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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.

    5 Free Lettering and Calligraphy Guidelines

    October 30, 2024

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Calligraphy, Free Printables, Roundup

    The TPK website is home to five free printable lettering and calligraphy guidelines. The guidelines are versatile and handy: you can use them to make orderly envelopes, practice your skills, or use them for projects like quote artwork!

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    Calligraphy Guidelines | The Postman's Knock
    I recommend reading this article to learn about how to draw calligraphy guidelines (and what they’re for).

    With so many resources on the TPK website, it’s easy to overlook some helpful gems. To make it easier, I occasionally compile a few highlights. Today, I’m focusing on free lettering and calligraphy guidelines. TPK worksheets always come with guidelines, but you’ll also find a variety of free guideline printables on the site. Here’s a list, in no particular order:

    1. “Perfect Envelope” Calligraphy Guidelines

    The Perfect Calligraphy Envelope Generator

    These calligraphy guidelines are fabulous for right-leaning, neat letters (like Janet Style or Flourish Formal Style). I like that the guideline trios are pretty close together on this guideline sheet. As a result, you may have some descenders that intersect ascenders on the next line, but I like that look. Here’s an example of what an envelope with these guidelines might look like:

    Perfectly centered pointed pen calligraphy envelope

    DOWNLOAD THESE GUIDELINES

    2. Name Emphasis Calligraphy Guidelines

    I love these calligraphy guidelines because they emphasize the recipient’s name(s) with a larger size. I usually use this template with Janet Style calligraphy (as shown below), but any style will work. For the sake of versatility, this template does not include slant lines. If you find slant lines helpful, please feel free to draw them in yourself.

    Calligraphy Guidelines | The Postman's Knock

    Here’s an example of wedding envelopes that I calligraphed using this guidelines template:

    Janet Style Calligraphy Envelopes | The Postman's Knock
    I used Janet Style calligraphy and iron gall ink to make these lovely envelopes. The A7 envelopes are “Paper Bag” from Paper Source.

    DOWNLOAD THESE GUIDELINES

    3. Christmas Tree Envelope Art Guidelines

    I developed these guidelines for the Christmas Tree Envelope Art Tutorial. The spacing is similar to the “Name Emphasis Calligraphy Guidelines”, but this guidelines sheet includes an extra space at the top for a “Ms.”, “Mrs.”, or “Mr.”

    Christmas Tree Holiday Envelope Art Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    Once you fill in the guidelines and work some pointed pen magic, you could end up with an envelope that looks like this:

    Christmas Tree Holiday Envelope Art Tutorial | The Postman's Knock
    For exact instructions over how to make envelope art like this, see this tutorial.

    DOWNLOAD THESE GUIDELINES

    4. Hand-Lettering Guidelines Template

    This guidelines template is a little bit different than the rest of the printables on this list because you cut guided rectangles out of it. Then, you write the recipient’s address is in all-caps lettering style (I like George or Stitches) inside of the rectangles!

    Hand Lettering Guidelines Free Printable Template

    Remove the template, and the result will look something like this:

    Hand Lettering Guidelines Free Printable Template
    DOWNLOAD THE TEMPLATE

    5. Calligraphy Exemplar Guidelines

    If you want to make your own calligraphy style exemplar, these guidelines sheets should help a lot! One version includes slant lines, while the other does not.

    How to Make a Calligraphy Exemplar | The Postman's Knock
    It will be easiest to use these calligraphy exemplar guidelines with the help of a light box.

    DOWNLOAD THE GUIDELINES


    Premium Upgrade Option: Practice Guidelines Collection (7 Pages)

    Blank guidelines with slant lines are versatile because you can write on them to practice your calligraphy or lettering! As long as you print them out on 32# laserjet paper, you should have a great writing experience. This set of seven pages is available for a nominal fee.

    Free Lettering and Calligraphy Guidelines for TPK Subscribers | The Postman's Knock

    The collection includes seven guideline printables that you can use for general practice or for projects. It’s totally up to you!

    Free Lettering and Calligraphy Guidelines for TPK Subscribers
    I used the guidelines in this packet to make the calligraphy for the Intermediate Modern Calligraphy Online Course.

