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  • Welcome to TPK! This is your second of 2 free articles. For unlimited access to tutorials and articles, join TPK Premium for less than the cost of a latte.

    A Free 45-Minute Calligraphy Lesson for Beginners (+ Worksheet)

    July 2, 2024

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Beginner’s Calligraphy, Calligraphy, Calligraphy Drills, Video, Worksheets

    Today, I’ve got a free 45-minute pointed pen calligraphy lesson for beginners. It includes a free 4-page worksheet! Not a beginner? Scroll down to find links to plenty of fun intermediate worksheets.

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    TPK's free printable "How to Create Calligraphy" Worksheet

    One thing that was on my list of things to do once I finished my calligraphy book? Film a free calligraphy lesson for beginners. I wanted to lay things out in a simple, easy-to-follow way with just a smattering of basic supplies. That’s exactly what Learn Calligraphy: A Step-by-Step Calligraphy Tutorial for Beginners does! In the 45-minute tutorial, beginners can get a taste for whether they enjoy pointed pen calligraphy and find resources to continue learning.

    Learn Calligraphy: A Step-by-Step Calligraphy Tutorial for Beginners Video

    I filmed the Learn Calligraphy tutorial for TPK Blog readers (and soon-to-be Blog readers) who want to dip their toes into calligraphy. This video is designed to be beginner-friendly and easy to follow, making it perfect for anyone starting out. If you already know how to create calligraphy, consider telling friends and family who have expressed admiration for your skills about today’s tutorial. They are exactly the type of person who will benefit!

    The tutorial requires a modest investment in supplies. To follow along, you’ll need:

    • Nikko G nib – This nib, in my opinion, is the best nib for a calligraphy beginner.
    • Straight calligraphy pen – A versatile tool that’s easy to use. I also like it for hand-lettering and illustration work.
    • Sumi ink – Smooth ink with a rich, velvety finish.
    • Container for ink – Essential for keeping ink fresh and conveniently accessible.
    • 32# laserjet paper – Ideal for printing the free How to Create Calligraphy Worksheet. If you don’t have a printer, ask your local office supply store to print the worksheet on their own 32# paper for you.
    • Cup for water – To clean your nibs.
    • Non-fibrous cloth – For wiping your nibs clean.
    Free "How to Create Calligraphy" Worksheet

    If you’d like to get all the needed supplies in one convenient package, you can pick up TPK’s Basic Beginner Calligraphy Supplies Bundle. This bundle includes everything you need to follow the tutorial, including a printed version of the How to Create Calligraphy Worksheet. It’s a great way to start your calligraphy journey with all the essentials in one place.

    GET THE BASIC SUPPLIES BUNDLE

    About the How to Create Calligraphy Worksheet

    The free How to Create Calligraphy Worksheet features Amy Style calligraphy, TPK’s most popular beginner calligraphy style. In the tutorial video, I’ll walk you through how to form every uppercase letter, four lowercase letters, and two words. This worksheet is designed to complement the video, providing a hands-on way to practice your new skills.

    TPK's "How to Create Calligraphy" Worksheet

    While I’ve packed as much information as possible into the 45-minute video and the worksheet, this lesson is just an introduction to the world of pointed pen calligraphy. There’s so much more to learn, including how to use flexible nibs, how to write with an oblique pen, paper/ink/nib troubleshooting, posture tricks, and more. For a comprehensive learning experience, consider enrolling in TPK’s Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course. This course covers all the basics and beyond, offering detailed instruction and valuable insights.

    EXPLORE THE COURSE

    Calligraphy Freebies for Non-Beginners

    If you’re beyond a beginner level, remember that TPK has plenty of freebies for calligraphers who want to hone their skills. You can discover all of those printables and resources in All of TPK’s Free Calligraphy Practice Worksheets: A Master List.

    Not Your Average Calligraphy Drills Sheet | The Postman's Knock
    The Not Your Average Calligraphy Drill Sheet is a calligrapher favorite.

