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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.

    Botanical Watercolor Wreath Tutorial

    May 16, 2019

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Design, Inspiration, Tutorials, Wall Art

    Watercolor wreaths add elegance and artistry to any project: snail mail, wedding materials, and bullet journals, to name a few. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how relaxing wreaths are to draw! Put on a good podcast, have some hot tea, and go to town on making a beautiful watercolor wreath of your own with this…

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    Botanical Watercolor Wreath Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    Everyone loves a watercolor wreath, and I’ve got the Google Analytics to prove it. The Woodland Watercolor Wreath tutorials are among the most popular posts on the TPK blog, and the Watercolor Holiday Wreath Tutorial goes viral every December! Today, I want to show you how to make an elegant nest-like wreath! It combines several different branches and colors to make a harmonious border that is relaxing to make and interesting to look at. Ready to get started?

    1. Make a Pencil Draft

    Every successful piece of art or calligraphy starts with a draft! Use your favorite pencil to sketch out an oval or a circle, then make a draft of your calligraphy or hand-lettering inside.

    Botanical Watercolor Wreath Tutorial | The Postman's Knock
    I am making my artwork on a piece of Stonehenge watercolor paper that I cut to 5″x7″. Feel free to use any brand and size of paper! (Watercolor paper is best for this tutorial, but mixed media/drawing paper could work, too.)

    2. Start “Nesting”

    As I mentioned, this watercolor wreath reminds me of a nest. You add branches here and there until the piece looks full and finished! Here’s a “cheat sheet” chart of the different branches you can make, and the steps you’ll take to create them:

    Botanical Watercolor Wreath Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    With the chart above in mind, start by creating any of the branches above. It’s easiest to use the watercolor calligraphy technique to draw the branches! However, you can use a tiny paintbrush if you’re uncomfortable using a dip pen.

    Botanical Watercolor Wreath Tutorial | The Postman's Knock
    Make sure the stems of your branches follow the contours of your pencil oval/circle!

    After you have illustrated the first little piece of the wreath, add another piece. It’s completely your choice which style of branch you draw next!

    Botanical Watercolor Wreath Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    Continue building the wreath by adding an illustration here and there. Try to let the flora overlap! Overlapping branches gives the watercolor wreath an abundant, rich look.

    Botanical Watercolor Wreath Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    Once you’ve worked your way around the circle, you can go in and add some dots in any color you like. I personally love glittery Arabic gold, so I’m dotting that around my piece. There’s no rhyme or reason to the dots; you can put them anywhere around the watercolor wreath.

    Botanical Watercolor Wreath Tutorial | The Postman's Knock
    Any gold watercolor will work for this purpose! It’s easiest to make these dots with a size 1 paintbrush.

    3. Write Text

    Many watercolor wreaths exist to frame text. In my case, I wanted a piece of artwork to put in our bedroom, so I chose to write a quote from Singin’ in the Rain! It’s just a little reminder to start the day off on the right foot. Whatever quote you choose, write it in watercolor calligraphy! Once the watercolor dries, you can erase any pencil draft lines.

    Botanical Watercolor Wreath Tutorial | The Postman's Knock
    The piece will look cohesive if you write with a couple of the same colors that you used to make the wreath. I used Kaitlin Style calligraphy and Sans Serif lettering to write this quote!

    I love this watercolor wreath! I’ve used it to make greeting cards, place cards, and framed artwork for my home. It can beautifully accentuate any piece!

    Botanical Watercolor Wreath Tutorial | The Postman's Knock
    This greeting card features Kaitlin Style calligraphy and Garamond hand-lettering.

    The secret to making a beautiful wreath? Just keep the “cheat sheet” chart in this blog post in front of you, and build up the wreath with branches from the chart until you’re satisfied with how it looks!

    Other Watercolor Wreaths

    If you’re a watercolor wreath kind of person, then — first: hi, you’re amazing, and welcome to the club! Second: I’ve got a wealth of tutorials you’ll love!

    Woodland Watercolor Wreath Tutorials: Part III | The Postman's Knock
    This is the wreath from the Woodland Watercolor Wreath Tutorials: Part III.

    Here is a list of watercolor wreath tutorials on the TPK site:

    • Watercolor Cactus Wreath Tutorial
    • Watercolor Holiday Wreath Tutorial + Free Printable
    • Woodland Watercolor Wreath Tutorials: Part I + Part II + Part III
    • Circular Watercolor Thank You Card Tutorial
    • Circular DIY Christmas Card Tutorial

    I hope that you enjoyed today’s tutorial, and that you have time to peruse some of the other TPK watercolor wreath tutorials as well! After all, weekends with watercolors are the best kinds of weekends. Have a good one!

    Warmly,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock

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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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89 responses

  1. Theresa Lavery Avatar
    Theresa Lavery
    May 20, 2019

    Thank you for all that you do!

    Log in to Reply
  2. Nenny Avatar
    Nenny
    May 20, 2019

    Thank you for the tutorial. Can’t wait to try! 😁

    Log in to Reply
  3. Sissi Avatar
    Sissi
    May 19, 2019

    I love the outcome and I definitely do want to give it a try sometime!

    Log in to Reply
  4. ArtPoet Avatar
    ArtPoet
    May 18, 2019

    calligraphy
    blue nib lettering skates
    on birch bark, vellum, or rag paper
    cutting edges and ornamental loops
    dash slide and fly
    pressing metal, bamboo or brush tips
    deep dipped in ink vials
    address a thin or thick caress
    of up, down and turning
    triple axles furrow
    manuscript angles gesture
    in floating sweeps of fervor
    painting capitals in gold leaf
    and ground jewel watercolors
    to create cursive text art
    the rhythm of heralds tinkle
    in sinuous and one-eighty curves
    that clash and embrace, undulating
    lines read aloud breathe speech

    copyright 2019 ArtPoet

    Log in to Reply
  5. Svetlana Avatar
    Svetlana
    May 18, 2019

    Hi, can I just ask, what are you dipping your nibs into? what are the actual colours/paints? Are they typical watercolour paint? what pint/ink do I need to draw a similar wreath?

