In 2012, I started an Etsy shop called “The Postman’s Knock”, and I quit my day job (read the full story here). The idea behind the Etsy shop was this: I could write out custom envelope calligraphy for people, which they would be delighted to receive when they heard “the postman’s knock” at their door. Eventually, the Etsy shop evolved into so much more than that — now, TPK is a blog, a learning resource gold mine, and a calligraphy supplies store — but, like everyone, I started small. I tried a lot of things and put myself out there before I felt ready, which is just what you have to do! Below, you’ll find some of the items that I used to sell on Etsy as a new entrepreneur.
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Entrepreneur
How I Learned Calligraphy
A couple of days ago, I received a thought-provoking email from someone. It contained a few questions: “When you first started doing calligraphy did you like how it looked? Did it take a while before you felt you were doing a good job and you liked how you did it? … I’m hoping if I practice enough I will get good at it – is there hope?!” I remember having the same questions — and you might, too. Sometimes it’s just nice to read about how someone else achieved something, so I thought you might enjoy reading about how I learned calligraphy.
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On the Cover of Calligraphy Crush Magazine!
You might remember a certain coffee calligraphy tutorial from a couple of months ago. The envelope I made in that tutorial had a specific purpose: to grace the cover of Calligraphy Crush Magazine. Today, I’m pleased to announce that Issue 8 of Calligraphy Crush is available, and it’s chock-full of inspiration from so many creatives whom I admire and look up to! TPK subscribers will enjoy a 15% discount on Issue 8 through November 10th. You can click here to take advantage of the discount, or keep reading to learn more about the magazine and this issue in particular!
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8 Throwback Calligraphy Projects for Inspiration

Almost every creative person is a little bit of a packrat. It’s impossible not to be, with all the art supplies you probably have on hand plus the projects you make! I wear my artistic packrat badge proudly, but I do have to admit that sometimes the clutter reaches a degree that makes me squirm. Last week, I allocated four days to organizing all my past lettering and calligraphy projects, and I came across several that I want to share with you today. Many of these projects have never appeared on the TPK blog before, and my hope is that they’ll spark some inspiration!
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10 Behind the Scenes Snippets About TPK
Two years ago, I wrote an article detailing eight behind the scenes facts about The Postman’s Knock. At the time, I was just about to have a baby, so I was reflecting on my first “baby”: TPK. Now that Remy is a toddler, I’m amazed at how things have developed, and I want to share some little-known snippets.
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Getting to Know Simon of Scribblers
Meet Simon
Question: Nearly anyone in the UK who has an interest in calligraphy or drawing has heard of or ordered from Scribblers. Your stock is vast! When and why did you start Scribblers, and what was the main item (or items) that you sold?
Scribblers actually began in around 1998 in our spare bedroom! At that time, we were living in a small house in Lowestoft, and I taught calligraphy classes in the evening. The main items we sold back then were nibs, pen-holders and inks for traditional calligraphy. Those products made sense because they complemented my curriculum.
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