How do the calligraphers get those lines of a hand-lettered poem centered so well? Follow these simple steps for perfectly centered lines every time!
1. First, add your guide lines to a plain sheet of paper, then letter all your lines of text on separate lines. Don't worry about how the different lines of text line up. This is only a first draft. If you won't use a lightbox, use black ink, because you might be tracing it onto your final sheet.
2. Cut the work into strips, one line per strip.
3. Fold each strip so the first and last characters line up at the outer edges of each other, then crease the strip (see below). You now have the center of the line of text. Do this with all your strips.
4. Line up your strips so the centerlines are aligned, the linespacing (the distance from baseline to baseline) is evenly spaced, and the baselines are parallel -- use a ruler or place it on grid paper to get the spacing right. Tape the strips to each other.
5. When you are pleased with the arrangement, either trace it with your final choice of paper (using a light table), or eyeball it.
That's it! These steps will help you center curved text over horizontal text too, like you see with some impressive certificates.