Shabby chic sign writing

[weepootle]

I'm looking to make some wooden plaques as gifts but can't work out how people do this writing with the dots example. Does anyone know? Just wondered whether they use stencils or if it's all freehand. Also, what type of pens to use.

Thanks

If I were doing it I would write it freehand and put the dots on afterwards.

Not sure what kind of pen - something that gave a good paint like finish. There is a chance they are painted freehand with a fine brush though, in which case I would pencil the letters on first.