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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.

    Craftsy Class Giveaway – Mixed Media: Pen, Ink, and Watercolor

    October 18, 2014

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Time-Sensitive, Watercolor

    Feeling lucky? Then you’ll want to enter this giveaway for a free class on Craftsy. You’ll learn how to harness the power of mixed media {watercolor + India ink} under the tutelage of renowned artist Matt Rota. Matt covers common pitfalls of beginners, how to handle a dip pen and ink, and, finally, how to…

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    Craftsy Class Giveaway | The Postman's Knock

    Today’s post is the second in a series of four sponsored by Craftsy, an online community that offers self-paced creative classes taught by professional artists and artisans. I am a proponent of Craftsy because I believe that everyone can learn how to create beautiful things, and Craftsy gives its users structured, effective lessons.

    Lessons over using watercolor are among the those that Craftsy offers. I’m pretty thrilled about this because I’m a watercolor maniac. You really can’t go wrong with a medium that gives you so much freedom, vibrancy, and blending potential.

    Craftsy Class Giveaway | The Postman's Knock

    Of course, since I love using watercolor, I also love learning new styles and techniques from other artists. One of the artists I most admire is Matt Rota, who is renowned as one of the top 200 illustrators in the world {at least, according to Lurzer’s International Archive … and me}.

    Craftsy Class Giveaway | The Postman's Knock

    I am happy to say that TPK has teamed up with Craftsy to offer up one registration for giveaway to Matt’s class Mixed Media: Pen, Ink, and Watercolor. To enter, click this link, which will take you to Craftsy, where you can create an account on the site. Creating an account automatically enters you into the raffle. {If you already have an account with Craftsy, be sure you’re signed out of Craftsy right now, click on the link, then just sign back in with your Craftsy login information.}

    Craftsy Class Giveaway | The Postman's Knock

    Matt is an expert at using watercolors to create a narrative. He embraces minimalism, which is why I am so eager to learn from him — I’m the opposite! Be sure and have your India ink handy; Matt’s signature style involves drawing the scene first using a dip pen and waterproof ink, then bringing the piece to life with watercolors.

    Craftsy Class Giveaway | The Postman's Knock

    Part of my holiday gift to myself will be to take the time to complete a Craftsy class. Matt’s mixed media class is the one I’ve got my eye on {read the student reviews and you’ll feel the same way} … maybe we can take it together? I know on my end, eggnog and chocolate chip cookies will be involved — the only two things that could possibly make a class like this more enjoyable.

    The drawing closes on Sunday, October 26th, and Craftsy will notify the winner via email on the Monday the 27th. Again, if you wish to enter the drawing, click here to register as a Craftsy user. I would recommend you scope out other Craftsy classes as well — I’m intrigued by an Adobe Lightroom class and a class over making classic French pastries. What can I say? I’m a woman of many interests.

    Note: If you tried to enter earlier without success, the glitch has been fixed — thank you!

    Any questions? Let me know in the comments!

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About The Postman’s Knock (TPK)

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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16 responses

  1. Nancy Sapp Avatar
    Nancy Sapp
    October 22, 2014

    Is this the place to sign up for the Free Giveaway? I’d LOVE to take an On-Line Craftsy class!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 22, 2014

      Hi Nancy!

      Yep! Click on this link to enter. I’m going to take a class in December {haven’t decided which yet!}, and I’m excited! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  2. Kate Reid Avatar
    Kate Reid
    October 20, 2014

    Thanks so much, Lindsey. Looking forward to checking out Craftsy and getting myself in a pickle over which course/s to do!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 20, 2014

      Proceed with caution! There are so many possibilities that I decided to take some time out to ponder. I think I’ll treat myself to a culinary class and a digital photography/editing-type class after I take this one. Maybe the culinary one first since the holidays are approaching? Let me know what you think of the class/es you take, if you end up taking any!

      Log in to Reply
  3. cindyzs Avatar
    cindyzs
    October 19, 2014

    Meow that’s not right!

    Sorry but this page doesn’t seem to exist.

    Log in to Reply
    1. cindyzs Avatar
      cindyzs
      October 19, 2014

      page doesnt exist all the ‘links’ say 🙁

      Log in to Reply
      1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
        Lindsey Bugbee
        October 20, 2014

        All fixed! You’re actually already entered if you got to that page. Evidently there was a glitch on Craftsy’s end that didn’t allow for entrants to access confirmation page. Now it’s all resolved, but Craftsy has assured me that those who input their email address or signed up for an account with Facebook are already entered for the contest, despite seeing the “Meow that’s not right!” Sorry about that!

