🤩 10 Times Readers Rocked TPK Tutorials

Calligraphy ampersand art by @nhbydesign — @nhbydesign created this elegant ampersand art from the Calligraphy Ampersand Art Tutorial.

Whenever I need motivation to add to the library of tutorials here on the TPK blog, I browse TPK’s tagged photos on Instagram. There, I’m always delighted to find incredible examples of work created from TPK tutorials! Today, I’m sharing some of my favorites with you.

1. The “Cheater’s” Illuminated Letter Tutorial

More than any other tutorial, I see “Cheater’s” Illuminated Letter Tutorial results on Instagram! That’s probably because it’s a quick project that involves printable templates. And, honestly, who doesn’t love a project that involves a lot of gold?

Reader-created illuminated letters — These illuminated letters were created by TPK readers using The “Cheater’s” Illuminated Letter Tutorial. Clockwise from the top left, creation credit goes to: @beginnershand, @theletteringpeacock, @fierceworkingmama, @lizzielanefarm, @pipscalligraphy, and @mistyobarr.

READ THE CHEATER’S ILLUMINATED LETTER TUTORIAL

2. Circus Lettering Tutorial

These readers harnessed the power of Circus Lettering to make bold, playful envelope motifs. Unique postage stamps help to make this mail art even cooler!

Circus lettering by @sweetpaper.us + @thescriptedpost — These envelopes were created by @sweetpaper.us (left) + @thescriptedpost (right) using the “Circus Lettering” Tutorial.

READ THE CIRCUS LETTERING TUTORIAL

3. Calligraphy Artwork Tutorial: Woman’s Silhouette

I love the Woman’s Silhouette Calligraphy Artwork Tutorial. In fact, the original lady that I created for the tutorial still hangs in my guest bathroom! Some readers have stuck to creating the original woman from the tutorial. Others have gone rogue with the concept to create impressive works.

Calligraphy silhouette artwork by @noisyyellowfellow and @karielizabethdesign — The Marilyn Monroe piece is by @noisyyellowfellow; isn’t it cool?! @karielizabethdesign did a great job with the original tutorial instructions.

READ THE WOMAN’S SILHOUETTE CALLIGRAPHY ARTWORK TUTORIAL

4. Calligraphy Birthday Card Tutorial

The Calligraphy Birthday Card Tutorial walks you through how to use calligraphy to make a gorgeous birthday card! The two renditions of the tutorial pictured below have fabulous color schemes and great calligraphy.

Calligraphy birthday cards by @bernice_lettersandthings and @califlorniastudio — These calligraphy birthday cards were created by @bernice_lettersandthings and @calliflorniastudio.

READ THE CALLIGRAPHY BIRTHDAY CARD TUTORIAL

5. Illustrated Lace Butterfly Card Tutorial

The Illustrated Lace Butterfly Card Tutorial is nice when you’re pressed for time because it relies on a printable. Then, you add paper and a note to make the card your own! Pages from sheet music, vintage books, and decorative papers all look good.

Lace butterfly cards by @kelatcocoblueboutique and @thejoyfulwritinggirl — The four lace butterfly cards on the left were created by @kelatcocoblueboutique using sheet music and pages from vintage books. @thejoyfulwritinggirl opted to use decorated paper with a nostalgic flair.

READ THE ILLUSTRATED LACE BUTTERFLY TUTORIAL

6. Octopus Calligraphy Art Tutorial

When you’re looking for a project that’s sketchbook-worthy, try the Octopus Calligraphy Art Tutorial! The tutorial comes with a free printable octopus outline to keep things fun and easy.

These flourished octopuses were created by @everiedesigns and @michiko.craft — @everiedesigns (left) and @michiko.craft (right) created these flourished octopuses.

READ THE OCTOPUS CALLIGRAPHY ART TUTORIAL

7. Staggered Floral Trifold Card Tutorial by Phyllis Macaluso

People love Phyllis Macaluso tutorials, which is why I’m honored to offer a handful of them on the TPK blog! Her recent Staggered Floral Trifold Card Tutorial was particularly inspiring. Several readers tried it out with their own clever modifications.

Floral trifold cards by @lois_sander and @willows.artsandcards — @lois_sander created the floral trifold card on the left. I love that delicate layered string! The gold edging on @willows.artsandcards’ version (right) adds elegance and interest.

READ THE STAGGERED FLORAL TRIFOLD CARD TUTORIAL

8. “Joy” Elegant Gold Christmas Card Tutorial

The “Joy” Elegant Gold Christmas Card has inspired many people to make beautiful cards! While many stick to the original “JOY” greeting, some readers have used it to convey a different message.

Cards by @thesmudgyhand and @cursivelywritten — @thesmudgyhand decided to use The “Joy” Elegant Gold Christmas Card concept for a birthday greeting! @cursivelywritten stuck to the original tutorial, adding gold cardstock backing to give the card more contrast.

READ THE “JOY” ELEGANT GOLD CHRISTMAS CARD TUTORIAL

9. Botanical Letter Tutorial

The Botanical Letter Tutorial doesn’t present an exact botanical letter-making formula. Instead, the tutorial offers an explanation of the concept, and then people run with it! For that reason, it’s especially fun to see what artists put together. For example, people play with different mediums, opting to substitute brush pens or X-Acto knives for watercolors. Others decide to switch up the letter style. The changes always result in a personalized, cool result!

Botanical M by @shelaylayblue; Papercut letter by @lisajaystudio — Look closely, and you’ll see that @lisajaystudio used a papercutting technique to create the “N” on the left. @shelaylayblue created the jubilant, curly “M”.

READ THE BOTANICAL LETTER TUTORIAL

10. Flourished Calligraphy Reindeer Tutorial (Guest Post by Maureen Vickery)

Shortly after Maureen Vickery wrote her Flourished Calligraphy Reindeer Tutorial for TPK, I began seeing the results of the tutorial popping up on social media. Artists included different messages in the reindeer and experimented with various mediums and colors. The holiday season is far from just around the corner. However, Maureen’s tutorial is worth keeping in mind for later this year! (Or, here’s an idea: make your holiday cards now, while we’re not in the “holidaze”.)

Flourished reindeer created by readers — Clockwise from the upper left, these flourished reindeer were created by @flourishing_corner, @annabellecalligraphy, and @bernice_lettersandthings.

READ THE FLOURISHED CALLIGRAPHY REINDEER TUTORIAL

Honorable Mention: Watercolor Maps

While browsing on Instagram, I noticed several watercolor maps created by Watercolor Illustrated Maps 101 eCourse students. The eCourse isn’t a tutorial, but I want to give a shout-out to all of the students who have done such an amazing job with it! (For other examples of student maps, see Watercolor Illustrated Maps: A Proud Teacher Showcase.) Check out these creative maps:

Maps created by @gifts_that_give_studio, @Wilkinjulia, @mtia_art_et_al and @cheriescolourfullife — Clockwise from the top left (Purdue), these maps were created by @gifts_that_give_studio, @Wilkinjulia, @cheriescolourfullife and @mtia_art_et_al. Well done!

If you want to create your own watercolor map, you need watercolors, watercolor paper, waterproof ink + a dip pen, and a pencil to start. Don’t forget to bring plenty of time and patience to the table, too. Don’t say I didn’t warn you: once you make one watercolor map, it’s hard to stop!

ENROLL IN THE WATERCOLOR MAPS 101 eCOURSE

I hope that perusing this article gives you the inspiration (and instructions!) to create something fun. Thanks so much for reading, and enjoy your projects!

Warmly,