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 24, 2019

      Hi there! My paints are from Greenleaf & Blueberry, but you can use any watercolor paint. 🙂 Any watercolor paint set will work!

      Log in to Reply
  6. Kerry Bridges Avatar
    Kerry Bridges
    May 18, 2019

    I love these watercolour tutorials, you make them so easy to follow with beautiful results

    Log in to Reply
  7. notbob Avatar
    notbob
    May 17, 2019

    As usual, yer brilliant. I’m so glad I’m on yer e-mail list, even if I don’t always purchase something. ;).

    Log in to Reply
  8. Zinia Agosto Avatar
    Zinia Agosto
    May 17, 2019

    What a great idea on showing us the step by step for doing a branch. Thanks so much for always insipiring us!!

    Log in to Reply
  9. Velvajean Trapp Avatar
    Velvajean Trapp
    May 16, 2019

    I refer newbies to your page all the time and then I favorite your posts on IG! Love your ideas and art!!!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 16, 2019

      Thanks so much, Velvajean! 🙂 I love posting to IG!

      Log in to Reply
  10. Leah Avatar
    Leah
    September 25, 2017

    hi, I was wondering how you would use this design for a square border? I want to try it on a document written in calligraphy because I think it would look amazing, but the method is kind of based around a circle so I was hoping to get some tips, if you have any, before trying to mess around with it on my own?
    thanks!

    (your blog is really interesting, by the way- so many great ideas! I have like six tabs open of things I want to try out)

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 2, 2017

      Hi Leah! Instead of tracing around a circle, draw guidelines parallel to the sides of your paper. You’ll end up with a rectangle, which you can then fill in with the botanical elements. I’d curve some of the elements and make others straight so they go better with the rectangle. 🙂

      Log in to Reply
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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
TPK’s calligraphy starter kit was just featured TPK’s calligraphy starter kit was just featured in @newyorkermag’s “A Holiday Gift Guide: Treasures That Are Old, or Old at Heart”. 🎁 I agree that it makes for a *fabulous* gift ... and it is the gift that keeps on giving, since your recipient will develop the skills to create all sorts of beautiful and satisfying projects. We’re talking gorgeous envelopes, frameable quotes that make a home feel cozy, place cards, sketchbook pages, family trees ... there are a lot of possibilities (and tutorials for those possibilities can be found on the TPK Blog)!

To get a kit, visit the link in my bio and navigate to the “SHOP” tab. If you buy a kit as a gift, let me know right after placing your order (lindsey@thepostmansknock.com). Be sure to tell me your recipient’s name, and I’ll be glad to include instructions for them over how to enroll in the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course, which comes with the $125 kit option. ✍️ Happy holidays! 

#thepostmansknock #tpk #calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #calligraphycommunity #calligraphypractice #calligraphytools #calligraphyset #calligraphykit #giftguide #holidaygiftguide #newyorkermag #smallbusinesslove #shopsmall #makersgonnamake #creativegifts #handmadegifts #artgifts #artsupplies #stationerylove #snailmailrevival #envelopecalligraphy #learncalligraphy #artistsontiktok #creativeprocess #holidayseason #giftideas2024
✨Chic Inky Poppies Mail Art✨ – This inky poppy ✨Chic Inky Poppies Mail Art✨ - This inky poppy motif is one of my all-time favorites for filling blank space with drama and elegance. To make it, you use dark ink smudges, loose leaves, and airy petals to build a border that looks intricate but comes together quickly. My go-tos for this style are sumi ink and a touch of gold watercolor for warmth. 

Want to try it yourself? Visit the TPK website (link in bio) and search for “Chic Inky Poppies Mail Art Tutorial.” Happy creating! 🌸🖋️

#thepostmansknock #tpk #mailart #mailartideas #envelopeart #snailmailrevival #snailmailing #snailmailart #envelopecalligraphy #calligraphycommunity #calligraphypractice #pointedpencalligraphy #moderncalligraphy #sumiink #goldwatercolor #penandink #creativeprocess #creativemail #illustrationart #papercraft #stationerylove #artistsoninstagram #artreels #calligraphyreels #mailartreels
✍️ There’s a fresh addition to the TPK Catal ✍️ There’s a fresh addition to the TPK Catalog: The Graceful Ballerina Calligraphy Drill Worksheet 

This ballerina is unique among TPK calligraphy drills in that it’s really not that complicated. After a few simple loops, a flourished tutu, and long strokes to make the legs, you have, well, a ballerina! 🩰 The most difficult part is getting the outline right; but even that isn’t too bad because you’ve got a traceable outline included in your worksheet set.

The beauty of the flourished ballerina? She makes *anything* look elegant: cards, envelopes, gift tags, whatever. My recommendation is to feature her on your next envelope. She’ll add a “wow” factor and allow you to left-justify the address, which is always a relief (no need to bother with centering)!

To find her, visit the link in my bio, then navigate to the Blog!

#thepostmansknock #tpk #calligraphy #calligraphydrills #calligraphyworksheet #moderncalligraphy #pointedpen #pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphypractice #flourishing #flourishedart #mailart #snailmail #envelopeart #envelopecalligraphy #handlettering #creativeprocess #artistsoninstagram #balletart #ballerinadrawing #ballerinaart #inkdrawing #calligraphycommunity #stationerylove #letterwritersalliance #penandink #calligraphyinspiration #learncalligraphy #artistlife #creativeplay
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