        Log in to Reply
  4. Hannah Avatar
    Hannah
    October 19, 2014

    Oh, this is such a wonderful class. I’d love to enter this giveaway but for some reason even when I signed out from craftsy the link doesn’t work. I get to the entry page but when I sign in then it tells me that the page doesn’t exit.
    Before I found your blog I’ve never heard of craftsy. Just love it.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 20, 2014

      You’re entered if you got to the “Meow, that’s not right!” page. 🙂 Craftsy was experiencing a glitch yesterday, but now it’s all cleared up!

      Log in to Reply
  5. Suzanne Avatar
    Suzanne
    October 19, 2014

    I’ve already signed up for Craftsy, but none of the links seem to work for me (even if I log out). Sad face.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 20, 2014

      Sorry about that! I was interacting with Craftsy yesterday afternoon, and the problem is resolved! You should already be entered if you saw that “Meow, that’s not right!” page — apparently the giveaway just wasn’t redirecting to the confirmation page.

      Log in to Reply
  6. Liz N. Avatar
    Liz N.
    October 18, 2014

    I’m already a Crafty user. Do I still qualify for this contest? For some reason the link wasn’t working for me. Just wanted to make sure I don’t miss out on an entru to win this awesome class! I stumbled upon your blog via the Letter Writers Alliance and immediately loved it! I just ordered the Kaitlin practice sheets and some of your envelope templates in your Etsy shop. You’re amazingly talented!!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 18, 2014

      Hi Liz!

      You absolutely qualify. I did some detective work and figured out that if you are already signed in to Craftsy, it won’t give you the sign-up screen for the giveaway. So, what you’ll want to do is go to Craftsy, sign out, then click this link, and it will take you to where you want to be!

      I love the Letter Writers Alliance, too! And I am so glad that you are enjoying the blog/practice sheets/envelope templates. I create all this in hopes that others will benefit, so your kind words are absolute gold. 🙂

      Thanks so much for reading; I really appreciate it!

      Log in to Reply
      1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
        Lindsey Bugbee
        October 19, 2014

        I revise what I said before! For some reason, this isn’t working on Craftsy’s end. I have emailed them asking them to fix it ASAP! Sorry about the inconvenience!

        Log in to Reply
  7. Cindy R. Avatar
    Cindy R.
    October 18, 2014

    I’ve only just started following your blog and love it. This is the 1st time hearing of Craftsy–it sounds really interesting!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      October 18, 2014

      Hi Cindy!

      It’s fantastic to hear that you enjoy reading the blog; that makes me happy because I enjoy writing the blog. 🙂 It’s a win-win, really. And yes! Craftsy is pretty cool. I have to admit that I feel a little overwhelmed when I visit their website … it’s like, when I look at all the different classes I could take, I’m going, “Oh! Yeah! I’m gonna learn to do this … oh, and this! And who could forget … this?! Ohhh … what about learning this?” By the end, I’ve found about six classes I am absolutely going to do — and then I realize how much time that will take. So, I enter the “How do I possibly pick one?” dilemma. That’s the phase I’m in right now! After I finish this mixed media course, I’m not sure whether I want to take a course over Adobe Lightroom or become an expert in making Mexican comfort food. The French pastries lessons are still in the running, too. Decisions, decisions. :-/

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There is nothing like a clean, well-organized wate There is nothing like a clean, well-organized watercolor chart. I used to make watercolor chart layouts using math and grids (which, trust me, was painful for someone like me, who doesn’t *love* numbers/measuring/calculations) ... then it occurred to me that I could use Photoshop to give myself a little boost. Much less math and fretting, which for me equals much more joy! Palette is from @greenleafblue — she made it so I could have a gorgeous palette for “The Calligraphy Book”, and this color chart definitely helped to boost the aesthetic of an already stunning supply. 🎨😍

If you’re curious about this technique for making a watercolor chart, you can search the TPK website for “watercolor chart” ... there’s a detailed blog post over how to use the template method that I’m showing you here!

#watercolorpalette #watercolorchart #colorchart #watercolorpaints #artchart
An X-Acto knife (aka a hobby knife) is one of thos An X-Acto knife (aka a hobby knife) is one of those tools that is indispensable for a lot of applications. It was designed to make precise cuts, which, of course, it does well! But, you can also use it to scrape off unwanted ink smears (pro tip: after the fact, you can smooth disturbed paper fibers with a pebble), create interesting interior cuts, trim tiny details that scissors can’t reach, make stencils and templates, refine collage elements, and gently correct small drawing or calligraphy mistakes.

