Archives for January 2016

Free Artistic Valentine’s Day Printables

January 29, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 32 Comments

Earlier this month, I asked my friend Pam (of Pam Ash Designs) if she would make a few Valentine’s Day printables for the TPK blog. I really like Pam’s joyful and creative style of illustration, so I was of course elated when she agreed! Today, I’m proud to share what she made and talk to you about how to make these unique pieces. They’re wonderful whether you are handing a few sweet treats out to friends and coworkers, or sending your children to school with a delightfully sweet loot to distribute!
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Calligraphy Ampersand Art Tutorial

January 26, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 50 Comments

Whether you’re flipping through the Pottery Barn catalog, browsing on Pinterest, or walking around your local arts and crafts store, you’re bound to see ampersand art. Ampersands have rocketed to popularity the past couple of years, ostensibly for two reasons: 1. They are beautiful, curvy letterforms, and 2. “&/And” represents togetherness, which makes ampersand art a meaningful piece of décor in a family home.
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Scribblers Edition Kaitlin Style Calligraphy Workbook Giveaway

January 22, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 57 Comments

Today, I am very excited to announce that the Kaitlin Style Learn Calligraphy for a Latté worksheet PDF is now available as a beautiful printed calligraphy workbook through Scribblers! In truth, this couldn’t have happened without UK-based Scribblers owner Simon Rous, who has taken care of all printing, stocking, and shipping logistics. It was he who suggested we call the workbook “Learn Modern Calligraphy with a Cup of Tea” — it gives the packet a nice, British spin!
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Behind the Scenes: Making a Calligraphy Pen

January 19, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 23 Comments

I don’t believe that you have to own an expensive calligraphy pen to create beautiful calligraphy. Just like with most endeavors, you can start off with cost-effective tools (like those listed in the Ultimate Modern Calligraphy Starter Kit), then treat yourself to splurges as your skill level improves. One such splurge might be a Rodger’s Pen Box (also known as RPB) calligraphy pen!
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Leafy Homemade Birthday Card Tutorial

January 15, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 26 Comments

I like to send a homemade birthday card whenever I can; the problem, however, is that cards can take forever to make! Not only do you have to come up with a cool idea — which is hard enough! — but then you have to put the idea in motion. Today’s tutorial should alleviate the two issues that may prevent you from making DIY cards: brainstorming time and creation time! This homemade birthday card idea is creative, innovative, and only involves a couple of steps.
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How to Adjust an Oblique Pen Holder

January 12, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 45 Comments

I’ve wondered how to adjust an oblique pen holder to fit different nibs for a long time. Before last weekend, I hadn’t dared to try it, mainly because all the flanges on my pens are adjusted perfectly for their respective nibs. I was afraid I’d mess something up! However, after a trip to Albuquerque a couple of days ago to meet with Rodger Mayeda, the artisan behind Rodger’s Pen Box, I now have the confidence to fiddle with my flanges. After you watch the flange-focused videos that Rodger was generous enough to help me make, I know that you will feel the same way!
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Storage Tips for Calligraphy Supplies

January 8, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 32 Comments

We all have different living situations and different tendencies when it comes to keeping things organized, so naturally there are going to be variations from artist to artist as far as how he or she stores calligraphy supplies. In this blog post, I’m going to show you how I keep my supplies stored and organized! My hope is that you can A) be assured that your current storage situation is correct; and/or B) get some new ideas for storage solutions for your own calligraphy supplies.
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January 2016 Creative Challenge (with a Prize!)

January 5, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 81 Comments

Have you ever noticed that it’s easier to challenge yourself this time of year? I know it’s complete nonsense because today feels like any other winter day, and yet … the slate is clean. 2016 has just begun, and it’s exciting to think about what the next twelve months will bring in terms of your success and personal growth. With that in mind, I have put together a creative challenge for you that is doable, but will still require effort. The challenge consists of four projects that must be completed by February 1st, and I’m happy to say that all of them can be created not matter what your illustration and/or calligraphy skill level is! Once you’re finished, you’ll have a chance to win a grand prize consisting of some of my favorite high-quality art supplies ($125 value) or a gift certificate to Paper & Ink Arts! Before I detail the prize and the rules, let’s talk about the four parts of this challenge:
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Printable Goal List with Botanical Border

January 1, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 44 Comments

Every new year presents a clean slate: a time when you can focus on the achievements you want to make and the hobbies you’d like to form in the next twelve months. What better way to organize your 2016 resolutions than by writing them on a beautiful illustrated goal list template?
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