Join us for the all-new Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course, happening now! →

Learn More
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS Feed
    • YouTube
    • Premium Membership
    • Beginner Calligraphy Course
    • Intermediate Calligraphy Course
    • Calligraphy Worksheets
    • Beginner Watercolor Course
    • The Calligraphy Book
  • Blog
    • Pointed Pen Calligraphy Worksheets
    • Pointed Pen Calligraphy Drills
    • Video Courses
    • Brush Pen Calligraphy
    • Handwriting
    • Hand-Lettering
    • Mail Printables
    • Printable Artwork
    • Procreate Worksheets
      • Cleaning Cloths
      • Erasers
      • Glass Jars
      • Inks
      • Kits
      • Mechanical Pencils
      • Nibs
      • Oblique Pens
      • Paper
      • Protectants
      • Rubber Stamps
      • Rulers
      • Straight Pens
      • Washi Tape
      • Watercolors
      • Wax Seals
  • Help
  • Cart
Log in

Your cart is currently empty!

The Postman's Knock written in calligraphy
Subscribe for $1/week
Sign In
  • My Account
    • Account Details
    • Addresses
    • Payment Methods
    • Order Receipts
    • Subscriptions
    • Printables + Worksheets
    • Video Courses
  • Help
Log in
The Postman’s Knock
  • About
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Help
  • Premium Membership
  • The Calligraphy Book
Subscribe for $1/week
Sign In
  • 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 Times Readers Rocked TPK Tutorials

    May 19, 2022

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Roundup, Tutorials

    TPK tutorials are the lifeblood of The Postman’s Knock blog. Today, I’m sharing a handful of eye-catching reader creations that I found on Instagram!

    • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Pinterest
    • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook
    • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)WhatsApp
    • Click to share on X (Opens in new window)X
    • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window)Bluesky
    • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window)Threads
    • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Reddit
    • Click to share on Mail (Opens in new window)Mail
    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,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock

    • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Pinterest
    • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook
    • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)WhatsApp
    • Click to share on X (Opens in new window)X
    • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window)Bluesky
    • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window)Threads
    • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Reddit
    • Click to share on Mail (Opens in new window)Mail
Sketchbooking

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.

Join TPK’s free mailing list

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Follow TPK on social media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • RSS Feed
  • Mail
Previous post: Two Hours, Four Artistic Envelopes
Next post: 8 Beginner Pointed Pen Calligraphy Problems

All-time favorite posts

  • The Beginner's Guide to Modern Calligraphy

    The Beginner’s Guide to Modern Calligraphy

    1.5m views
  • 8 Tips to Improve Your Handwriting (Plus a Free Worksheet) | The Postman's Knock

    8 Tips to Improve Your Handwriting (Plus a Free Worksheet)

    867.2k views
  • Painting with Watercolors for Beginners

    Painting with Watercolors for Beginners

    825k views
  • Free Brush Pen Calligraphy Worksheet

    Free Brush Pen Calligraphy Worksheet

    483.2k views
  • How to Write Faux Calligraphy (Video Tutorial + Free Worksheet)

    363.8k views
  • 11 Calming Calligraphy Drills Printable | The Postman's Knock

    Celebrating Six Years of the “11 Calming Calligraphy Drills” Worksheet (Free Download)

    291.7k views
  • Lovely Loose Watercolor Flowers Tutorial

    Lovely Loose Watercolor Flowers Tutorial

    205.3k views
  • The Ultimate DIY Modern Calligraphy Starter Kit

    The Ultimate DIY Modern Calligraphy Starter Kit

    186.7k views

Latest posts

  • Graceful Ballerina Calligraphy Artwork + Drill WorksheetDecember 5, 2025
  • Stand-Up Tree Holiday Card Tutorial
    Standing Tree Holiday Card TutorialNovember 24, 2025
  • flourished holiday ornament
    Introducing the 2025 TPK Holiday Calligraphy Worksheet SetNovember 17, 2025
  • November’s Coffee Date: Creative Gift IdeasNovember 11, 2025

Browse by category

Browse by date

42 responses

  1. Anvita Kulshrestha Avatar
    Anvita Kulshrestha
    May 30, 2022

    This is such a great compilation of all the amazing projects! I am so excited to go through the tutorials and give it a try! 🙂

    Log in to Reply
  2. Dee Avatar
    Dee
    May 30, 2022

    Thanks for featuring my map! Loved the course!

    Log in to Reply
  3. Mina Avatar
    Mina
    May 27, 2022

    Gives me inspiration to give one a try!!

    Log in to Reply
  4. Klár Avatar
    Klár
    May 26, 2022

    Great inspiration for me to finally start. Your followers are so skillfull.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 28, 2022

      Thanks! I would love to see your work too!!

      Log in to Reply
  5. Leanne Avatar
    Leanne
    May 25, 2022

    I love how you’ve shared your reader’s work! So many beautiful examples!

    Log in to Reply
  6. Tihtina Avatar
    Tihtina
    May 25, 2022

    I can’t wait to try out some of these projects once I get my household goods delivered 🤩

    Log in to Reply
Older Comments
1 2 3 4

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Sorry! Only TPK Premium members can comment on articles and tutorials. You can become a member here. Already a member? Sign in.

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!
The Postman’s Knock

About

  • About Lindsey
  • Get to Know TPK
  • Behind the Scenes
  • How I Learned Calligraphy

Legalese

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Refunds & Return Policy
  • GDPR Data Erasure Request

Printable Worksheets

  • Pointed Pen Calligraphy Styles
  • Pointed Pen Calligraphy Drills
  • Brush Pen Calligraphy
  • Handwriting
  • Hand-Lettering

Courses

  • Beginner’s Pointed Pen Calligraphy
  • Intermediate Pointed Pen Calligraphy
  • Beginner’s Watercolors

Help

  • Contact Lindsey
  • Calligraphy FAQs
  • Calligraphy Troubleshooting

Subscribe to the Blog

Join over 125,000 creative minds who receive inspiring, value-packed emails from TPK each week. As a free subscriber, you’ll get helpful tutorials, free worksheets, and creative ideas delivered straight to your inbox—plus the occasional sneak peek or special offer.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Follow TPK on Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • RSS Feed
  • Mail

© Copyright 2025 The Postman’s Knock – All rights reserved

Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
  • Manage options
  • Manage services
  • Manage {vendor_count} vendors
  • Read more about these purposes
View preferences
  • {title}
  • {title}
  • {title}
Writing Copperplate Calligraphy

Unlock Exclusive Perks with Premium Plus

Fuel your inspiration and creativity with TPK Premium Plus! Members enjoy three free worksheets or learning resources every month, unlimited video course access, member-exclusive tutorials, and a 10% discount on all Supplies Shop orders.

join today ($15)
All About the Brause Rose Nib

inspiration in your inbox

Let The Postman’s Knock Spark Your Creativity

TPK’s innovative newsletters are an artistic treat. Join the 125K+ subscribers who have already discovered The Postman’s Knock, and receive 10% off your first Digital Catalog order.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.