I have used X-Acto knives for many TPK Blog tutorials, but up until last week, I’d never written a guide that puts the X-Acto knife front and center. That guide now exists, and you can find it by visiting the link 🔗 in my profile. Be sure to watch the tutorial video!

#xactoknife #hobbyknife #papercutting #papercutart #xactoknifeart
Just back in the TPK Supplies Shop: Finetec Arabic Just back in the TPK Supplies Shop: Finetec Arabic Gold watercolor pans (and the fabulous Finetec Golds palette). ✨ Gold makes *anything* gorgeous, but use it to make a calligraphy medallion, and it’s just next-level. 🤩 (Tutorial for this particular medallion can be found in the Dancing Pen Calligraphy Medallions Worksheet Set). 

To find the golds + the worksheet, visit the link in my bio, then navigate to “Shop”. Happy weekend! 

#goldcalligraphy #goldwatercolor #pointedpencalligraphy #fineteccoliro #goldcalligraphy
Hard to fit everything in, but this was 2025 in a Hard to fit everything in, but this was 2025 in a nutshell at TPK! 🥜

This year, I loved teaching at @thehappyevercrafter’s Workshop Week and participating in @calmingcalligraphy’s World Calligraphy as Meditation Day. And seeing the TPK calligraphy kit featured in @newyorkermag’s 2025 holiday gift guide was an unexpected (and delightful) cherry on top! 🍒

So much of what happened over the past year, though, was shaped by the TPK Premium community. Their questions and feedback helped guide Hand Lettering 101, while their encouragement fueled tutorials on topics ranging from turning red wine into calligraphy ink to illustrating recipes, painting with a wedge brush, and creating greeting cards and envelope art. 💌 That same support made it possible to create new worksheets and resources that others were able to enjoy as well, which I’m very grateful for. 

For a fuller recap (with helpful links and details) I shared a 2025 reflection on the TPK blog (link in bio).

#handlettering #gracefulenvelopecontest #pointedpencalligraphy #discordcommunity #calligraphyteacher
Which is your favorite koi-themed envelope? The fi Which is your favorite koi-themed envelope? The first one (A. Moreira), which was created as a prop for “The Calligraphy Book” ... *or* the second (Nigel Wright), which was created for the photographer who took pictures of the Moreira envelope for “The Calligraphy Book”? (When I heard how much Nigel had loved the first koi envelope, I made him his own variation!) 🎏

#mailart #snailmail #mailbox #snailmailrevolution #koiart
✨ A little comparison today … because not all ✨ A little comparison today ... because not all golds behave the same.

✦ Finetec gold → bright, cheerful, and versatile
✦ Greenleaf & Blueberry faux brass → softer, muted, and stunning
✦ Yasutomo pale gold → velvety, subtle shimmer with a sensible amount of sparkle

I love having all three on hand and choosing based on the feel I want for a project. It’s tough to go wrong! ✨

#moderncalligraphy #calligraphytools #goldink #watercolorcalligraphy #letteringcommunity mailart calligraphypractice artmaterials creativeprocess handlettering
🕊️ I originally made these printable tags for 🕊️ I originally made these printable tags for gifts … but now I want them everywhere. On presents 🎁, yes; but also tucked into snail mail, sprinkled across a holiday table with happy words written inside (“joy”, “love”, “peace”), or styled on a mantle for a cozy seasonal touch 🎄. They’re simple, charming, and versatile. Find them on the TPK Blog (link in bio)!

#thepostmansknock #printableart #giftwrappingideas #snailmaillove #happymail handillustrated holidaydetails paperlove creativegifting handlettering makersofinstagram stationeryaddict thoughtfuldetails slowdownandsendmail gifttags diygifttag giftwrapping giftpresentation handwrappedgift
I experimented with using the chic poppies techniq I experimented with using the chic poppies technique (see my reel from a couple of days ago) to make pretty stationery. LOVE how it turned out! The poppies are just an elegant way to add personality and elegance to any paper good. If you’re a TPK Premium member, *definitely* check out Lesson 6 of the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course (2025 version). In it, you’ll find a detailed video demonstration that shows you how to bring these poppies to life! ✍️

#stationery #diystationery #floralillustration #penandink #handdrawn #drawing #painting #sumiink #snailmail #mail #mailart #snailmailrevolution #happymail #mailbox #calligraphy #pointedpen #dippen #rosegoldsumi
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