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  • Welcome to TPK! This is your first 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 Postman’s Knock (TPK)

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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There is nothing like a clean, well-organized wate There is nothing like a clean, well-organized watercolor chart. I used to make watercolor chart layouts using math and grids (which, trust me, was painful for someone like me, who doesn’t *love* numbers/measuring/calculations) ... then it occurred to me that I could use Photoshop to give myself a little boost. Much less math and fretting, which for me equals much more joy! Palette is from @greenleafblue — she made it so I could have a gorgeous palette for “The Calligraphy Book”, and this color chart definitely helped to boost the aesthetic of an already stunning supply. 🎨😍

If you’re curious about this technique for making a watercolor chart, you can search the TPK website for “watercolor chart” ... there’s a detailed blog post over how to use the template method that I’m showing you here!

#watercolorpalette #watercolorchart #colorchart #watercolorpaints #artchart
An X-Acto knife (aka a hobby knife) is one of thos An X-Acto knife (aka a hobby knife) is one of those tools that is indispensable for a lot of applications. It was designed to make precise cuts, which, of course, it does well! But, you can also use it to scrape off unwanted ink smears (pro tip: after the fact, you can smooth disturbed paper fibers with a pebble), create interesting interior cuts, trim tiny details that scissors can’t reach, make stencils and templates, refine collage elements, and gently correct small drawing or calligraphy mistakes.

I have used X-Acto knives for many TPK Blog tutorials, but up until last week, I’d never written a guide that puts the X-Acto knife front and center. That guide now exists, and you can find it by visiting the link 🔗 in my profile. Be sure to watch the tutorial video!

#xactoknife #hobbyknife #papercutting #papercutart #xactoknifeart
Just back in the TPK Supplies Shop: Finetec Arabic Just back in the TPK Supplies Shop: Finetec Arabic Gold watercolor pans (and the fabulous Finetec Golds palette). ✨ Gold makes *anything* gorgeous, but use it to make a calligraphy medallion, and it’s just next-level. 🤩 (Tutorial for this particular medallion can be found in the Dancing Pen Calligraphy Medallions Worksheet Set). 

To find the golds + the worksheet, visit the link in my bio, then navigate to “Shop”. Happy weekend! 

#goldcalligraphy #goldwatercolor #pointedpencalligraphy #fineteccoliro #goldcalligraphy
Hard to fit everything in, but this was 2025 in a Hard to fit everything in, but this was 2025 in a nutshell at TPK! 🥜

This year, I loved teaching at @thehappyevercrafter’s Workshop Week and participating in @calmingcalligraphy’s World Calligraphy as Meditation Day. And seeing the TPK calligraphy kit featured in @newyorkermag’s 2025 holiday gift guide was an unexpected (and delightful) cherry on top! 🍒

So much of what happened over the past year, though, was shaped by the TPK Premium community. Their questions and feedback helped guide Hand Lettering 101, while their encouragement fueled tutorials on topics ranging from turning red wine into calligraphy ink to illustrating recipes, painting with a wedge brush, and creating greeting cards and envelope art. 💌 That same support made it possible to create new worksheets and resources that others were able to enjoy as well, which I’m very grateful for. 

For a fuller recap (with helpful links and details) I shared a 2025 reflection on the TPK blog (link in bio).

#handlettering #gracefulenvelopecontest #pointedpencalligraphy #discordcommunity #calligraphyteacher
Which is your favorite koi-themed envelope? The fi Which is your favorite koi-themed envelope? The first one (A. Moreira), which was created as a prop for “The Calligraphy Book” ... *or* the second (Nigel Wright), which was created for the photographer who took pictures of the Moreira envelope for “The Calligraphy Book”? (When I heard how much Nigel had loved the first koi envelope, I made him his own variation!) 🎏

#mailart #snailmail #mailbox #snailmailrevolution #koiart
✨ A little comparison today … because not all ✨ A little comparison today ... because not all golds behave the same.

✦ Finetec gold → bright, cheerful, and versatile
✦ Greenleaf & Blueberry faux brass → softer, muted, and stunning
✦ Yasutomo pale gold → velvety, subtle shimmer with a sensible amount of sparkle

I love having all three on hand and choosing based on the feel I want for a project. It’s tough to go wrong! ✨

#moderncalligraphy #calligraphytools #goldink #watercolorcalligraphy #letteringcommunity mailart calligraphypractice artmaterials creativeprocess handlettering
🕊️ I originally made these printable tags for 🕊️ I originally made these printable tags for gifts … but now I want them everywhere. On presents 🎁, yes; but also tucked into snail mail, sprinkled across a holiday table with happy words written inside (“joy”, “love”, “peace”), or styled on a mantle for a cozy seasonal touch 🎄. They’re simple, charming, and versatile. Find them on the TPK Blog (link in bio)!

#thepostmansknock #printableart #giftwrappingideas #snailmaillove #happymail handillustrated holidaydetails paperlove creativegifting handlettering makersofinstagram stationeryaddict thoughtfuldetails slowdownandsendmail gifttags diygifttag giftwrapping giftpresentation handwrappedgift
I experimented with using the chic poppies techniq I experimented with using the chic poppies technique (see my reel from a couple of days ago) to make pretty stationery. LOVE how it turned out! The poppies are just an elegant way to add personality and elegance to any paper good. If you’re a TPK Premium member, *definitely* check out Lesson 6 of the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course (2025 version). In it, you’ll find a detailed video demonstration that shows you how to bring these poppies to life! ✍️

#stationery #diystationery #floralillustration #penandink #handdrawn #drawing #painting #sumiink #snailmail #mail #mailart #snailmailrevolution #happymail #mailbox #calligraphy #pointedpen #dippen #rosegoldsumi
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