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  • ✨ Making Magic with TPK: Celebrating Reader Projects

    August 22, 2023

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    — Leave a Comment

    Inspiration, Roundup

    One of the most rewarding aspects of running this website is seeing the ripple effect of creativity. It’s one thing to provide a tutorial, but it’s a unique joy to see that knowledge absorbed and transformed by someone. Today, we’ll dive into several TPK-inspired projects that capture the spirit of art and community.

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    Abby S. (@thescriptedpost on Instagram) used Circus Style lettering to make these *fabulous* envelopes.
    Abby S. (@thescriptedpost on Instagram) used Circus Style lettering to make these *fabulous* envelopes.

    For me, a big part of the fun of the TPK website is seeing reader projects. It’s so gratifying to provide instructions and see them being put to use, especially when people add or subtract elements to make a project their own! Today, I’m taking a little break from working on my book to share some of my favorite TPK-inspired creations from Instagram — courtesy of the TPK community.

    1. Illuminated Letters Birthday Gift

    CoCo K. knocked it out of the park with this project! She used the Easy Illuminated Letter Tutorial as a base, pairing two letters together with an innovative color scheme and calligraphy as a birthday gift for her dad.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by CoCo Kelly | The Audacious Woman (@shewhoisaudacious)

    MAKE YOUR OWN ILLUMINATED LETTER

    2. Flourished Reindeer Holiday Card

    Bernice did an amazing job replicating Maureen Vickery’s flourished calligraphy reindeer — complete with a red nose — as part of her holiday decor. Bleed Proof White ink is a must if you want that festive, snowy look on black paper.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Bernice (@bernice_lettersandthings)

    READ THE FLOURISHED CALLIGRAPHY REINDEER TUTORIAL

    3. Colorful Marinera Dancer

    For Peruvian Independence Day 2022, I shared a Marinera Dancer Calligraphy Drill Worksheet. Larissa took her dancer to the next level by embracing the traditional Peruvian color scheme of red, black, and white!

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Larissa (@larigraphy_tas)

    DOWNLOAD THE FREE WORKSHEET

    4. North Carolina Illustrated Map

    Mindy J. put in the work to make this map by enrolling in the Watercolor Illustrated Maps 101 eCourse. A piece like this takes several days to make, but the process is magic. It’s amazing how making a map allows you to “travel” to a place … mentally, you feel like you’re there! If you’re serious about making maps, enroll in the course; or, for an overview of the process, see this tutorial.

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    A post shared by Mindy Jameyson CZT (@penwithzen)

    ENROLL IN THE WATERCOLOR illustrated MAPS 101 ECOURSE

    5. Letter Art Farewell Gift

    Anamika says: “I wanted to gift [my ex-coworker Matthew] something that will always remind him of us, a part of Non Human Primate Reagent Resource (NHPRR). Those who don’t know we work in vaccine development and it’s related to primates hence I wanted to include our beloved animal Macaca mulata aka rhesus monkey. This art piece has everyone’s name who is a part of the group along with most special ppl/things/ objects in his life.” She created this piece using the Personalized Letter Art Tutorial.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Anamika Banerjee (@artwork_by_anamika)

    MAKE PERSONALIZED LETTER ART

    6. “Bee Mine” Card

    Nikkei’s brilliant Valentine’s Day card pairs the Flourished Bee Calligraphy Tutorial with metallic ink and “Bee Mine” calligraphy for a visual treat.

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    A post shared by Ruby Red Riding Hood (@rubyredridinghood)

    DOWNLOAD THE FREE FLOURISHED BEE WORKSHEET

    7. “JOY” Holiday Card

    Jennifer D. created this simple but festive card with the help of the “Joy” Elegant Gold Christmas Card Tutorial. I love how she used a gold border to complete the look!

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Cursively Written (@cursivelywritten)

    make a “joy” greeting card

    8. “Silent Phantoms” Halloween Quote

    Philippa elevated the “Silent Phantoms” Halloween Calligraphy by writing her quote on aged, torn paper using walnut ink. These modifications make the piece especially perfect for up-leveling your Halloween decor!

