Have you ever wanted to create your own custom scrapbook cards or paper, but you weren’t sure how? There is a very easy way to make your own word art cards and scrapbook paper using free online tools. Follow the tutorial below and learn how to make your own word art scrapbook paper and design cards.
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This tutorial assumes that you have already registered a free Canva account online. If you haven’t yet, check it out their website and sign up for a free account. They have a free forever plan and for most scrapbooker’s purposes, you won’t need a paid version.
Step 1 – Create a New Design in Canva
From your Canva account, first you will select Create a design button. Then select the Custom Dimensions option. For this tutorial, we will make a 3×4 inch designer card. First you’ll change the measurement dropdown option from “px” to “in” (in the third box). Then go back and type in 3 for the Width and 4 for the Height.
Step 2 – Add Text to your Project in Canva
To add text to your project, simply click on the Text option in the left side menu. Then click on the Add little body of text option from the menu to add text to your project.
Step 3 – Customize the Font Style and Size in Canva
Next you will customize the font style for this project. All of the options in the font list that do NOT have a “crown” icon next to them are free to use. I really like the look of the Oswald font, but you can choose any font you want.
Also, I like the letters to all be Uppercase and you can select that option as well (instead of having to type with CAPS LOCK on.) If you use the Uppercase option, then you can easily switch back and forth without having to retype your text.
Tip: If you don’t see the Uppercase option in the menu bar, click on the button with the three little dots to see more menu options that may not be displayed on your screen.
Now it’s time to change the font size of your text. Simply select the Font Size numbers (next to the font style name) while you have your text box selected. For this project, I am using size 18 font.
Step 4 – Write the Phrases in Your Textbox
Now it’s time to write out all of the phrases in your text box. I like to insert a “vertical bar” in between each phrase. (It’s the symbol above the backslash on your keyboard, just above the enter key on your keyboard.) You could also use a dash, slash, backslash, or other symbol. Or you can choose to add extra spaces or just type out each phrase however you want.
Tip: If the text starts to wrap in your textbox, like seen in the screenshot above, be sure to widen your text box edges. In Canva, sometimes you can easily see the widening handle and sometimes it’s not easily visible. You can always know you are widening the text box when your mouse pointer changes to a double sided arrow.
Step 5 – Duplicate Text to Cover Entire Project Area
It’s best to start by writing out your phrases so that each line overlaps the project area by a few words. This is because if you decide to tilt the words, you’ll need some extra words to cover the area.
Also, once I have finished writing the set of phrases, I then copy and paste them to fill the entire area. For this project, I started with three lines and copied them 5 times. After repeating the phrase set, it now overlaps all edges of the main project area.
Tip: Sometimes I like to rearrange the phrases so that there isn’t as much repetition on the card before repeating the pattern of the phrases.
Step 6 – Rotating a Textbox in Canva
This step is if you want to have your font tilted slightly on the background. If you have trouble seeing the entire project area and textbox, Zoom out on your project. The Zoom tool is at the bottom of the project area. I adjusted it to 75% for my screen, but you may need to zoom out more or less depending on the size of your computer monitor.
After zooming out, I’m able to click on my textbox and see it on the project area easier. To rotate the Textbox, click on it so that you see a circle button that has two arrows “Rotating” on it. When you hover over that area, your mouse pointer will change to a double sided arrow that is curved. Click and drag that arrow until you like the tilt of the textbox. I only did a slight tilt until it showed a -10 degree slant.
Step 7 – Adjust Textbox in Canva
Now time to make some minor adjustments by moving the textbox around. Do this until you like where the text is sitting on your background. You could also decide to change your font color if you don’t want to use black. Simply click on the Font color icon from the menu while you have your text box selected.
Tip: You can also change the color of specific words. Highlight the words that you want to change to a different color, then select the Text color icon.
Step 8 – Rename Canva Project File
Now that your project is done, it’s time to name it and save it to use. First, you’ll want to rename your project. At the top, you might have noticed some text that says “Add a subheading” or “Untitled Design” or “Add a little bit of text” as the temporary file name. You can easily change this by clicking on that area in the blue/purple menu bar and naming your project whatever you like. Since this is my COVID card background, I named it appropriately.
If you don’t see the file name at the top, you can also go to “File” and then rename the project from there.
Tip: Canva automatically saves your project in your account multiple times, so you won’t have to click a “Save” button. You can notice the design is saved in the blue menu bar area where it says in light gray “All changes saved”. If it’s not saved, you can always force a save by clicking on “File”, then “Save”.
Step 9 – Export Project as a PNG in Canva
Now it’s time to export the file you’ve just created! You will want to click on the Download Arrow button that is in the blue/purple menu bar at the top. Be sure that “PNG” is selected as the File type, then click “Download”.
Your file will download and it’s ready for you to use and print!
You can use this file in both your digital layouts and also to print and use in your physical scrapbooks. If you aren’t sure how to print your file, check out this article where you can learn how to print digital scrapbook elements [COMING SOON!]
Custom Scrapbook Word Art Cards for All Projects
And that’s it! You’ve just created your first, custom scrapbook word art background card. You are officially a scrapbook paper designer! With this quick lesson, you can repeat making custom word art cards for all of your projects.
For your next project you can use this tutorial to create projects of any size. Try to make some 4×6 cards, 3×8 inserts like I did for my Time in History mini album (with added red foil using the Minc), or whatever size you need! Canva has so much potential for a scrapbooker that needs to be uncovered and this is just the first step!
Get the Sample Word Art Background Card Used in this Tutorial
If you are looking for this specific card, you can sign up for my email list and get access to it immediately. I created a free resource library that includes this word art card from the tutorial, plus you’ll get access to more templates, files, and other printables to continue your scrapbooking and papercrafting journey.
Find the Time in History 3×4 Word Art Cards in a Word Doc in my Resource Library under the Project Templates section.
I want to see what you’ve created! Share your word art cards with me on Instagram – tag me @craftyjulienow – Also, have you used Canva before for any scrapbooking? Leave me a comment below if you love it and want to learn more! I want to hear from you 🙂
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