    Remember: it’s important to print any worksheets on laserjet paper that’s compatible with your pointed pen. 32# laserjet paper is always a safe bet!

    BROWSE FREE WORKSHEETS

    I hope that my calligraphy beginners enjoy the new lesson! Rest assured that a lot of thought went into both designing today’s free worksheet and filming a video that harnesses its power. Thanks so much for reading, and enjoy the rest of your week!

    Warmly,

    *This post contains affiliate links to Amazon

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About the author

Hi, I’m Lindsey Bugbee, the illustrator, calligrapher, and author behind The Postman’s Knock (TPK). Since 2012, the TPK Blog has been a vibrant creative space filled with tutorials and lessons on modern calligraphy, hand lettering, and illustration. After publishing The Calligraphy Book, I wanted to elevate the quality of content even further—so I launched TPK Premium. You can join here to receive access to some of the internet’s best creative inspiration and project tutorials.

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3 responses

  1. Cindy P Avatar
    Cindy P
    July 22, 2024

    Once again, you knew just the catalyst I needed! A 45-minute lesson with a four-sheet practice combination were just right for this summer’s extra-busy schedule. Thank you!

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  2. camillaflynn Avatar
    camillaflynn
    July 12, 2024

    Hello everyone, I’m Camilla.Today, Siloam Hope First Presbyterian Church https://shfpchurch.org/ remains a cornerstone of Elizabeth’s cultural heritage. The revitalized Snyder Academy, once integral to the church complex, now serves as an educational center with programs that educate visitors about the cemetery’s historical importance through a mobile app.

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  3. JuaSaysHi Avatar
    JuaSaysHi
    July 2, 2024

    “Lindsey Bugbee! The designer + illustrator + calligrapher”

    You left out TEACHER! Are you not also a great teacher? Yes, you ARE.

    Log in to Reply

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Sorry! Only TPK Premium members can comment on articles and tutorials. You can become a member here. Already a member? Sign in.

A couple of days ago, I posted a clip from Lesson A couple of days ago, I posted a clip from Lesson 1 of the new Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course (seriously, join us — enrollment is a *steal* at $5/month, and you get complimentary tutorials [that happen to complement the course] — link in bio)! People seemed to like the story in that clip, so here’s another fun story from the same lesson. Sorry, I can’t confirm who the client was! That was a project with an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). 🤐 Still: a very fun, very cool experience ... I’m grateful that calligraphy has given me cool adventures and connected me to such an amazing community. ✍️

#calligraphystory #moderncalligraphy #learncalligraphy #beginnercalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphy
Lesson 1 of TPK’s Beginner’s Modern Calligraph Lesson 1 of TPK’s Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course doesn’t actually start with the pointed pen! ✍️ Instead, we ease into it with faux calligraphy and then pencil calligraphy. Here’s a little preview of what the pencil calligraphy lesson looks like. ✏️

If you’ve been wanting to learn calligraphy, join us in this course. It is an absolute *steal* because it’s included with your TPK Premium membership ($5/month - cancel anytime). Once the course concludes in January, you can choose to purchase lifetime access to the videos; or just continue on with us to the next course. For more information, visit the link in my bio!

#learncalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #moderncalligraphy #pencilcalligraphy #blackwingpencil #pencilart #letteringart #handlettering #modernlettering #artisticletters #artisticlettering
I’m editing videos for the new Beginner’s Mode I’m editing videos for the new Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course (🎉 JOIN US! link in profile for enrollment info!!) — and wanted to share this story from Lesson 1. In that lesson, we’ll chat about how to develop your motivation (this story is part of me sharing mine); and we’ll ease into our pointed pen experience with faux calligraphy and pencil calligraphy. Step by step, you’ll develop skills that will serve you for a lifetime ... and surprise and delight those around you, just like my “rent check envelopes” did! ✉️

#mailart #moderncalligraphy #learncalligraphy #storytime #calligraphy #snailmail #snailmailrevolution
Some recipes aren’t just instructions — they’re memories on a page. 💛 I spent some time illustrating one of my favorites, and it turned into the sweetest (literally) keepsake. Calligraphy, watercolor, and a little patience bring the story of a dish to life.