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by @pippaj3

    DOWNLOAD THE “SILENT PHANTOMS” CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHEET

    9. Hand-Drawn Vintage Roses

    Anna is right: it’s amazing what you can do with a pen and some ink. Try creating a vintage roses illustration yourself! Like Anna (and me), I suspect you’ll find that this motif presents a relaxing and pleasant challenge.

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    A post shared by Anna | Cracow Calligrapher (@flourishing_corner)

    LEARN HOW TO DRAW VINTAGE ROSES

    10. Woman’s Silhouette Calligraphy Artwork

    Paulina re-imagined TPK’s Calligraphy Artwork Tutorial: Woman’s Silhouette to include clear, monoline calligraphy and a favorite song. I love how she states that the TPK Blog makes you “want to try all the things” — that’s what I love to hear!

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    A post shared by 𝑃𝑎𝑢𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑎 • 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟 (@goldprintcalligraphy)

    make a calligraphy silhouette

    I so appreciate everyone who has shared their creations on Instagram for me to see. It’s an amazing cycle of inspiration: when you read a tutorial and share the result, I feel that creative spark that fuels this website. Thanks so much for growing your creativity with me, and please feel free to scroll through other TPK reader-created projects to see even more reader projects!

    Happy creating,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock
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Sketchbooking

About the author

Hi! I’m Lindsey Bugbee! The designer + illustrator + calligrapher behind The Postman’s Knock (TPK). TPK is a blog focused on teaching creative techniques and offering guides to learning modern calligraphy and illustration. I hope you enjoy reading my blog as much as I enjoy writing it! If you are new to calligraphy, check out the Beginner’s Guide to Modern Calligraphy!

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Several years ago, a TPK reader sent me a blunt sy Several years ago, a TPK reader sent me a blunt syringe that she’d picked up at an art supplies shop in Japan. At first, I wondered what on earth I’d do with such a thing! Then, the usages just kept coming. Now, I always have a blunt syringe around to dilute inks with water, moisten watercolors, and turn gouache into ink!

If you’ve just been using a spoon to add water to your inks/paints, you’ll appreciate the precision that a blunt syringe offers. Like a black eraser, it’s a cheap powerhouse tool. Pick one up next time you place an order at TPK! At $1.50, it’s not really worth ordering by itself (frankly, shipping will cost more than the syringe), but it’s the perfect add-on item. Visit the link in my profile to find it!

#pointedpencalligraphy #pointedpenlove #watercolor #watercolour #watercolorart #handpainted #painting #moderncalligraphy #calligraphy #dippen #pointedpen #calligrapher #calligrapherssecret #arttools #artsupplies #calligraphylove #inking #creativeprocess #artsyfinds #calligraphytips #handlettering #artistlife #createeveryday #artisticjourney #stationeryaddict #paperlove #penandink #craftingtools
Mixed up such a fantastic pink gouache that I forg Mixed up such a fantastic pink gouache that I forgot how to spell “fantastic”. 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️ But who can blame me? This pink on black is soooo cool!

To make this tone, I combined Schmincke gouache tones — opaque white and madder red — in a 0.5 oz container. I added probably 1.5 teaspoons of water and let everything sit for a couple of minutes to give the gouache time to loosen up a bit. (The white, especially, comes out of the tube with a fairly solid texture.) Then, I used a chopstick to stir everything up. After that, voilà: a fabulous opaque pink! 🎨

Some people add gum arabic to their gouache; I’ve found that this isn’t necessary with the Schmincke. Since it’s intended specifically for calligraphy, it tends to cooperate as soon as you’ve mixed it in that perfect creamy viscosity. To learn more about how to use gouache to write calligraphy, visit the link in my profile.

Okay, off to write more pink calligraphy — and hopefully it will be spelled correctly this time. 😁 Have a “fantasic” day!

#pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #gouachecalligraphy #pointedpen #schmincke #calligraphygouache #calligraphypractice #dippencalligraphy #misspelling #calligraphylove #calligrapher #calligraphyart #calligraphymasters #flourishing #calligraphycommunity #calligraphylettering #pointedpenlove #pinkandblack #calligraphyaddict #pinkcalligraphy #pointedpenpractice #handwriting #thecalligraphyhub #dippen #handwritten #penmanship #handmade #modernscript #letteringchallenge
A lot of people don’t realize what a slow, inten A lot of people don’t realize what a slow, intentional process pointed pen calligraphy is. It’s not about the speed; it’s about the focus. You see the pace I’m going in this video? That’s what you need to shoot for! It’s okay to go a little bit faster or a little bit slower — calligraphy isn’t one size fits all — but pointed pen calligraphy is *never* going to reach a pace that’s similar to that of everyday handwriting. ✍️ 

Calligraphy drills are really great for figuring out what speed works best for you and sorting out your ability to make stroke contrast. This drills sheet is a free download at TPK, and I encourage you to take advantage of it! It starts with basic drills like the one I’m doing here, then it progresses to a page with a gorgeous flourished seahorse drill. Everything in the drills sheet has a marine theme because why not keep it fun? 🧜‍♀️🐟 PDF link in profile! 

Speaking of a marine theme: I absolutely love this song. My husband makes fun of me for it (“What? Are you a pirate now, or ...?”) Of course, I am jumping at the chance to include it in a reel. 😁

#pointedpen #calligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #moderncalligraphy #calligraphydrills #handlettering #lettering #pointedpendrills #penmanship #handwritten #dippen #flourishing #calligraphypractice #calligraphymasters #calligrapher #dippencalligraphy #calligraphyart #calligraphylove #freecalligraphyworksheet #calligraphycommunity #calligraphyworksheet #calligraphylettering #freecalligraphydrills #flourish #obliquepen #learncalligraphy #learnpointedpencalligraphy #pointedpenlove #fearlessflourishing #thecalligraphyhub
Did you know: this fabulous (hand-drawn!!) thank y Did you know: this fabulous (hand-drawn!!) thank you card is a FREE printable on the TPK website. You can follow the link in my profile to download it. 🥳

Once you’ve got the file, print it out on the highest quality print setting you have. Print it on the heaviest paper that your printer will allow you to use; I use an Epson paper that’s around  100# and great for printing off artwork. Then, cut out the design, fold it, and write your message on the inside. And voilà: an instant + unique thank you card!

#diycard #diythankyoucard #freedownload #penandinkillustration #illustration #handmadecards #paperlove #stationeryaddict #artprintable #cardmaking #gratitudecards #snailmaillove #printathome #craftyday #diyproject #greetingcards #thankyounotes #printablecards #cardcrafting #paperprojects #creativeexpression #stationerylove #papercrafts #inkandpaper #craftersofinstagram #paperpassion #cardlover #cardmakersofinstagram #sendmoremail
If you plan on giving a DIY gift or two this holid If you plan on giving a DIY gift or two this holiday season, now is the best time to start planning! Pretty soon, we’ll be knee-deep in the “holidaze”, when it’s impossible to get practically anything done. 

To me, this anniversary artwork (which could double as a holiday gift) is the perfect thoughtful present. It’s a conversation-starter, a memory-keeper, and a celebration all rolled into one! It’s also incredibly time-consuming to make something like this, so there’s that. 🤷‍♀️ But: the most precious commodity we have is time, which makes gifts like this one all the more special. To find instructions over how to make it — along with the help of a digital shortcut — visit the link in my profile!

#anniversaryart #anniversary #art #anniversarygifts #watercolorart #anniversarygift #illustration #love #watercolorwedding #weddinganniversarygift #painting #holidaygift #happyanniversary #anniversarygiftsforhim #anniversarygiftideas #diypresent #procreateart #anniversarygiftcustom #diywatercolorart #watercolorpainting #watercolortutorial #dailyart #handmade #connecticutlove #coupleart #cute #poitnedpencalligraphy #pointedpen #dippen #customartwork
** Nib on paper ASMR ** 😌 ✍️ In today’s ** Nib on paper ASMR ** 😌 ✍️ 

In today’s technology-saturated world, handwriting often gets tossed to the wayside. Some say that handwriting doesn’t really matter anymore, but I disagree. For one thing, handwriting is one of the most personal reflections of you. To hold something that someone wrote feels more intimate than looking at a photo — probably because a piece of handwriting requires active concentration and touch from its writer. (For this reason, I love looking through my late grandmother’s recipe box, with all its handwritten ingredient lists and instructions). ❤️

Furthermore, studies have shown that handwriting stimulates the brain differently than typing, promoting better retention of information and aiding in the learning process. The act of putting pen to paper can also be therapeutic, offering a mindful respite from the constant screen time and digital distractions. Plus, in an age of emails and texts, a handwritten note or letter carries an emotional weight and sentimentality that digital communication often lacks. 

