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Bubble Letter Alphabet
Attractive Bubble Letters
A bubble letter alphabet is an attractive alternative to ladder letters in the production of visual aids. The ladder letters alphabet is most appropriate for the actual presentation where the words are made to appear quickly, but the bubble letter alphabet produces a pleasing and easy to produce substitute for flashcards or headings. Both bubble and ladder letters have been used multiple times in teaching and in illustrating stories. They are fast! Once you have mastered the bubble letter technique, people will be astonished at the instant results you can achieve with a stroke of the brush or felt tip marker.
Forming Bubble Letters
Bubble letters are formed in a manner similar to the ladder letter. First, form boxes for the bubble letters of the same proportions as before but this time in light pencil. The "M" and "W" letters are three spaces, the 1's and the I's are a single space and every other letter is two spaces wide. Next, take a pencil and round off the corners of each bubble letter, making sure that all the sides of the letters touch the frame except at the corners.
Cut Out Bubble Letters
Another way to produce bubble letters is to cut the shapes of the bubble letter frames out of colored sheets of gummed paper and then simply take a pair of scissors and round off the corners. This gives a very pleasing effect and also allows you to set out the letters not only on a horizontal line but also on a curved one. This is very difficult to accomplish without the shapes to position. This way you can see the overall effect before you commit yourself to sticking down the gummed letters.
Felt Tip Markers
Two distinctive types of felt tip markers are available for bubble and ladder letters. Spirit-based pens are sometimes called "Permanent Markers" and have a distinctive petroleum type of smell. These leave a brighter color line, but also tend to soak into the surrounding paper more than the other kind, the water-based felt tip markers.
Water Based and Permanent Markers
Water-based pens do have certain advantages especially when used in children's groups. I would not personally recommend felt tip markers of any kind with those under five, but with older ones the water-based pens can be washed off hands and clothes more easily! They are usually non-toxic so are quite safe. Another big advantage of some water-based pens is that they can be topped up with special inks obtainable from a large stationers. With a little care, felt tip markers can last for years without needing to be replaced.
Be sure to practice the lettering before your presentation. One mistake can ruin a beautiful effect!
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