This tutorial walks you through how to craft a heartfelt, comforting card perfect for anyone going through a tough time. It’s easy, elegant, and full of warmth.
This midcentury-themed comforting card is super customizable and easy to make.
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.
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.
The round object that you trace around can be anything that measures ~3″ (~7.5 cm) across. I used a spool of ribbon, but something like a drinking glass would work, too.
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.
Feel free to customize the phrases inside the circle! You know your recipient best, so think about what they might need to hear right now.
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.
This step is going to be easiest to do with a straight pen and a medium-flex nib like the Nikko G.
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.
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 love using black erasers to cleanly erase guidelines on black cardstock.
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.
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