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  • ๐Ÿ’˜ Super Simple Calligraphy Valentine by Phyllis Macaluso

    February 9, 2021

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    โ€” 12 Comments

    Flourishing, Greeting Card Tutorials, Guest Post, Valentine’s Day

    In this post, artist + calligrapher + card-maker extraordinaire Phyllis Macaluso will walk us through how to make a fast but fabulous calligraphy Valentine. You’ll just need cardstock, scissors, Phyllis’ free printable template, and some imagination!

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    ๐Ÿ’˜ Super Simple Calligraphy Valentine by Phyllis Macaluso

    Last year, Phyllis Macaluso gave us a beautiful Matchbook Valentine’s Day card concept. This year, she’s keeping things simple with an elegant four-step calligraphy Valentine tutorial. For this card, you’ll simply fold, cut, and embellish to make a Valentine that’s classy but quick!

    1. Fold + Trace

    First, cut a piece of black cardstock to 10″ x 6.5″ (25.4 cm x 16.5 cm). Then, fold the cardstock in half to make a card (you can run a bone folder along the edge for a crisp crease). Next, print and cut out Phyllis’s heart template and line up its edge with the center of the card. Finish up this step by using a white pencil to trace around the template.

    Supplies for Calligraphy Valentine Card
    You can download Phyllis’s printable heart template by clicking here.

    2. Cut

    Now, cut around the outline of the heart. Relegate your cutting to the front of the card: there’s no need to make any cuts on the back!

    Cutting Out the Traced Heart
    Notice that Phyllis cut along the card’s fold here.

    3. Make a Draft

    Once you’ve cut out the card, use your white mechanical pencil to freehand draw a heart within your heart cutout. Then, open the card, and draw a rounded rectangle near the inside edges of the card.

    Making a Draft

    4. Add Ink

    You decide exactly what happens for this next step! To finish up your card, you’ll add embellishments to the heart and rectangle outlines that you just drew. You can also write a message or a person’s name in the middle of the card. It’s best to use a pretty metallic ink (like Finetec) or white ink for this step.

    Adding Ink
    Try adding Jodean Cooper’s fabulous floral flourishes to the heart outline!

    Once you’re happy with how your card looks, erase the pencil guidelines and fold the card. For a beautiful Valentine’s Day duo, you can make a heart embellishment on the envelope that you’re using to send the card, too. (Phyllis included medium-sized heart templates in her printable for this purpose!)

    ๐Ÿ’˜ Super Simple Calligraphy Valentine by Phyllis Macaluso
    Phyllis used a Pretty in Pink oblique to make this lovely Valentine’s Day card. I love seeing TPK tools being put to good use!

    We’re cutting it close to Valentine’s Day (Sunday, February 14th), so I hope that this quick card tutorial serves you well! If you’d like to explore other Valentine’s Day greeting concepts — including Phyllis’ tutorial from last year — you can take a look at the Valentine’s Day category on the TPK blog. Thanks so much to Phyllis for this simple calligraphy Valentine concept, and thank you for reading!

    Warmly,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock

     

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Sketchbooking

About the author

Hi! Iโ€™m Lindsey Bugbee! The designer + illustrator + calligrapher behind The Postmanโ€™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 Beginnerโ€™s Guide to Modern Calligraphy!

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12 responses

  1. dawnreaume28 Avatar
    dawnreaume28
    May 22, 2022

    Hello Lindsey!
    Iโ€™ve been interested in calligraphy for a very long time I was even asked as a teenager to calligraphy a poem and got paid for it! Itโ€™s crazy because I was not very good at it and after that I started college and forgot about it! Although I did follow an art path in graphic arts and printing technology! It is only now at 53 years old when my three children have grown and all moved out that I stumbled upon all the modern calligraphy and decided to make it go at it! Iโ€™ve collected lots of supplies and I even placed an order on your website! So I am just starting my journey and I am in love with flurishes and of course The gold ink!
    Iโ€™ve spent the last two weeks browsing your site and Reading lots of your blog posts! I love them all and I have learned so much! Sorry but this is the first time I have commented and itโ€™s because of your giveaway! But I did want you to know how much I have enjoyed your emails, blogs, YouTube videos!
    Hugs!โค๏ธ
    Dawn

    Reply
  2. sophia Avatar
    sophia
    July 13, 2021

    You are so creative and inspirational for the people like me! I love to have a try with your video tutorials. This card design makes me amazed since I did it this year in February! By profession, I work at this https://www.napervillefence.com/vinyl-fence site and help people with fence installation services! Thanks for sharing this post with us.

    Reply
  3. ChrisMorris Avatar
    ChrisMorris
    February 19, 2021

    Stunning artwork from Phyllis! I like the card design and the texts on it especially the golden color ink and its lighting effect. I always love creating handcrafting gifts for others though I am a professional writer specialized in healthy food topics (you can visit my recent writing on the difference between pasteurized and homogenized milk at https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/difference-between-pasteurized-and-homogenized-milk/ for some free essay examples, topic ideas, inspiration, and guidelines). By the way, thanks for this post that inspires us to have a try to create by hands!

    Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      March 3, 2021

      It’s my pleasure! Thank you for sharing. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  4. LoAn Avatar
    LoAn
    February 10, 2021

    I love your blog and appreciate the time and effort to create contents, write, and take photos. I especially love the tutorials. This Valentine card from Phyllis is stunning and inspiring. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 15, 2021

      Thank you for your kind words, and I’m so happy to hear that! It’s my pleasure. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  5. Priya K Avatar
    Priya K
    February 9, 2021

    This is beautiful! I was looking for a last-minute Valentine’s Day card idea, and will be making this tonight!

    Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 15, 2021

      Yay! I’m sure it’ll turn out beautifully! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  6. null Avatar
    null
    February 9, 2021

    Stunning! I love how this simple tutorial can be used for truly simple designs or taken to the next level…and thanks for thinking ahead with the medium template for the envelope!

    Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 15, 2021

      Yes, exactly! And it’s my pleasure, I’m so happy you enjoyed! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  7. lindy Avatar
    lindy
    February 9, 2021

    What a gorgeous card. Any idea what kind of ink Phyllis used for the multicolor effect? Maybe it was in the post, but I missed it…
    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 9, 2021

      Yes! She uses metallic watercolors from The Creative Kinds on Etsy. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply

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A lot of people donโ€™t realize what a slow, inten A lot of people donโ€™t realize what a slow, intentional process pointed pen calligraphy is. Itโ€™s not about the speed; itโ€™s about the focus. You see the pace Iโ€™m going in this video? Thatโ€™s what you need to shoot for! Itโ€™s okay to go a little bit faster or a little bit slower โ€” calligraphy isnโ€™t one size fits all โ€” but pointed pen calligraphy is *never* going to reach a pace thatโ€™s similar to that of everyday handwriting. โœ๏ธ 

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 Iโ€™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? ๐Ÿงœโ€โ™€๏ธ๐ŸŸ PDF link in profile! 

Speaking of a marine theme: I absolutely love this song. My husband makes fun of me for it (โ€œWhat? Are you a pirate now, or ...?โ€) Of course, I am jumping at the chance to include it in a reel. ๐Ÿ˜

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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. ๐Ÿฅณ

Once youโ€™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 thatโ€™s around  100# and great for printing off artwork. Then, cut out the design, fold it, and write your message on the inside. And voilร : 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, weโ€™ll be knee-deep in the โ€œholidazeโ€, when itโ€™s impossible to get practically anything done. 

To me, this anniversary artwork (which could double as a holiday gift) is the perfect thoughtful present. Itโ€™s a conversation-starter, a memory-keeper, and a celebration all rolled into one! Itโ€™s also incredibly time-consuming to make something like this, so thereโ€™s that. ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™€๏ธ 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 โ€” along with the help of a digital shortcut โ€” 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 ** ๐Ÿ˜Œ โœ๏ธ In todayโ€™s ** Nib on paper ASMR ** ๐Ÿ˜Œ โœ๏ธ 

In todayโ€™s technology-saturated world, handwriting often gets tossed to the wayside. Some say that handwriting doesnโ€™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 โ€” probably because a piece of handwriting requires active concentration and touch from its writer. (For this reason, I love looking through my late grandmotherโ€™s recipe box, with all its handwritten ingredient lists and instructions). โค๏ธ

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:

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

2๏ธโƒฃ Practice regularly with guided worksheets (TPK has a *fabulous* โ€” and rigorous โ€” elegant cursive worksheet; link in profile).

3๏ธโƒฃ 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 #ScriptTransformationsโ€
๐Ÿ‘ป Is Halloween on your radar yet? If yes, consi ๐Ÿ‘ป 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 TPKโ€™s premium artistic Halloween resources. 

This is a time lapse video of the trumpet vine sugar skull illustration tutorial from TPKโ€™s โ€œHalloween Fun Art and Calligraphy Worksheetโ€ โ€” which includes an optional instructional video component! Iโ€™ve included traceable templates to ensure that your illustrated skull looks gorgeous every time. ๐Ÿ’€๐ŸŒน

#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. ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸŽจ Iโ€™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 sonโ€™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 โ€œcanvasโ€, 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, Iโ€™ve since written to Leah and asked her to sell me 10 more tubes. ๐Ÿ™ˆ I adore this stuff and canโ€™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 youโ€™re in the Boulder/Denver area, Leah sells henna cones! Outside of this area, Iโ€™m not sure where to get them โ€” but thatโ€™s knowledge that Iโ€™m positive is easily procured with an internet search. ๐Ÿ”Ž 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
Ink spatters and smudges are the woooorst. The goo Ink spatters and smudges are the woooorst. The good news, though, is that they can be fixed โ€” at least somewhat. Hereโ€™s the hobby knife technique that I generally use to make my mistakes unnoticeable. Itโ€™s not a back-to-original-condition repair, but it usually works just fine!

For four more project-saving techniques, visit the link in my profile!

#pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphy #pointedpen #handwrittencalligraphy #dippencalligraphy #handwritten #penandink #sumiink #xactoknife #hobbyknife #calligraphyhack #beginnercalligraphy #learncalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphyhack #calligraphymistake #calligraphyfail #calligraphylove #calligraphytip #pointedpencalligraphytip
When life throws us curves, sometimes the best thi When life throws us curves, sometimes the best thing we can do is lose ourselves in the therapeutic act of creating. ๐ŸŒผ Crafting a sympathy card is as much for the sender as it is for the recipient. Itโ€™s a moment to pause, reflect, and send out warmth into the universe. Dive into this serene DIY sympathy card tutorial on The Postmanโ€™s Knock, and let the process be a healing and grounding experience for you. Whether youโ€™re dealing with your own grief or hoping to comfort another, every stroke of the pen and brush becomes an act of love and understanding. Find the full tutorial link in profile.

#watercolor #sympathycard #MindfulMaking #CraftingCare #ArtTherapy #HealingThroughArt #diycard #consolationcard #HeartfeltHandmade #CalligraphyComfort #CraftWithIntention #EmbraceEmpathy #InkWithIntention #ArtfulHealing #DIYWithLove #ThoughtfulTouches #LetteringLove #SendSupport #pointedpen #pointedpencalligraphy #ReflectiveArt #handmade #grief #CondolenceCraft #ThoughtfulArtistry #TouchingTributes #watercolorart #HandmadeHugs
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