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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.

    Filigree Easter Card Tutorial by Maureen Vickery

    April 5, 2022

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Easter, Free Printables, Greeting Card Tutorials, Guest Post, Holiday, Tutorials, Watercolor, Watercolor Tutorials

    In today’s tutorial, artist and calligrapher Maureen Vickery walks us through how to create a detailed Easter greeting card. If you’re dubious about your lettering or illustration skills, don’t fear: this project includes a printable template!

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    Filigree Easter Card Tutorial by Maureen Vickery
    The techniques you’ll learn in order to create this Easter card can be applied to any type of design where you’d like to embellish lettering with floral elements.

    In 2020, Maureen Vickery created a reindeer-themed holiday card for TPK. People loved it so much that I couldn’t help but ask her to contribute another tutorial! The result is this gorgeous filigree Easter card, inspired by Monika Fällman’s filigree work in Issue 13 of Calligraphy Crush Magazine. With its intricate florals and pastel colors, this card celebrates the season … and makes you crave chocolate.

    1. Gather Your Supplies

    Below this photo, you’ll find a list of the supplies that you need in order to make this Easter card. Feel free to adapt this tutorial to the supplies that you have at home!

    Supplies for Easter Card Tutorial

    • Maureen’s Filigree Easter Card Instructions + Templates printable (it’s free!)
    • White or light-colored cardstock or watercolor paper, cut to 5” x 7”
    • Pencil + eraser
    • Light box (or graphite paper) for tracing the design
    • Pearlescent watercolors (Maureen used an inexpensive pan set of Yasutomo Pearlescent Watercolors)
    • Small paint brush (Size 0 or 1)
    • Small container of water for cleaning your brush
    • Paper towels or cleaning cloth
    • Sepia Micron 05 pen

    2. Make a Pencil Draft

    First, get out your light box or your graphite paper. Then, trace the Easter card template of your choice onto white cardstock or watercolor paper. (Use the first template if you want to customize the florals. Use the second if you’d like to trace over the entire design.) You can find two printable templates in the Filigree Easter Card Instructions + Templates printable.

    Tracing the Easter Card from a template
    Don’t have a light box? You can use a bright window to trace over the design instead.

    Once you are happy with the balance of the words and flowers, it’s time to start drawing the design with waterproof brown ink.

    Tracing over the filigree "E"
    Maureen used a sepia Micron pen to trace over her pencil draft. You can use any waterproof brown ink you have available! If you’re using a dip pen and ink, Ziller is an excellent choice.

    3. Trace Over the Draft

    Continue to trace over your pencil draft with brown ink until everything is covered.

    Tracing Over an Easter Card with a Micron Pen
    To give your “Easter” letters more dimension, draw closely-spaced diagonal lines inside portions of them.
    Easter card without color
    In this photo, the card is almost finished! All that’s left is to trace over a few leaves.

    4. Add Color

    Once you’ve traced over everything, use your watercolor palette to add color to the card. (For an exact list of which colors Maureen used where, see her Filigree Easter Card Instructions + Templates.)

    Adding Color to an Easter Card
    For a cheerful spring look, try to stick to pastel colors.

    When you’re finished, step back and enjoy your handiwork!

    Filigree Easter Card Tutorial by Maureen Vickery

    … And, if you have time, decorate an envelope to house your beautiful Easter card.

    These are some of the envelopes that Maureen has sent to new Calligraphy Crush subscribers!

    Calligraphy Crush Magazine

    Maureen is the owner of PenDance Studio and editor of Calligraphy Crush magazine, where this tutorial also appears in Issue 13. If you’re new to Calligraphy Crush, be sure to download the free sample issue to see what it’s all about!

    Maureen Vickery
    Left: Issue 8 of Calligraphy Crush Magazine (featuring TPK’s mail art!); Right: The fabulously creative Maureen Vickery

    Many thanks go to Maureen for sharing this tutorial and its accompanying printables! I feel so inspired to try my own hand at filigreed letters now … maybe even as a standalone project (à la this illuminated letter tutorial). If you like this project, be sure to drop Maureen a comment of thanks on Instagram (@pendancestudio) or via email (maureen@calligraphycrush.com)! Happy spring and happy Easter!

    Warmly,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock

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About the author

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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5 responses

  1. Esther Avatar
    Esther
    May 5, 2023

    My Grandma is a huge chocolate fan so when I saw this I knew I had to make it for her. She absolutely loved it! It was supper easy and fun to make. I will definitely be making it again. Thank you so much for sharing it!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 9, 2023

      Aw that is so sweet of you! I love chocolate too! I am glad that you enjoyed the technique and hope you continue to use it!

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  2. Beth Avatar
    Beth
    April 10, 2023

    This is lovely. Thank you for your instructions.

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  3. Ginger Avatar
    Ginger
    May 23, 2022

    I have a light box and assumed it wasn’t powerful enough to penetrate card stock. I then tried it on my window. I have tried ClaireFontaine, standard watercolour paper, etc etc. I just can’t see the design through the paper enough to get it right. I feel like I’m in an alternate universe. The pencil trace & invert method is not exactly and pretty messy. What am I doing wrong? 😕

    Log in to Reply
  4. Marcia Avatar
    Marcia
    April 10, 2022

    Wow this is an amazing tutorial thank you for sharing 🙂 This year I’m planning on taking a digital copy of my artwork and get it digitally print to mail out to my friends and family. I use a online card printing service called printpocket.ca. They are a pleasure to work with. Everyone is friendly and professional and the paper and finishes are top quality. Keep up the great work! Looking forward to the next post.

