Creepy Halloween Calligraphy Quote Tutorial

Halloween is the perfect time to embrace the playful side of the macabre. Unlike other holidays, there’s no need to buy gifts or throw extravagant parties to celebrate. Instead, you can simply focus on the fun of creating something spooky and unique. That’s why I love today’s Creepy Halloween Calligraphy Quote Tutorial! It’s not just about making decor or sending a card, it’s about indulging in the creativity and lighthearted eeriness that Halloween brings.

1. Gather Your Supplies

This Halloween calligraphy quote project doesn’t require a long list of supplies. If you don’t have everything listed below, feel free to improvise with what you already have! Note that the Creepy Illustrated Frame Template was designed to help make this project easier, but it is not a requirement.

The supplies you need include:

• Creepy Illustrated Frame Template – it’s free!
• White mechanical pencil + black eraser
• Calligraphy holder + nib of your choice – I used a Brause EF66 nib in an oblique pen
• Black 5″ x 7″ (12.7 cm x 17.78 cm) card – feel free to make this from a piece of black cardstock
• Bleed Proof White ink
• Scissors

2. Make a Pencil Draft

Begin by cutting out the Creepy Illustrated Frame Template. Then, use your white pencil to trace around it on the black card. Be sure to draw notches where they appear on the template.

Next, draw the top half of the illustrated frame. The illustration should include an elaborate spider at the top, curled spider web scrolls, and three circles extending down from lines. (In the inking stage, these circles will become spiders.)

Finish up the illustrated frame by adding two bats and a couple of flourishes to the top half. Then, add flourishes and a tombstone to the bottom half. Note that your frame doesn’t have to look exactly like this; feel free to modify wherever you want to! The general goal is simply to make a gothic-looking motif with plenty of creepy spiders.

Complete your drafting step by selecting a spooky quote to feature inside the frame. I chose the delightfully chilling line from Shakespeare’s Macbeth—”By the pricking of my thumbs…” — but feel free to get creative! Shakespeare offers plenty of Halloween-appropriate quotes, which you can explore by clicking here.

3. Add Ink

Once your pencil draft is complete, the next step is to ink it! Start by adjusting the viscosity of your white ink with water (learn how here), then use your favorite pen and nib to carefully trace your design. Be mindful of the order in which you trace—right-handed calligraphers should start with the upper left elements and work their way down, while left-handed calligraphers will have an easier time starting with the upper right and moving downwards.

Continue to write until everything has been traced over. Be sure to add eight tiny legs to the circles on either side of the frame.

4. Erase and Enjoy

Once your ink has completely dried, use your black eraser to get rid of any pencil draft lines. Then, either send the quote to a lucky recipient, or keep it to use as part of your Halloween decor!

Now that you’ve finished your creepy Halloween calligraphy, you’ve got a perfect blend of spooky and creative energy! Whether it ends up in the mail or as part of your decor, the fun is in the making. Halloween is about letting your imagination roam, so don’t be afraid to continue exploring the macabre and playful side of this haunting holiday. (One fun way to do that: check out the newly-released Frightful Flourishes Calligraphy Worksheet Set.)

Thanks so much for reading, and have a wickedly creative weekend!

Warmly,