper alternative. I have printed different fonts from my computer onto cardstock or heavy paper but am wondering if there is a better way. I don't like cutting out each letter by hand. Also, what is the best way to glue the letters down? I have tried a glue stick but it was too messy.  I tried small glue dots but they were too large.All suggestions would be appreciated. Teresa 

You might try punches, or somethign like that. Costco and places like that usually sell an alpha set for not too much. I like the clear tape adhesives myself Good luck and welcome to the board!

Do you have a WalMart or Michaels near you?  They have this thing called "Alphastax" which is pre-printed punch out letters in various colors/patterns. 

Thanks for your suggestions. I will look into the products you have recommended.Teresa

i think the alphastax are between $5-10, maybe more. i may have some extra at home. i take the chipboard letters and the die cut lettrs and trace them on whatever paper i want. works out nicely. it isn't too hard to cut out if you use a good sharp exacto knife.

You could also just make a title strip. Pick a cardstock that will go with your LO and print the title on it. Cut the strip and mat it. Attach with adhesive, brads or eyelets.

I have a xyron machine i bought at walmart for 20.00.  Just run the shape through and it is just like a sticker.  amazing, fast and super easy.  Try buying a set of alpa stamps.  Stampin up has quite a few and you can use them over and over with many different color inks.

or find someone with a machine who has a couple extra min. to cut some out for ya lol.do you have a lss? they usually have a couple alphabet dies that they will let you use free of charge as long as you buy the paper there.i personally on small items use the scotch quick dry adhesive. it comes in a bottle with an applicator tip and you can get a big bottle that lasts a really long time at walmart.

Another option that I sometimes use is to leave space in between the letters when you type them.  So instead of cutting out the letters, you can just cut a circle or square around it.  This looks great as is, or mounted on another colored paper.

To "glue" them down, you can usually fit letters into the very smallest Xyron..the 150 model.  It looks like a small "X'" shape.  Usually costs no more than $10 (Walmart or any craft store such as Michaels).  You just put the letter in, right side up, pull the other end and the letter will be sticky on the back side when you pull the strip off.  Very simple.  Refills are about $5 each, available where you get the original.  I prefer the repositionable ones, but you can also get permanent.  The repo ones become perm after a while, but at first you can readily move them around.

I usually print my titles or journaling on vellum, then use my Xyron to adhere them.  That way I don't have to cut around all the letters, but I don't have to have them on "colored" paper, the background shows through.  Using an inkjet printer you need to use the "Transparency" setting to print on vellum.

I love Lettering Delights. www.letteringdelights.com 

I love Lettering Delights too - even more so now that they have transparent alphas!

I often look for those alpha stax too; or I'll just write them out at times too. Or I'll buy the nice ones and mix them with less expensive stickers

Wow - I was hoping to give suggestions, but mine have already been covered and now I have new ideas too!

If your letters a fairly small, try using a Zig glue pen.

OLD THREAD ALERT, OLD THREAD ALERT!! This chick has 4 posts since October, somehow I doubt she'll see the new replies.

Oh, but you are wrong. I checked this sight today because I still was wrestling with this issue.Thanks for all of those that have replied. I appreciate the time.Teresa