If you’d like to try illustrating your favorite recipe, too, I shared the full process (with helpful printables) on the TPK Blog — link in bio. ✨

#illustratedrecipe #calligraphyart #watercolorillustration #creativeproject #keepsakeart #slowcreativity #handletteringlove #moderncalligraphy #calligraphyinspiration #watercolorart
As much as cooking is an art, illustrating a recip As much as cooking is an art, illustrating a recipe takes it one step further. ✨ In TPK’s latest tutorial (link in bio), I’ll show you how to create an illustrated chocolate lava cake recipe using watercolor. You’ll find helpful PDFs and step-by-step instructions so you can follow along — or use the layout to bring one of your own favorite dishes to life.

Frame it as keepsake art, or give it as a thoughtful handmade gift this holiday season. 🎁

#illustratedrecipe #watercolorart #calligraphycommunity #foodillustration #arttutorial #watercolortutorial #creativeprojects #handmadegifts #keepsakeart #thepostmansknock
✨ One of the most beloved assignments from Lesso ✨ One of the most beloved assignments from Lesson 5 of Hand Lettering 101 was this playful project: design an artistic alphabet where no two letters look the same.

The idea? JUST PLAY. 🎨 I used watercolor and a paintbrush, but many students grabbed markers, pens, or anything colorful on hand. The results were incredible — @adriennelovesletters gave it her own flair, Isabel C. made it three times, and Laura M. created a stunning version too. (You can peek at more inside the TPK Premium Discord!)

If you’re ready to try this project yourself, you’ll find the Hand Lettering 101 eCourse waiting in the TPK Catalog. Just head to the link in my bio to be taken to the TPK website. 💌

#handlettering #watercolorlettering #moderncalligraphy #letteringpractice #creativeplay #calligraphycommunity #artinspiration #calligraphyart #watercolorart #letterlove #tpkpremium #handlettering101
Had the best time writing the latest tutorial on t Had the best time writing the latest tutorial on the TPK Blog — “Drawing Lesson: Elegant Swallows” (🔗 link in bio). If you’ve never drawn birds before, swallows are an excellent place to start. Their shapes are simple once you break them down! ✍️ 

In the tutorial, you’ll find:

🪶 Step-by-step visual instructions for drawing swallows in four different movements
🪶 The “Hand-Drawn Swallows Cheat Sheet” PDF
🪶 A detailed tutorial for making the mail art shown here

On another note, I want to extend a huge THANK YOU to TPK Premium and Premium Plus members ... your support allows me to write cool detailed tutorials like this one. 🙏 You all are amazing, and I’m so proud of our community.

#mailart #snailmail #illustration #illustrationtutorial #drawingtutorial #drawinginstructions #birdart #swallowsart #calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #pointedpen
In June, I kicked off the Hand Lettering 101 eCour In June, I kicked off the Hand Lettering 101 eCourse with TPK Premium members, and wow — it’s been such a joy to watch the transformation.

Over six lessons, students went from that “where do I even start?” feeling to confidently creating their own alphabets, playing with flourishes, and putting together gorgeous compositions. I loved seeing those little lightbulb moments along the way.

Here’s the great news — you can still take the course.
When you sign up, you’ll get instant access to:
📚 All six lessons (9+ hours of video demonstrations + printable PDFs)
🖌 Fun, approachable projects that build your skills without feeling overwhelming
🎯 A “before and after” assignment that’s always such a satisfying reveal

If you’ve been wanting a gentle, step-by-step way to get started with hand lettering, this is it. You can DM me for the link, or search Hand Lettering 101 on the TPK site (link in profile).

#handlettering101 #handlettering #moderncalligraphy #letteringlove #calligraphycommunity #learntoletter #creativelettering #letteringcourse #onlineartclass #artpractice
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