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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.

    Calligraphy Art Tutorial: How to Make a Flourished … Well, Anything!

    February 21, 2019

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Calligraphy, Dip Pen Calligraphy, Flourishing, Tutorials, Video

    You may think of your dip pen as a tool with which you can write beautiful alphabet characters … and you’re right to see it that way! The alphabet isn’t the only thing that can benefit from a dip pen, though. Today, we’ll examine how to use a dip pen to create artwork depicting almost…

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    Calligraphy Art Tutorial: How to Make a Flourished ... Well, Anything! | The Postman's Knock

    For the past week, the focus of this blog has been on Lasso Lettering, which you can create with any pen. Today, I’d like to shift attention back to the dip pen! While any writing utensil is worth the time to get to know, I especially love the dip pen because of its stroke variation. A dip pen can seamlessly transition from making delicate, thin strokes into bold, heavy strokes — which leads to some serious visual appeal!

    Free Printable "Flourish by Number" Bunny | The Postman's Knock
    You can learn how to flourish this bunny in the (free) “Flourish by Number” Bunny worksheet!

    When I’m not lettering with a dip pen, I love using it to make flourished artwork! The artwork always ends up looking complicated to create, but it’s not. In today’s YouTube tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a flourished heart, and you can apply the concept to almost any recognizable shape!

    Calligraphy Art Tutorial: How to Make a Flourished … Well, Anything! Video

    You can check out the tutorial by watching the video below, or you can find it on YouTube by clicking here. At approximately five minutes long, the video is short and sweet!

    The gist of it: make a pencil outline of your subject. Then, fill in that outline with dense flourishes! Erase your pencil guidelines, and you’ve got some very cool calligraphy art.

    Other Examples of Flourished Calligraphy Art

    I love including flourished calligraphy art in my drills sheets! Following instructions to create such art can really help you to get used to the idea of creating calligraphy art! That will come in handy when you want to make your own piece of original art using a dip pen. Here are some examples:

    Flourished Skull Artwork

    Flourished Calligraphy Artwork | The Postman's Knock
    You can find instructions for making this little guy in the Spooky Drills worksheet! (I used this artwork as a Halloween decoration last year.)

    Flourished Hummingbird Artwork

    12 Artistic Envelope Ideas | The Postman's Knock
    Instructions for making this artwork are in the Garden Drills worksheet! This bird dresses up the back of an envelope beautifully.

    Flourished Fish Artwork

    Not Your Average Calligraphy Drills: Under the Sea Edition | The Postman's Knock
    This creature is a bit more complicated to make than the heart I showed you today — but worth every minute of your time! Find him in the Under the Sea Drills.

    I hope that this post inspires you to use your dip pen to create some flourishy magic! In addition to giving you artistic satisfaction, any piece of calligraphy art that you make will also result in fantastic calligraphy practice. That’s great because sometimes writing “A, A, A, B, B, B …” can get old!

    If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contribute to the comments section. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you! Thanks so much for reading (and watching) TPK, and have a great weekend!

    Warmly,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock

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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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53 responses

  1. Carrie Avatar
    Carrie
    February 25, 2019

    These are such fun and lovely ideas, you’d almost forget they are tutorials! I’ve recently bought a dip pen and just need the courage & your nudge to try it, thank you!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 22, 2019

      Definitely try it! I love love love dip pens and I have a feeling you will too, once you get the hang of it 😉

      Log in to Reply
  2. Clair Avatar
    Clair
    February 25, 2019

    Really useful post thank you

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 22, 2019

      You’re welcome, Clair!

      Log in to Reply
  3. WendyK Avatar
    WendyK
    February 25, 2019

    This is really helpful, thanks!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 22, 2019

      You’re welcome, Wendy!

      Log in to Reply
  4. Sana Avatar
    Sana
    February 25, 2019

    This is such a great tutorial! I am so inspired by your calligraphy art. I am going to try to make something this weekend!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 22, 2019

      Thank you, Sana! <3

      Log in to Reply
  5. Ivelis Avatar
    Ivelis
    February 24, 2019

    I’ve been wanting to learn calligraphy for years and I’m finally taking the steps to accomplish that goal! My ultimate calligraphy kit is out for delivery today thanks to your recommendation!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 22, 2019

      Yay! It’s never too late to start! How wonderful–enjoy the kit. Thank you, Ivelis!

      Log in to Reply
  6. Katie Schroeder Avatar
    Katie Schroeder
    February 24, 2019

    I love this blog so much. It’s one of the only blogs I’ve ever found that I actually read every time a new post comes out. Thank you Lindsey!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 22, 2019

      I am so flattered! Thank you, Katie 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  7. Martha Avatar
    Martha
    February 24, 2019

    Sounds easy when you say it 😆❣️

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 22, 2019

      It does! but trust me–you’ll get the hang of it in no time! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  8. Lexi Avatar
    Lexi
    February 23, 2019

    You have the best flourishing projects! I made holiday cards for my family and friends this year using your flourished Christmas tree and snowflake patterns and everyone loved them!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 22, 2019

      Thank you, Lexi <3 I’m so glad to hear you made your family some wonderful pieces of artwork! That’s always the best thing to send and receive–so fulfilling!

