Hand-Drawn Wreaths Tutorial: Laurels and Planets

When it comes to personalizing your paper projects, beautifully hand-drawn wreaths can make all the difference. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create two very different styles: one delicate and regal with laurel branches, and another playful and bold with celestial elements. No matter the occasion, these wreaths will make your project (literally) shine!

How to Make a Delicate Gold Laurels Wreath

Before you get started, gather the following supplies:

• Light-colored envelope or piece of paper (mine is from Indian Cotton Paper Co.)
• Pencil + eraser
• Round object or compass
• Your favorite pointed pen + nib (I used a Brause EF66 in an oblique pen)
• Iron gall ink
• Gold watercolor
• Tiny paintbrush (size 00 or so)

1. Make a Pencil Draft

Begin by drawing connected initials in pencil.

Next, roughly center the letters using something round, like a roll of washi tape or a small jar. If you have a compass, use that to draw your circle. Then, use your pencil to draw several connected, curved lines going up the left side of the circle. Repeat the process on the right.

Now, draw little leaves in random places around the branches. These leaves should have a medium density of coverage. You don’t want the leaves to be too sparse, but you also don’t want the wreath to be too bushy.

2. Add Ink

Now, use the black ink of your choice and your pointed pen to trace over everything that you just drew.

If you’re right-handed, I recommend starting by inking over the left part of the wreath. Lefties will likely find it easiest to ink over the right branch.

3. Paint the Leaves Gold

Once the ink has dried, moisten a pan of gold watercolor and let the water infuse into the paint for a minute or two. Gently stir the mixture with your paintbrush until it reaches an opaque consistency, then use a light touch to apply the watercolor to the leaves in your wreath.

Continue to work your way around the wreath, taking care not to paint over the black leaf outlines.

At this point, you’ve finished your wreath. What you do with it next is up to you! I calligraphed an address under my wreath to send to a friend for her birthday. Vintage stamps flank the wreath to add to the effect.

This wreath design is perfect for gift tags, bookmarks, wedding invitations, place cards, and more. Whenever you’re looking to add a touch of regal elegance with a hint of bohemian flair to your project, the delicate gold laurels hand-drawn wreath is an excellent choice!

How to Make a Celestial Hand-Drawn Wreath

Begin by compiling the following supplies:

• Black paper or envelope (I used one from Cards and Pockets – affiliate link)
• White pencil and black eraser
• Your favorite pointed pen + nib (I used a Brause EF66 in an oblique pen)
• Gold watercolor
• Size 2-3 paintbrush (to apply gold watercolor to the back of your nib; learn how here)

1. Make a Pencil Draft

Use your white pencil to draw initials on the black paper. Use Sans Serif lettering with a bit of added flourish for a slightly playful look. Then, use a round object or a compass to draw a circle around the initials.

Next, use your pencil to draw several celestial elements like planets, stars, and a half-moon. Feel free to echo what you see in the pencil draft below:

2. Trace With Gold Watercolor

Now, apply gold watercolor to your nib using this technique. Trace over everything in the pencil draft in gold, and add stars and dots as you go in order to visually connect the different celestial elements.

Continue to draw until you’ve traced over everything. Then, allow your watercolor to dry (it doesn’t take too long — only a few minutes), and use a black eraser to get rid of any pencil lines.

While this wreath looks stunning on black envelopes, it would be a lovely addition to any paper project. Its design is versatile—not overly feminine or masculine—making it a great choice for any recipient, including those who prefer a more neutral or masculine touch.

Whether you’re creating a delicate laurel wreath for a wedding invitation or a celestial-themed design for a special gift, wreaths offer endless possibilities to elevate your paper goods. I hope these tutorials inspire you to pick up your pen and add a unique, personal touch to your next project. If you try either of these designs, I’d love to see them! Feel free to share your creations on social media (@thepostmansknock) or via email ([email protected]). Happy creating!

Warmly,