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  • Welcome to TPK! This is your first of 2 free articles. For unlimited access to tutorials and articles, join TPK Premium for less than the cost of a latte.

    10 Easy Corner and Border Designs (Includes Free Printable + Video Tutorial)

    March 28, 2023

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Free Printables, Printable Goodies, Tutorials, Video

    Artistic corner and border designs can add elegance and majesty to any project! Today’s post includes a free printable with 10 lovely designs and a two-part video tutorial series to show you how to create them.

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    10 Easy Artistic Corner and Border Designs (Free Printable + Video Tutorial)

    Corner and border designs can elevate a project from ordinary to eye-catching. If you’re ever working on a paper project that lacks “oomph”, try putting a design in all four corners, connect them, and see what happens! More often than not, border designs direct the eye to a spotlight center element while adding artistic value to a piece.

    10 Artistic Corner Designs (Includes Free Printable) | The Postman's Knock
    The Janet Style calligraphy place cards, created using walnut ink, benefit from a simple curlicue design in all four corners.

    The star of today’s article is this Artistic Corner Designs PDF, which comes to you as a free download. In it, you’ll find ten different artistic corner designs and tips for making those designs. Today, I’ll walk you through how to create the designs in two tutorial videos, then I’ll show you some examples of the corner and border designs in action!

    DOWNLOAD THE “ARTISTIC CORNER DESIGNS” PDF

    Easy Corner & Border Designs Tutorial Video 1

    The video below demonstrates how to make the first five designs in the Artistic Corner Designs PDF. To see the creation process behind a specific design, you can click on the links in the video’s description on YouTube.

    Easy Corner & Border Designs Tutorial Video 2

    The video below shows you how to make the last five designs in the Artistic Corner Designs PDF. Again, to see the creation process behind a specific design, you can click on the links in the video’s description on YouTube.

    Showcasing Artistic Corner and Border Designs

    There are countless ways to implement the designs in today’s tutorial! Here are some of the projects that I’ve used them on:

    Place Cards

    These Janet Style calligraphy place cards have a Simple Curlicue in each of their four corners.

    10 Artistic Corner Designs (Includes Free Printable) | The Postman's Knock
    These place cards were created using iron gall ink.

    Motivational Cards

    This little card has a big message, and the “Arrows and Feather” motif complements the message. (An arrow has the potential to go far, just like we do!)

    10 Artistic Corner Designs (Includes Free Printable) | The Postman's Knock
    This little saying features Kaitlin Style calligraphy that was written using watercolors.

    Mail Art

    The “Simple Leaves” border on the envelope below helps the calligraphy to stand out. The pretty, muted green McCaffery’s ink certainly doesn’t hurt.

    10 Artistic Corner Designs (Includes Free Printable) | The Postman's Knock

    10 Artistic Corner Designs (Includes Free Printable) | The Postman's Knock
    I used Beth Style Calligraphy to write the loopy address on this envelope.

    There are many possibilities for these artistic corner designs. Feel free to use them to best suit your projects and your personal style! Again, you can download the free Artistic Corner Designs PDF by clicking here. I encourage you to keep it at hand for inspiration as you work on mail art, bullet journaling, gift tags, and anything else you may want to create!

    10 Easy Artistic Corner and Border Designs (Free Printable + Video Tutorial)

    I hope you enjoyed this article and that you find the fabulous free printable helpful. Thanks very much for tuning in to read today, and happy creating!

    Warmly,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock

    I first posted this article in September of 2016. I have updated it to include new photos and video tutorials.

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About the author

Hi, I’m Lindsey Bugbee, the illustrator, calligrapher, and author behind The Postman’s Knock (TPK). Since 2012, the TPK Blog has been a vibrant creative space filled with tutorials and lessons on modern calligraphy, hand lettering, and illustration. After publishing The Calligraphy Book, I wanted to elevate the quality of content even further—so I launched TPK Premium. You can join here to receive access to some of the internet’s best creative inspiration and project tutorials.

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133 responses

  1. Cheri Avatar
    Cheri
    April 13, 2023

    I love the motivational card; I will turn this idea into some encouragement cards for my two friends who have cancer right now. They will look so lovely with these borders you have shared. You blog is a wonderful delight to find in my inbox, starts my day with a smile. Your blogs are so helpful and creative, you are always so generous with your free inclusions. Thank you!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 17, 2023

      Hi Cheri! What a great idea! I think that both of them will appreciate that so much. Wishing them well as they battle cancer ❤️ I am so happy to be a spot of joy for you and hope that that continues! Thank you for supporting and enjoying! 😊

      Log in to Reply
  2. Lara S Avatar
    Lara S
    April 13, 2023

    Thank you for this amazing free tutorial! I can’t wait to practice. I think these borders will be perfect for my son’s wedding table cards.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 17, 2023

      What a great idea! That is a perfect time for a border to come in handy! Congrats on the engagement and the wedding! Thank you for supporting!

