Calligraphy

8 Tips to Improve Your Handwriting (Plus a Free Worksheet)

February 16, 2023 by Lindsey Bugbee 361 Comments
Everyday Skills· Free Printables· Handwriting· Printable Goodies· Tutorials· Worksheets

People often assume that calligraphy and handwriting are synonymous, but they’re not. In general, calligraphy is comprised of stylized, embellished letters — it’s more art than writing. Conversely, handwriting refers to the style and technique that you use for everyday jotting. Handwriting needs to be quicker and more casual than calligraphy. While everyone has their own personal handwriting style, there’s always room for improvement! In this article, you’ll find eight tips to help you improve your handwriting in video and written form — plus a free worksheet.
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The Nikko G Nib: The Best Beginner Calligraphy Nib

February 14, 2023 by Lindsey Bugbee 125 Comments
Calligraphy· Merchandise· Nibs· Review· Video

New Nikko G Nibs — Every Nikko G nib has a large “G” and the words “NIKKO MADE IN JAPAN” engraved on its shank. In my opinion, it’s the best beginner calligraphy nib.

I always recommend the Nikko G nib (say: “neek-oh”) as the best beginner calligraphy nib. It’s in the supply list section of all TPK Learn Calligraphy worksheets as well as the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course. Using the Nikko G nib can save you a lot of frustration, which will encourage you to keep practicing your calligraphy! In this post, we’ll discuss why this special nib is good for beginners, where you can find it, and how to use it to its full potential.
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10 Examples of Name Calligraphy on Envelopes

February 9, 2023 by Lindsey Bugbee 38 Comments
Birthday Cards· Calligraphy· Gifts· Holiday· Roundup· Video

There are many occasions when you only need to write a person’s name on an envelope. Maybe you’re tucking a birthday card into a mailed package, or perhaps you’re hand-delivering a party or wedding invitation. In both of those situations, it would be strange to write the recipient’s full address on the envelope. Today, I’ll walk you through 10 inspirational examples of “name calligraphy” on envelopes, along with a couple of instructional tutorials and a video.

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How to Make a Fabulous Hand-Lettered Birthday Card

February 7, 2023 by Lindsey Bugbee 36 Comments
Birthday Cards· Greeting Card Tutorials· Hand-Lettering· Tutorials· Video

Look at the photo above this paragraph. ^This^ is what happens when I suddenly find myself in a quiet house, with both my children at nursery school for the morning. I could not resist making my friend a fabulous hand-lettered birthday card! In today’s tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to make a card just like it. Disclaimer: a quick birthday card concept this is not. It took me about 1.5 hours to make. If you’re looking for something that comes together more efficiently, see other TPK birthday card tutorials.

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Three Ways to Make a Calligraphy Border Design

January 24, 2023 by Lindsey Bugbee 110 Comments
Calligraphy· Flourishing· Mail Art· Tutorials· Video

A calligraphy border design never fails to add an elegant touch to your work. Today, I’ll show you how to create three simple but intricate designs to frame your calligraphy or text. Grab your favorite pen and nib combination plus some paper, and let’s dive into the world of calligraphy border design!

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Simple Calligraphy Medallion Tutorial

January 21, 2023 by Lindsey Bugbee 82 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Calligraphy· Calligraphy Medallions· Dip Pen Calligraphy· Flourishing· Tutorials

When practicing calligraphy, you really can’t get any cooler than a calligraphy medallion. I love calligraphy medallions because they’re wonderful for understanding how to make simple shapes. Furthermore, they really help you to understand how to bring components together in order to make something gorgeous. If you’re new to calligraphy medallions, try this simple tutorial. If you like what you make, consider upleveling with one of TPK’s two calligraphy medallions worksheets: Dancing Pens and Birds & Botanicals, which are 15% off through Wednesday, January 25th, with code PRETTYPRACTICE.

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