Wall Art

State Calligraphy Art: A Last-Minute Holiday Gift

December 18, 2020 by Lindsey Bugbee 51 Comments
Calligraphy· Flourishing· Free Printables· Gifts· Home Decor· Intermediate Calligraphy· Tutorials· Wall Art

Whenever I’ve made state- or country-themed art, I’ve focused on places with recognizable outlines like California and Ecuador. But what do you do if the state calligraphy art you’re making is basically a square? In this case of my home state, Kansas, the outline isn’t immediately recognizable to the non-Kansan. But, with a few flourishes and some golden sunflowers, this Kansas-themed art is a delight to behold! In this blog post, I’ll outline how I made this piece and share a free download with you. I hope to inspire all my fellow basic-shaped state dwellers to try their hand at calligraphy state art, too.
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Calligraphy Ampersand Art Tutorial

April 16, 2020 by Lindsey Bugbee 73 Comments
Calligraphy· Gifts· Inspiration· Printable Goodies· Tutorials· Wall Art

Whenever I think of calligraphy projects, my mind immediately goes to this calligraphy ampersand art. Making it is an act of love and a serious mood booster! As you write down the memories that you and a loved one have shared, it’s hard not to blissfully lose yourself in the project. You can make this ampersand art in your sketchbook, frame it for display in your home, or give it as a gift! (I’ve done all three … seriously, I love making these, and I know that you will, too.)
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“You Made This?!” Lily Drawing Tutorial

February 13, 2020 by Lindsey Bugbee 53 Comments
Floral Illustration Tutorials· Tutorials· Wall Art

Last summer, our TPK’s Ana Corral wrote a series of tutorials over how to illustrate different flowers. Today, I’m following in her footsteps by showing you how to make a simple lily drawing! I adore this project because all you need is a gel pen and some metallic watercolor to make it. It’s the perfect example of how less can be more.
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Next Level Illuminated Letter Tutorial

January 23, 2020 by Lindsey Bugbee 12 Comments
Free Printables· Gifts· Tutorials· Wall Art

Last month, I wrote The Cheater’s Illuminated Letter Tutorial, which is a fun project that anyone — with the help of a little bit of patience and precision — can create. I was pleased to see that TPK readers took on the challenge beautifully! Several illuminated letters popped up on Instagram, and a few beauties made their way into my email inbox. The enthusiasm for the first illuminated letters tutorial prompted me to create today’s tutorial. This one is intricate, so it will require a bit of a time investment, for sure! The jaw-dropping payoff, however, will make your efforts more than worth it.
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Gift-Worthy State Lettering Map Tutorial

November 14, 2019 by Lindsey Bugbee 30 Comments
Hand-Lettering· Home Decor· Sketchbook· Tutorials· Wall Art

For some people, giving original art as a gift feels a bit juvenile … like you’re in kindergarten again presenting something to Mom to hang on the fridge. Let me tell you, though, that this state lettering map is not your typical DIY art! It’s a no-fail, eye-catching project that anyone with a special connection to a certain state — or country — will absolutely adore. I’m going to show you how I made this California map, then I hope that you’ll take these instructions and tailor them to a place that means something to you!
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The Botanical Letter Tutorial Reboot!

October 31, 2019 by Lindsey Bugbee 50 Comments
Floral Illustration Tutorials· Sketchbook· Wall Art· Watercolor Tutorials

In 2015, I wrote the original Botanical Letter Tutorial. When I redo tutorials, I normally completely replace the old tutorial with the new one. In this case, however, I think that it’s important to keep the original tutorial on the site! That way, you can see how I approached making two different letters: a “J” (in the original tutorial) and a “B” (in this tutorial). In this tutorial, we’re going to get much more detailed and — hopefully — you’ll gain better insight into how to make your own gorgeous letter! Read on to learn how to get started.
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