A Comforting Card Tutorial for Difficult Times

In challenging times, a little bit of care and creativity can go a long way. Whether it’s for a friend facing anxiety, a loved one dealing with a rough patch, or simply someone who could use a gentle reminder that they’re not alone, a handmade card can be a beautiful gesture of support. In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through creating a comforting card that’s as thoughtful as it is elegant.

1. Gather Your Supplies

To create this tutorial, you’ll need:

• Straight pen + a Nikko G nib
• Oblique pen + a Brause EF66 nib (optional)
• Arabic gold watercolor
• White pencil
• 10″ x 7″ piece of black cardstock, folded in half

If you don’t have these exact supplies on hand, don’t worry! This project is highly adaptable. Use whatever materials you have available—different colors, paper types, or even a regular pen with the faux calligraphy technique. The goal is to create something meaningful, not perfect.

2. Draw a Circle

Start by centering a round object on your card, then use your white pencil to trace around it. This doesn’t have to be precise—anything that measures about 3″ (~7.5 cm) in diameter will work, like a drinking glass or a small plate.

Inside this circle, freehand a smaller circle. Again, it’s not about precision, but about creating a space where your words can gently spiral.

3. Add Calligraphy

Moisten your gold watercolor (following the technique in this tutorial), and use it to write inside the smaller circle. Think of words or phrases that might bring comfort or encouragement. Whether it’s a favorite quote, a lyric that always uplifts, or just a simple “thinking of you,” write what feels right for the person you’re making this for.

Continue to write, curving your calligraphy to spiral within the circle.

4. Make a Wreath Border

Next, use the “Midcentury Wreath” concept from the Simple Illustrated Wreath Worksheet to surround half of the calligraphy circle. Take care not to write between the outer circle and the inner circle guidelines.

Stop once you’ve made half of a wreath.

Finish the design with some delicate “telephone wire” flourishes, which should vary in height and echo the wreath’s size.

5. Erase

Once the gold watercolor has dried, gently erase the white pencil lines. And just like that, your card is complete—a small but meaningful token of care and support.

I want to encourage you to adapt this project to suit your situation! If you have a friend or family member who could benefit from receiving a comforting card like this one, by all means, make it. But, remember that you can also use this concept to create a sketchbook page, a birthday card, or mail art. The part line/part flourish wreath is fabulous, and will enhance just about any project.

Thanks very much for reading, and have a wonderfully creative long weekend.

Warmly,

This tutorial originally appeared on the TPK Blog in 2020. It has been revised to include additional photos and clarified text.