      Log in to Reply
  3. chuckcinmick16153 Avatar
    chuckcinmick16153
    April 11, 2023

    Your corner and border designs provide the perfect marriage of creativity and utility. Thank you for sharing your designs and application suggestions. The only difficulty is deciding which to try first!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 17, 2023

      Ha! I know right! I am so glad that you liked it! Best of luck with all of the designs you choose!

      Log in to Reply
  4. Ari B Avatar
    Ari B
    April 10, 2023

    I am thinking that these little flares just make things feel that nice bit extra whether you make them on a label and envelope , it shows a little more love and flare. And the receiver knows you put a little bit of time and effort to make their day. Thank you for your continued ideas and wisdom!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 17, 2023

      I totally agree! It is such an easy and simple way to add a bunch of impact too! Glad to hear that you are enjoying!

      Log in to Reply
  5. Julie Willner Avatar
    Julie Willner
    April 10, 2023

    Thanks for sharing your creativity with us – I’ve been needing a boost of it myself, and these motifs are the perfect inspiration. They allow for a start with something small to get the juices flowing.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 17, 2023

      My pleasure! I am really glad to hear that you are enjoying! Best of luck getting those juices flowing and with your practice!

      Log in to Reply
  6. Jan C Avatar
    Jan C
    April 10, 2023

    Thank you so much for the videos and the Free worksheet!!!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 17, 2023

      Of course! I am so glad that you like them!

      Log in to Reply
  7. Stacy Avatar
    Stacy
    April 10, 2023

    Thank you, these are so fun! They’re great for doodling on notes, while listen to teachings.

    Log in to Reply
  8. Susanne Avatar
    Susanne
    April 7, 2023

    These are great! Thank you! I used a couple of the ideas on some cards I made recently. =)

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 9, 2023

      Great! I am so happy that you find it useful! Your recipients are so lucky to receive these cards from you!

      Log in to Reply
  9. Amanda W Avatar
    Amanda W
    April 6, 2023

    This is a great roundup of ideas — I always struggle with adding a little something extra!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 7, 2023

      I hope that this helps! Best of luck!

      Log in to Reply
  10. Natasha Mitchell Avatar
    Natasha Mitchell
    April 5, 2023

    I always struggled doing these kinds of borders, this is really helpful thanks.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 7, 2023

      My pleasure!

      Log in to Reply
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TPK’s calligraphy starter kit was just featured TPK’s calligraphy starter kit was just featured in @newyorkermag’s “A Holiday Gift Guide: Treasures That Are Old, or Old at Heart”. 🎁 I agree that it makes for a *fabulous* gift ... and it is the gift that keeps on giving, since your recipient will develop the skills to create all sorts of beautiful and satisfying projects. We’re talking gorgeous envelopes, frameable quotes that make a home feel cozy, place cards, sketchbook pages, family trees ... there are a lot of possibilities (and tutorials for those possibilities can be found on the TPK Blog)!

To get a kit, visit the link in my bio and navigate to the “SHOP” tab. If you buy a kit as a gift, let me know right after placing your order (lindsey@thepostmansknock.com). Be sure to tell me your recipient’s name, and I’ll be glad to include instructions for them over how to enroll in the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course, which comes with the $125 kit option. ✍️ Happy holidays! 

#thepostmansknock #tpk #calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #calligraphycommunity #calligraphypractice #calligraphytools #calligraphyset #calligraphykit #giftguide #holidaygiftguide #newyorkermag #smallbusinesslove #shopsmall #makersgonnamake #creativegifts #handmadegifts #artgifts #artsupplies #stationerylove #snailmailrevival #envelopecalligraphy #learncalligraphy #artistsontiktok #creativeprocess #holidayseason #giftideas2024
✨Chic Inky Poppies Mail Art✨ – This inky poppy ✨Chic Inky Poppies Mail Art✨ - This inky poppy motif is one of my all-time favorites for filling blank space with drama and elegance. To make it, you use dark ink smudges, loose leaves, and airy petals to build a border that looks intricate but comes together quickly. My go-tos for this style are sumi ink and a touch of gold watercolor for warmth. 

Want to try it yourself? Visit the TPK website (link in bio) and search for “Chic Inky Poppies Mail Art Tutorial.” Happy creating! 🌸🖋️

#thepostmansknock #tpk #mailart #mailartideas #envelopeart #snailmailrevival #snailmailing #snailmailart #envelopecalligraphy #calligraphycommunity #calligraphypractice #pointedpencalligraphy #moderncalligraphy #sumiink #goldwatercolor #penandink #creativeprocess #creativemail #illustrationart #papercraft #stationerylove #artistsoninstagram #artreels #calligraphyreels #mailartreels
✍️ There’s a fresh addition to the TPK Catal ✍️ There’s a fresh addition to the TPK Catalog: The Graceful Ballerina Calligraphy Drill Worksheet 

This ballerina is unique among TPK calligraphy drills in that it’s really not that complicated. After a few simple loops, a flourished tutu, and long strokes to make the legs, you have, well, a ballerina! 🩰 The most difficult part is getting the outline right; but even that isn’t too bad because you’ve got a traceable outline included in your worksheet set.