    Remember, if none of the guideline templates in this article quite do it for you, it’s easy to make your own! With the help of a pencil and a parallel glider, you’ll be well on your way to orderly lettering nirvana. It’s my hope, however, that at least one of these printouts helps you to practice your calligraphy or make a cool project! And remember, if you need guided practice, there are plenty of free worksheets here on TPK.

    Thank you and enjoy,

    You can preorder "The Calligraphy Book" today.

    *This post contains affiliate links to Amazon

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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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90 responses

  1. Andrea Avatar
    Andrea
    October 21, 2020

    I am sooooo going to use these!!!! Especially the Name Emphasis one, on Christmas cards this year.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 27, 2020

      Definitely! What a great idea 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  2. Lorraine Aubert Avatar
    Lorraine Aubert
    October 19, 2020

    Thank you for the guidelines. I am new and just learning. I’m finding this very calming and relaxing!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 27, 2020

      You’re very welcome! I’m excited for you to start learning 😊

      Log in to Reply
  3. Madalyn Shatzer Avatar
    Madalyn Shatzer
    October 19, 2020

    I always enjoy your free printables, and these new ones look like they’ll be very useful. I make my own Christmas cards every year, and I’d like to spice up the envelopes as well! Thank you for sharing your talent so generously!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 27, 2020

      I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed them! My pleasure 😊

      Log in to Reply
  4. Beverly Ross Avatar
    Beverly Ross
    October 19, 2020

    Thank you for the guidelines!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 27, 2020

      Absolutely!

      Log in to Reply
  5. Linda P Avatar
    Linda P
    October 19, 2020

    You make the best guides. Easy to follow.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 27, 2020

      Thank you so much, I’m so glad to hear that!

      Log in to Reply
  6. Paula Andrews Avatar
    Paula Andrews
    October 19, 2020

    Thank you for sharing your talent. I am so glad I found this blog.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 27, 2020

      Of course!

      Log in to Reply
  7. Jan Brandt Avatar
    Jan Brandt
    October 19, 2020

    You are SO generous, Lindsey! I very much hope that your followers purchase lots and LOTS of the goodies you offer to make up for your lovely giveaways. 🙂

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 27, 2020

      Thank you so much, Jan 😊

      Log in to Reply
  8. Kit Avatar
    Kit
    October 19, 2020

    I cannot wait to try these! Thank you so much for sharing!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 27, 2020

      Of course! Excited for you to try 😊

      Log in to Reply
  9. Dorina D Avatar
    Dorina D
    October 19, 2020

    Love your blog and this particular one was timed just right as I have lots of envelopes to address for the holidays. Maybe this year, I’ll get them ALL hand addressed. Thanks for the wonderful tips.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 27, 2020

      Perfect timing! I’m so glad you enjoyed 😊

      Log in to Reply
  10. Nancy Oldham Avatar
    Nancy Oldham
    October 19, 2020

    Thank you so much for these!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 27, 2020

      Absolutely!

      Log in to Reply
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The other day, I was thinking about sending out ho The other day, I was thinking about sending out holiday cards, and I immediately dismissed the thought with, “I have zero time to calligraph envelopes for those.” ✍️

... But is that true? I put it to the test for the latest article on the TPK Blog. Using some time-saving tricks I’ve learned over the years (like using a watery ink, a bouncy calligraphy style, and minimal pencil guidelines), I timed myself making three envelope concepts. Two of them took 5 minutes or less. The most time-intensive took 5 minutes, 30 seconds. The envelopes still turned out looking elegant, especially with the help of some artistic postage stamp collages. 💌

For clear step-by-step tutorials detailing how to make these envelopes and sourcing pretty postage, visit the TPK Blog (link in bio, then navigate to “Blog”)!

#snailmail #mail #calligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #happymail #snailmailrevolution #mailbox #postage #vintagepostage
After I chose this music to accompany this reel, i After I chose this music to accompany this reel, it dawned on me: drawing a calligraphy medallion is like, well, Belle’s arc with the Beast. 

At first, it’s a bit of a weird situation. Strange shapes, questionable structure, possibly some growling (à la “YOU WILL JOIN ME FOR DINNER. That’s not a request!”) when the inevitable ink smudge happens. You keep thinking, “I’m not sure why I’m doing this ... should I hop on Felipe and gallop away?” 🐎

But something shifts as the medallion starts to come to life. And when you finish that last detail and pull back, the music swells. Light bursts from your paper like it did from Beast’s digits as he transformed into a stunningly beautiful prince. ✨ You’re practically in a ballroom celebrating, and, wait, did your furniture just turn into an adoring crowd that’s celebrating your fortitude and skill?