      Log in to Reply
  9. Natasha Hough Avatar
    Natasha Hough
    February 23, 2019

    I would have never thought of creating art like this! What a great idea. Time to pull out my dip pen….

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 22, 2019

      Bring out the dip pen! Haha 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  10. sharon.m.c.kaldor Avatar
    sharon.m.c.kaldor
    February 22, 2019

    Thank you so much!!! I have been practicing your drills and sometimes feel like I just don’t get it!! But today you took some of the mystery out of it.. I hadn’t made the connection that one can use 3 flourishes to get such stunning and knock one’s socks off results!! Thank YOU SO MUCH!!! xo

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 22, 2019

      The flourishes are truly and entity of their own! Thanks for persevering, Sharon 🙂

      Log in to Reply
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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
✨I’ve been making these little calligraphy Chr ✨I’ve been making these little calligraphy Christmas trees for years. They’re a go-to whenever I need a quick gift tag, envelope flourish, or something festive that doesn’t require a whole afternoon.

They look fancy, but they’re really just simple strokes stacked in different patterns. Truly: once you get the rhythm down, you can make a tree in under 30 seconds. 🎄 

If you want to try them (there are six styles!), the tutorial is on the TPK Blog, and it’s called
“6 Simple Ways to Make a Calligraphy Christmas Tree.” Feel free to google it, or visit: thepostmansknock.com/6-simple-ways-to-make-a-calligraphy-christmas-tree/

It’s very beginner-friendly, video-based, and a great way to get some creativity in during a busy season. I hope you love it as much as I do. 💛

#calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #holidaycalligraphy #calligraphyart #creativelifehappylife #christmascrafts #holidaycrafts #giftwrappingideas #diychristmas #christmascards #calligraphytutorial #finetec #metallicwatercolor #papercrafts #creativepractice #thepostmansknock #holidayinspiration #blackandgold #christmasideas #holidayideas
🎁 These printable gift tags are one of my favor 🎁 These printable gift tags are one of my favorite free printables on the TPK site. Just download, print, cut them out, and — if you want to — reinforce them with a bit of cardstock.

Inside the PDF you’ll find four designs: Festive Frida, Flourished Tree, Pine Boughs, and Merry & Bright. They’re all hand-drawn, and they make even the simplest wrapping look bespoke and artistic. 🎨 

Pro tip: If you’ve got a bit of extra time, add a pop of watercolor or some gold dots; and consider mounting the tag on a contrasting piece of cardstock for extra oomph.

They’re free to download at: thepostmansknock.com/free-super-cool-hand-drawn-printable-gift-tags/ (or visit the link in my stories today). Happy holidays!

#handdrawn #gifttags #printablegifttags #freeprintables #holidayprintables #christmascrafts #holidaygifts #papercrafts #snailmailinspo #mailart #creativegiftwrapping #diyholiday #diygifttags #artistsoninstagram #illustrationartists #thepostmansknock #tpkcommunity #calligraphycommunity #stationerylove #creativecommunity
There’s something extra fun about a card that do There’s something extra fun about a card that doesn’t just open … it comes to life. ✨ This little stand-up tree might look fancy, but it’s totally approachable — relaxing to make, satisfying to embellish, and (my favorite part) it folds up perfectly to pop in the mail. 💌🎄

If you’re looking for a holiday project that feels creative and doable, this is *such* a good one. The printable template does half the work for you, and you can customize the rest with flourishes, white ink, ornaments, or whatever feels festive to you.

The full step-by-step tutorial is waiting for you on the TPK website; just head to the link in my bio and tap “Blog.” I think you’ll have as much fun making this as I did. ❤️

#calligraphy #calligraphytutorial #holidaycalligraphy #flourishedcalligraphy #moderncalligraphy #calligraphycommunity #calligraphypractice #calligraphyart #letteringcommunity #letteringart #papercraft #papercrafting #diycards #handmadecards #holidaycards #christmascards #christmascrafts #snailmail #snailmailrevolution #snailmaillove #creativecommunity #stationerylove #makersgonnamake #thepostmansknock
I love it when I can make simple pointed pen pract I love it when I can make simple pointed pen practice on cardstock ... and it magically turns into a festive card! Find instructions + a printable template for making this “Loop-de-Loop” tree in the TPK 2025 Holiday Calligraphy Worksheet set. 🎄 (Link in bio, then navigate to the Blog!)

#pointedpen #calligraphy #calligraphypractice #pointedpenpractice #holiday #christmastree #treedrawing #doodles #goldwatercolor
Every November since 2016, I’ve looked forward t Every November since 2016, I’ve looked forward to sitting down with a cup of something warm ☕️ and sketching out ideas for the TPK holiday worksheet. This year was no exception, and I think you’ll be pleased with the motifs! They’re designed to bring calm, beauty, and (sneaky) pointed pen practice to your holiday season. 🎄Visit the TPK Blog (link in bio, then navigate to Blog) for details!
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