The beauty of the flourished ballerina? She makes *anything* look elegant: cards, envelopes, gift tags, whatever. My recommendation is to feature her on your next envelope. She’ll add a “wow” factor and allow you to left-justify the address, which is always a relief (no need to bother with centering)!

To find her, visit the link in my bio, then navigate to the Blog!

#thepostmansknock #tpk #calligraphy #calligraphydrills #calligraphyworksheet #moderncalligraphy #pointedpen #pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphypractice #flourishing #flourishedart #mailart #snailmail #envelopeart #envelopecalligraphy #handlettering #creativeprocess #artistsoninstagram #balletart #ballerinadrawing #ballerinaart #inkdrawing #calligraphycommunity #stationerylove #letterwritersalliance #penandink #calligraphyinspiration #learncalligraphy #artistlife #creativeplay
✨I’ve been making these little calligraphy Chr ✨I’ve been making these little calligraphy Christmas trees for years. They’re a go-to whenever I need a quick gift tag, envelope flourish, or something festive that doesn’t require a whole afternoon.

They look fancy, but they’re really just simple strokes stacked in different patterns. Truly: once you get the rhythm down, you can make a tree in under 30 seconds. 🎄 

If you want to try them (there are six styles!), the tutorial is on the TPK Blog, and it’s called
“6 Simple Ways to Make a Calligraphy Christmas Tree.” Feel free to google it, or visit: thepostmansknock.com/6-simple-ways-to-make-a-calligraphy-christmas-tree/

It’s very beginner-friendly, video-based, and a great way to get some creativity in during a busy season. I hope you love it as much as I do. 💛

#calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #holidaycalligraphy #calligraphyart #creativelifehappylife #christmascrafts #holidaycrafts #giftwrappingideas #diychristmas #christmascards #calligraphytutorial #finetec #metallicwatercolor #papercrafts #creativepractice #thepostmansknock #holidayinspiration #blackandgold #christmasideas #holidayideas
🎁 These printable gift tags are one of my favor 🎁 These printable gift tags are one of my favorite free printables on the TPK site. Just download, print, cut them out, and — if you want to — reinforce them with a bit of cardstock.

Inside the PDF you’ll find four designs: Festive Frida, Flourished Tree, Pine Boughs, and Merry & Bright. They’re all hand-drawn, and they make even the simplest wrapping look bespoke and artistic. 🎨 

Pro tip: If you’ve got a bit of extra time, add a pop of watercolor or some gold dots; and consider mounting the tag on a contrasting piece of cardstock for extra oomph.

They’re free to download at: thepostmansknock.com/free-super-cool-hand-drawn-printable-gift-tags/ (or visit the link in my stories today). Happy holidays!

#handdrawn #gifttags #printablegifttags #freeprintables #holidayprintables #christmascrafts #holidaygifts #papercrafts #snailmailinspo #mailart #creativegiftwrapping #diyholiday #diygifttags #artistsoninstagram #illustrationartists #thepostmansknock #tpkcommunity #calligraphycommunity #stationerylove #creativecommunity
There’s something extra fun about a card that do There’s something extra fun about a card that doesn’t just open … it comes to life. ✨ This little stand-up tree might look fancy, but it’s totally approachable — relaxing to make, satisfying to embellish, and (my favorite part) it folds up perfectly to pop in the mail. 💌🎄

If you’re looking for a holiday project that feels creative and doable, this is *such* a good one. The printable template does half the work for you, and you can customize the rest with flourishes, white ink, ornaments, or whatever feels festive to you.

The full step-by-step tutorial is waiting for you on the TPK website; just head to the link in my bio and tap “Blog.” I think you’ll have as much fun making this as I did. ❤️

#calligraphy #calligraphytutorial #holidaycalligraphy #flourishedcalligraphy #moderncalligraphy #calligraphycommunity #calligraphypractice #calligraphyart #letteringcommunity #letteringart #papercraft #papercrafting #diycards #handmadecards #holidaycards #christmascards #christmascrafts #snailmail #snailmailrevolution #snailmaillove #creativecommunity #stationerylove #makersgonnamake #thepostmansknock
I love it when I can make simple pointed pen pract I love it when I can make simple pointed pen practice on cardstock ... and it magically turns into a festive card! Find instructions + a printable template for making this “Loop-de-Loop” tree in the TPK 2025 Holiday Calligraphy Worksheet set. 🎄 (Link in bio, then navigate to the Blog!)

#pointedpen #calligraphy #calligraphypractice #pointedpenpractice #holiday #christmastree #treedrawing #doodles #goldwatercolor
Every November since 2016, I’ve looked forward t Every November since 2016, I’ve looked forward to sitting down with a cup of something warm ☕️ and sketching out ideas for the TPK holiday worksheet. This year was no exception, and I think you’ll be pleased with the motifs! They’re designed to bring calm, beauty, and (sneaky) pointed pen practice to your holiday season. 🎄Visit the TPK Blog (link in bio, then navigate to Blog) for details!
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