More Than Words: A Raw Handwritten Font for Makers
The late afternoon light was hitting my workbench just right, illuminating the stack of kraft paper labels I had printed earlier that morning. I was working on a new line of small-batch soy candles, and I wanted the branding to feel less like a corporate product and more like something pulled from a garden shed or an old apothecary jar. I scrolled through my library of Script Handwritten typefaces, looking for something that didn’t try too hard. That is when I opened More Than Words. As soon as I typed out "Lavender & Sage," the screen changed. The text wasn’t just letters; it felt like a note scribbled in a journal. The messy, grunge style brought an immediate sense of authenticity to the design, perfectly capturing the organic vibe I had been struggling to articulate.
For those of us who create with our hands, whether we are cutting vinyl on a Cricut, designing printable wall art, or packaging handmade soaps, the choice of typography is often the difference between a hobbyist look and a professional brand identity. More Than Words is not your typical polished script. It is a handwritten font that embraces imperfection. Its raw and unpolished look is exactly what makes it so powerful for creative projects. In a world saturated with clean, digital perfection, this typeface offers a breath of fresh air, reminding customers that there is a human behind the product.
Bringing Authenticity to Product Labels and Packaging
One of the most practical applications I have found for this premium font is in packaging design. When you are selling physical goods, the unboxing experience matters. I recently used More Than Words for a set of boutique clothing tags attached to linen tote bags. Because the font has a natural, slightly irregular baseline, it mimics the look of actual handwriting. This subtle detail creates an emotional connection with the buyer. It suggests care, effort, and personal touch.
When designing for small spaces, such as candle labels or jewelry cards, readability is key. While More Than Words is incredibly charming, its grunge texture means it works best for short phrases, product names, or titles rather than long paragraphs of instructional text. I paired it with a simple, clean sans serif font for the ingredient lists and safety warnings. This contrast allowed the decorative wording to shine as the hero of the design while ensuring that essential information remained legible. This technique of font pairing is crucial for maintaining a balanced brand identity that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Elevating Wedding Stationery and Invitations
Beyond product labels, this creative font has become a staple in my stationery designs, particularly for wedding invitations and welcome boards. Couples today are moving away from rigid, formal traditions and toward celebrations that reflect their unique personalities. More Than Words fits beautifully into this trend of experimental and organic design. I used it recently for a rustic outdoor wedding suite, placing the couple’s names in large, bold strokes across the invitation cover. The messy edges of the letters complemented the watercolor floral illustrations perfectly, creating a cohesive look that felt modern yet timeless.
For invitation designers, it is important to test how the font renders at different sizes. While it looks stunning on a large welcome sign or a save-the-date card, you may need to adjust the tracking or size when using it for smaller details like menu cards. The ligatures and alternates included in many high-quality Fonts packages can help vary the look if you are repeating certain words, though More Than Words relies more on its inherent texture for visual interest. Always print a test copy before sending files to a professional printer to ensure the grunge details do not disappear or become muddy in the printing process.
Digital Downloads and Printable Wall Art
If you are a creator of digital products, such as printable wall art or planner pages, More Than Words offers versatility that extends beyond physical merchandise. I have incorporated it into several minimalist quote prints, where the text itself is the main graphic element. The raw aesthetic of the display font adds depth to otherwise simple layouts. For example, a black-and-white print featuring an inspirational quote in this handwritten font can serve as a striking piece of modern typography for a home office or nursery.
When creating templates for other sellers or hobbyists, it is essential to consider the end-user’s experience. If you are designing a Canva template or a Photoshop file that features More Than Words, make sure to provide clear instructions on how to adjust the text layers. Since this is a commercial font, always verify the licensing terms provided by the founder. Most commercial licenses allow you to use the font in end-products like printed mugs, shirts, and posters, but restrictions may apply if you are selling the font file itself or editable templates where the user needs to install the font. Understanding these boundaries protects your shop and respects the intellectual property of the type designer.
Practical Tips for Cutting Machines and Merchandise
For those using Silhouette or Cricut machines, working with a grunge-style script font requires a bit of extra attention. The intricate details and textured edges that make More Than Words beautiful on screen can sometimes be challenging to cut in vinyl or cardstock. If you are creating stickers or decals, consider using the font for larger designs where the small imperfections will not cause the material to tear or weed poorly. For smaller applications, such as planner stickers, you might need to simplify the design or use a solid version of the text if available.
When applying this typeface to merchandise like mugs or t-shirts, think about the color contrast. The messy style stands out beautifully against solid backgrounds, but it can get lost on busy patterns. I find that using white vinyl on dark-colored tote bags or black ink on light ceramic mugs yields the best results. This ensures that the character of the modern typography remains visible and impactful. Additionally, because the font has a casual, approachable mood, it pairs well with seasonal craft designs, such as holiday gift tags or farmhouse-style signs, where a relaxed, handcrafted feel is desired.
Incorporating More Than Words into your design assets is more than just choosing a pretty letterform; it is about selecting a voice for your brand. Whether you are designing social media graphics, editorial layouts, or logo elements, this handwritten font provides a consistent thread of authenticity. It reminds your audience that your creations are made with intention and heart. By understanding its strengths and limitations, you can use it to enhance your product presentation, improve customer recognition, and ultimately, say more than just words.
