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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 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!

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    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

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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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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! 🙂

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  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
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I love how creative lettering and calligraphy can I love how creative lettering and calligraphy can really bring a quote to life — like this iconic line from Macbeth. 💀 It’s so creepy and cool, and this piece does it justice! Learn how to make it yourself with TPK’s tutorial. Search for “creepy halloween calligraphy quote tutorial” on the TPK site (link in bio)! 

#calligraphy #halloweencalligraphy #shakespeare #macbeth #halloweenseason #thisishalloween
I love watching project timelapses — like a comp I love watching project timelapses — like a complicated calligraphy or watercolor project coming together in a matter of seconds. A cleaning timelapse, then, is a no-brainer! My friend mentioned that she does these when she needs a little extra motivation to tidy up. I was totally feeling that this weekend, so I made a couple of these. The anticipation of knowing that I’d get to watch the room become neat in an instant was actually incredibly motivating. It’s the little things, right? 😉 #cleaningtimelapse #cleaning #tidyingup #neatandtidy
🖍️ We have a million crayons laying around be 🖍️ We have a million crayons laying around because my kids love to color (right now, their pages of choice are K-Pop Demon Hunter-themed). While I’m always down for some adult coloring, I also love to letter with crayons! In the latest TPK tutorial — link in bio — you’ll learn how to make this cozy ombré wax crayon calligraphy. 🍁 Switch up the color scheme if you’re not a pumpkin spice person! This technique looks great with light blue, dark blue, and dark purple; or light green, dark green, and dark blue. #crayoncalligraphy #crayolacrayons #waxcrayons #adultcoloring #autumnart #cozylettering #handlettering #lettering
A couple of days ago, I posted a clip from Lesson A couple of days ago, I posted a clip from Lesson 1 of the new Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course (seriously, join us — enrollment is a *steal* at $5/month, and you get complimentary tutorials [that happen to complement the course] — link in bio)! People seemed to like the story in that clip, so here’s another fun story from the same lesson. Sorry, I can’t confirm who the client was! That was a project with an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). 🤐 Still: a very fun, very cool experience ... I’m grateful that calligraphy has given me cool adventures and connected me to such an amazing community. ✍️

#calligraphystory #moderncalligraphy #learncalligraphy #beginnercalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphy
Lesson 1 of TPK’s Beginner’s Modern Calligraph Lesson 1 of TPK’s Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course doesn’t actually start with the pointed pen! ✍️ Instead, we ease into it with faux calligraphy and then pencil calligraphy. Here’s a little preview of what the pencil calligraphy lesson looks like. ✏️

If you’ve been wanting to learn calligraphy, join us in this course. It is an absolute *steal* because it’s included with your TPK Premium membership ($5/month - cancel anytime). Once the course concludes in January, you can choose to purchase lifetime access to the videos; or just continue on with us to the next course. For more information, visit the link in my bio!

#learncalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #moderncalligraphy #pencilcalligraphy #blackwingpencil #pencilart #letteringart #handlettering #modernlettering #artisticletters #artisticlettering
I’m editing videos for the new Beginner’s Mode I’m editing videos for the new Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course (🎉 JOIN US! link in profile for enrollment info!!) — and wanted to share this story from Lesson 1. In that lesson, we’ll chat about how to develop your motivation (this story is part of me sharing mine); and we’ll ease into our pointed pen experience with faux calligraphy and pencil calligraphy. Step by step, you’ll develop skills that will serve you for a lifetime ... and surprise and delight those around you, just like my “rent check envelopes” did! ✉️

#mailart #moderncalligraphy #learncalligraphy #storytime #calligraphy #snailmail #snailmailrevolution
Some recipes aren’t just instructions — they’re memories on a page. 💛 I spent some time illustrating one of my favorites, and it turned into the sweetest (literally) keepsake. Calligraphy, watercolor, and a little patience bring the story of a dish to life.

If you’d like to try illustrating your favorite recipe, too, I shared the full process (with helpful printables) on the TPK Blog — link in bio. ✨

#illustratedrecipe #calligraphyart #watercolorillustration #creativeproject #keepsakeart #slowcreativity #handletteringlove #moderncalligraphy #calligraphyinspiration #watercolorart
As much as cooking is an art, illustrating a recip As much as cooking is an art, illustrating a recipe takes it one step further. ✨ In TPK’s latest tutorial (link in bio), I’ll show you how to create an illustrated chocolate lava cake recipe using watercolor. You’ll find helpful PDFs and step-by-step instructions so you can follow along — or use the layout to bring one of your own favorite dishes to life.

Frame it as keepsake art, or give it as a thoughtful handmade gift this holiday season. 🎁

#illustratedrecipe #watercolorart #calligraphycommunity #foodillustration #arttutorial #watercolortutorial #creativeprojects #handmadegifts #keepsakeart #thepostmansknock
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