(And now you know how my mind works 🧠 ... I love a good metaphor, no matter how weak it may be!) 

To learn how to make a calligraphy medallion, just search for “calligraphy medallion” on the TPK site (link in bio). You’ll find both free Blog tutorials and detailed premium worksheets.

... I’ll show myself out now. 🙈

#pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphy #handwritten #pointedpen #dippen #calligraphymedallion #calligraphydrill #calligraphypractice
My favorite autumn projects are the ones that remi My favorite autumn projects are the ones that remind you how cozy this season can be. 🍂 This project definitely fits the bill ... create it with a hot, comforting drink nearby and an excellent audiobook, and you’re in for a treat! ☕️ ✍️ The tutorial on the TPK Blog (link in bio, then navigate to Blog) is super detailed, with mini tutorial videos to guide you every step of the way.

#autumnart #watercolortutorial #arttutorial #handpainted #paintingtutorial #pointedpen #dippen #flourishing
Happy Halloween! 👻 This year, I’m pretending Happy Halloween! 👻 This year, I’m pretending to be ... someone who writes calligraphy quickly! (No, just kidding — not about the video being sped up, but the choice of costume. I actually picked up a skeleton PJ set at Goodwill. 💀)

Even if you won’t be indulging in candy, remember to treat yourself this season, starting this weekend! The holiday season can be hectic, and it’s important to claim some relaxing time for yourself. Cheers to the “holidaze”! 🥂

#halloweencalligraphy #calligraphy #pointedpen #dippen #handwritten #writingvideo #calligraphyvideo
🎃 This is the last week that Halloween calligra 🎃 This is the last week that Halloween calligraphy drills will be available at TPK! Find what you like in the shop, download, then print it out on a pointed pen-friendly paper. Then, let the (happily!) spooky vibes take over while you practice your strokes. ✍️👻

➡ Link in bio to visit the TPK site.

#calligraphydrills #halloween #calligraphypractice #learncalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #dippen #pointedpen
✍️ Learn with us! Right now, TPK Premium membe ✍️ Learn with us! Right now, TPK Premium members are working their way through a new version of The Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course. It’s an *awesome* course that’s even more thorough than the original version (which is saying a lot because the original course has 281 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ reviews)! We just had the Lesson 3 class discussion this morning, ️and I’m so impressed with how much progress students are making — and I love their observations! One person compared using the Brause EF66 nib to driving a Lexus, which I got a kick out of. 🚘 

Premium membership ($5/month) grants you complimentary access to the course through January 6th; take it live with us! Once this course wraps up, we’ll be moving on to the new Intermediate Modern Calligraphy Online Course in February. 

Find details by visiting the link in my bio. I’d love to help you build those foundational skills that will allow you to create gorgeous envelopes, place cards, invitations, quotes, correspondence, and much more! The Lesson 4 class discussion is three weeks from now, so you’ve got plenty of time to catch up. 😊

#learncalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #writingcalligraphy #calligraphycourse #learningcalligraphy #writingcalligraphy #realtimecalligraphy
🍂 The newest tutorial on the TPK Blog walks you 🍂 The newest tutorial on the TPK Blog walks you through how to make this gorgeous illustration, step-by-step, with helpful instructional videos. To find the tutorial, visit the link in my profile, then navigate to the blog. ENJOY! 🤗

(PS - Loving the colors in the @greenleafblue Anthesis set ... I used French Orange Ochre, American Violet Hematite, Pyrrole Scarlet, and Italian Green Earth to make this pumpkin. All *fabulous* autumn tones!)
Loved chatting with @sdionbakerdesign and @greenle Loved chatting with @sdionbakerdesign and @greenleafblue last Friday! Samantha is exactly as thoughtful and creative as you’d imagine from her Draw Your… books — and this answer to Jennifer’s question says it all. ✨ Just have fun and make art!

☕ Want to watch/listen to the whole conversation? Head over to the TPK Blog to hit play on the recording! (Link in bio, then navigate to “Blog”.)

#artistchat #artist #samanthadionbaker #greenleafandblueberry #thepostmansknock #arttalk #creativity #sketchbooking #sketchbook #artadvice
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