Sometimes, though, people feel self-conscious about their handwriting. If that resonates with you, here are my top three tips for writing in fluid, pretty cursive:

1️⃣ Use a pen with smooth ink flow (in this video, I’m using a Pilot Falcon fountain pen; but I often use Pentel Touch or Pilot G2 05 gel pens).

2️⃣ Practice regularly with guided worksheets (TPK has a *fabulous* — and rigorous — elegant cursive worksheet; link in profile).

3️⃣ Analyze and adjust your grip and posture for comfort. A relaxed grip is key!

#CursiveHandwriting #HandwritingTips #CalligraphyLove #CursivePractice #HandwritingMatters #CursiveWriting #Penmanship #HandwritingHelp #WritingJourney #ImproveYourHandwriting #HandwritingGoals #ScriptLove #CursiveGoals #WriteBetter #ModernCalligraphy #WritingTips #HandLettering #LetteringLove #CursiveScript #HandwritingImprovement #ScriptPractice #HandwritingCoach #LoveToWrite #HandwritingSkills #Scripting #CursiveMagic #WriteDaily #HandwritingPassion #ElegantScript #ScriptTransformations”
👻 Is Halloween on your radar yet? If yes, consi 👻 Is Halloween on your radar yet? If yes, consider sending cards or making delightfully creepy artwork to start celebrating! Follow the link in my profile for Halloween inspiration, including free tutorials and worksheets + information about TPK’s premium artistic Halloween resources. 

This is a time lapse video of the trumpet vine sugar skull illustration tutorial from TPK’s “Halloween Fun Art and Calligraphy Worksheet” — which includes an optional instructional video component! I’ve included traceable templates to ensure that your illustrated skull looks gorgeous every time. 💀🌹

#HalloweenInspiration #CreepyArtwork #HalloweenCards #ArtisticHalloween #HalloweenFun #CalligraphyWorksheets #HalloweenCalligraphy #SugarSkullArt #TrumpetVine #IllustrationTutorial #HalloweenCrafts #SpookyArt #OctoberCrafts #DIYHalloween #HalloweenArtProjects #SkullIllustration #HalloweenCountdown #SpookySeason #ArtisticResources #TraceableTemplates #ArtTutorials #CreepyCreations #HalloweenCreatives #SpookySketches #HalloweenDIY #SkullArt #CelebrateHalloween #HalloweenLovers #FallCrafting #GhoulishGraphics
Last week, we went to a party where @facefiesta (L Last week, we went to a party where @facefiesta (Leah Reddell) was painting faces and giving henna tattoos. 👩‍🎨 I’ve been vaguely aware of henna and its intricate patterns for a while now, but had never seen it in action. I instantly fell in love and was so excited when Leah let me acquire three henna cones from her! 

Since we had friends and family visiting this weekend for my son’s birthday party, I painted five henna tattoos. The one in this reel is my very favorite: a masculine sleeve full of geometry and contrast. My friend, the “canvas”, has been applying coconut oil to this pattern like crazy to ensure that it lasts a long time (I believe 1-3 weeks is standard).

Of course, I’ve since written to Leah and asked her to sell me 10 more tubes. 🙈 I adore this stuff and can’t wait to doodle on my own arm! And I know that at many family gatherings to come, my loved ones will ask for tattoos. 

If you’re in the Boulder/Denver area, Leah sells henna cones! Outside of this area, I’m not sure where to get them — but that’s knowledge that I’m positive is easily procured with an internet search. 🔎 Happy drawing!

#HennaArt #FaceFiesta #HennaLove #HennaTattoo #ModernHenna #HennaDesigns #MasculineHenna #GeometryTattoo #HennaLove #DIYHenna #TattooLovers #BirthdayHenna #FamilyTattoos #BoulderHenna #DenverHenna #LocalArtists #HennaInspiration #TemporaryTattoos #HennaDoodles #SkinArtistry #NaturalInk #TemporaryTattoo #FacePainting #PartyTattoos #SkinCanvas #HennaSleeve #HennaSupplies #HennaTips #ArtisticExpression
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