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How to Make a Custom Scrapbook Word Art Background

05/7/2020

custom word art backgrounds for scrapbooks

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.

Canva create a new design and custom size option of 3x4 inch card
Select create a new design in Canva and custom size of 3×4 inches

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.

add text in canva to scrapbook card
Add a textbox to the Canva project to begin creating a custom scrapbook word art background designer card

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.

Canva project selecting font type and uppercase style option
Choose the font type and other styles for your textbox in Canva

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.

Canva project selecting textbox font size
Select the font size for the textbox in Canva for this scrapbook designer card background

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.

Writing text in canva
Begin writing out the custom phrases or words in the textbox on Canva

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.

widen textbox in Canva to prevent text wrapping
Widen the textbox if the phrases or sentences you want on one line start to wrap down

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.

write out first set of patterned words for scrapbook word art background in textbox
Start by writing out all of the unique phrases in a pattern to create the scrapbook word art background

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.

copy and paste text to duplicate phrases for scrapbook word art background in Canva
Duplicate the text by using copy and paste to create the word art background

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.

zoom out Canva project area
Use the Zoom tool to see the entire project area before adjusting the textbox

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.

Rotate textbox in Canva
Rotate the textbox in Canva to slant the words in the background

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.

Change font color in Canva
Change the font color to customize your word art background

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.

Rename project in Canva
Rename your project in Canva

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”.

Download Canva project file as a PNG
Download Canva project file as a PNG to print or use digitally

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.

time in history words during pandemic custom word art backgrounds for scrapbooks

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!

indiana time in history words during pandemic custom word art backgrounds for scrapbooks
Indiana word art background used in my Time in History album

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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Hi, I'm Julie! I've been on a journey to bring creativity back into my life and I want you to do the same. Lets lead our best creative life together through scrapbooking & crafting in a way that works for us. I'm a lifelong scrapbooker and crafter. I love making beautiful things, spending time with my family, and sharing our memories. Join me today to prioritize your creative passions and lead your best creative life.

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