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  • Simple Corner Calligraphy Flourishes Tutorial

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    Lindsey Bugbee

    — 201 Comments

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    In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make eye-catching corner calligraphy flourishes. Use them to embellish envelopes, cards, and anything else that needs a dash of elegance!

    Calligraphy Swirls Tutorials (Part I) | The Postman's Knock

    All pointed pen creations are beautiful, but add calligraphy flourishes to the mix, and your work becomes extraordinary! Despite appearances, calligraphy flourishes are easy to create if you break it down. In this article, I’ll show you how to make eye-catching corner flourishes.

    1. Draw a Calligraphy Flourishes Pencil Draft

    First, use a pencil to draw guidelines in the corner of your piece of paper as shown below. The first two guidelines should measure 1-3/4″ (44.45 mm) from the corner of the paper. Then, make two short guidelines 1-1/2″ (38 mm) from your first guidelines.

    Calligraphy Swirls Tutorials (Part I) | The Postman's Knock
    If you’re working on dark-colored paper (like the red envelope I’m using here), it’s a good idea to use a white mechanical pencil.

    Now, use your pencil to draw a rotated “C” shape in the corner of the envelope, as shown below:

    Calligraphy Swirls Tutorials (Part I) | The Postman's Knock

    Draw loops on both ends of the “C”. Coil them up on the long guidelines you drew.

    Calligraphy Swirls Tutorials (Part I) | The Postman's Knock

    Next, create a swirl like the one shown below that intersects the left coil.

    Calligraphy Swirls Tutorials (Part I) | The Postman's Knock
    Be sure to extend your swirl all the way to the bottom pencil guideline!

    Repeat the process on the right coil.

    Calligraphy Swirls Tutorials (Part I) | The Postman's Knock

    2. Add Ink

    Now, go over your calligraphy flourishes draft with ink, taking care to vary the pressure that you exert on your pen. Remember: for upstrokes, you exert minimal pressure. When you make downstrokes, you’ll exert firm pressure to get the tines to split! In this way, you can ensure maximum stroke contrast.

    Calligraphy Swirls Tutorials (Part I) | The Postman's Knock
    Bleed Proof White is my ink of choice when I want to create white calligraphy flourishes on dark paper.

    I know that the photos of the process may not provide you with all you need to know, so here’s a video tutorial that should prove helpful!:

    Once you’re finished making your corner flourishes, it’s time to add lettering to your piece. I love how Amy Style calligraphy complements the swirls in the envelope below (and vice-versa). The curvy Amy letters mimic the curlicues in the swirl, which gives the piece a neat and cohesive feel.

    Calligraphy Flourishes Tutorial

    3. Erase Your Pencil Guidelines

    Once you’re finished writing your calligraphy, let your ink dry. Then, gently erase your pencil guidelines and enjoy the gorgeous calligraphy flourishes that you just made!

    Calligraphy Swirls Tutorials (Part I) | The Postman's Knock
    Make sure your ink is completely dry before you erase pencil guidelines! A good rule of thumb for white ink is to let it dry overnight. For most other inks, ten minutes is probably good enough.

    I hope that you can use this calligraphy flourishes concept for many projects to come. In addition to looking great on envelopes, it’s good for place cards, sketchbooks, cards, and whatever else you can think up! Enjoy your flourishing, and we’ll reconvene this weekend with the brand-new Cocktail Casual Calligraphy Worksheet.

    Warmly,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock