Submitted by Sandy Elder, Michigan
Idea posted September 27, 2002
For those of you out there who have switched from expensive, yet convenient punch-out letters to old-fashioned stenciled ones, this trick just might be for you.
I like to use dark construction paper (black usually) for my letters and laminate them so they last several years. Problem 1: Too many steps involved (trace, cut out, laminate, cut out...). Problem 2: They're a pain to cut out even once! My solution:
Trace using a WHITE Prismacolor pencil (found mine at Hobby Lobby but also should be at any art supply or craft store). Now, laminate BEFORE cutting them out. Not only are they easier to cut out, but the white isn't hidden by the laminating process like pencil and ink.
They still won't last forever, but long enough to be well worth the initial effort, and the initial effort won't be quite as bad as before.