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🕊️ 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
TPK’s calligraphy starter kit was just featured TPK’s calligraphy starter kit was just featured in @newyorkermag’s “A Holiday Gift Guide: Treasures That Are Old, or Old at Heart”. 🎁 I agree that it makes for a *fabulous* gift ... and it is the gift that keeps on giving, since your recipient will develop the skills to create all sorts of beautiful and satisfying projects. We’re talking gorgeous envelopes, frameable quotes that make a home feel cozy, place cards, sketchbook pages, family trees ... there are a lot of possibilities (and tutorials for those possibilities can be found on the TPK Blog)!

To get a kit, visit the link in my bio and navigate to the “SHOP” tab. If you buy a kit as a gift, let me know right after placing your order (lindsey@thepostmansknock.com). Be sure to tell me your recipient’s name, and I’ll be glad to include instructions for them over how to enroll in the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course, which comes with the $125 kit option. ✍️ Happy holidays! 

#thepostmansknock #tpk #calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #calligraphycommunity #calligraphypractice #calligraphytools #calligraphyset #calligraphykit #giftguide #holidaygiftguide #newyorkermag #smallbusinesslove #shopsmall #makersgonnamake #creativegifts #handmadegifts #artgifts #artsupplies #stationerylove #snailmailrevival #envelopecalligraphy #learncalligraphy #artistsontiktok #creativeprocess #holidayseason #giftideas2024
✨Chic Inky Poppies Mail Art✨ – This inky poppy ✨Chic Inky Poppies Mail Art✨ - This inky poppy motif is one of my all-time favorites for filling blank space with drama and elegance. To make it, you use dark ink smudges, loose leaves, and airy petals to build a border that looks intricate but comes together quickly. My go-tos for this style are sumi ink and a touch of gold watercolor for warmth. 

Want to try it yourself? Visit the TPK website (link in bio) and search for “Chic Inky Poppies Mail Art Tutorial.” Happy creating! 🌸🖋️

#thepostmansknock #tpk #mailart #mailartideas #envelopeart #snailmailrevival #snailmailing #snailmailart #envelopecalligraphy #calligraphycommunity #calligraphypractice #pointedpencalligraphy #moderncalligraphy #sumiink #goldwatercolor #penandink #creativeprocess #creativemail #illustrationart #papercraft #stationerylove #artistsoninstagram #artreels #calligraphyreels #mailartreels
✍️ There’s a fresh addition to the TPK Catal ✍️ There’s a fresh addition to the TPK Catalog: The Graceful Ballerina Calligraphy Drill Worksheet 

This ballerina is unique among TPK calligraphy drills in that it’s really not that complicated. After a few simple loops, a flourished tutu, and long strokes to make the legs, you have, well, a ballerina! 🩰 The most difficult part is getting the outline right; but even that isn’t too bad because you’ve got a traceable outline included in your worksheet set.

The beauty of the flourished ballerina? She makes *anything* look elegant: cards, envelopes, gift tags, whatever. My recommendation is to feature her on your next envelope. She’ll add a “wow” factor and allow you to left-justify the address, which is always a relief (no need to bother with centering)!

To find her, visit the link in my bio, then navigate to the Blog!

#thepostmansknock #tpk #calligraphy #calligraphydrills #calligraphyworksheet #moderncalligraphy #pointedpen #pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphypractice #flourishing #flourishedart #mailart #snailmail #envelopeart #envelopecalligraphy #handlettering #creativeprocess #artistsoninstagram #balletart #ballerinadrawing #ballerinaart #inkdrawing #calligraphycommunity #stationerylove #letterwritersalliance #penandink #calligraphyinspiration #learncalligraphy #artistlife #creativeplay
✨I’ve been making these little calligraphy Chr ✨I’ve been making these little calligraphy Christmas trees for years. They’re a go-to whenever I need a quick gift tag, envelope flourish, or something festive that doesn’t require a whole afternoon.

They look fancy, but they’re really just simple strokes stacked in different patterns. Truly: once you get the rhythm down, you can make a tree in under 30 seconds. 🎄 

If you want to try them (there are six styles!), the tutorial is on the TPK Blog, and it’s called
“6 Simple Ways to Make a Calligraphy Christmas Tree.” Feel free to google it, or visit: thepostmansknock.com/6-simple-ways-to-make-a-calligraphy-christmas-tree/

It’s very beginner-friendly, video-based, and a great way to get some creativity in during a busy season. I hope you love it as much as I do. 💛

#calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #holidaycalligraphy #calligraphyart #creativelifehappylife #christmascrafts #holidaycrafts #giftwrappingideas #diychristmas #christmascards #calligraphytutorial #finetec #metallicwatercolor #papercrafts #creativepractice #thepostmansknock #holidayinspiration #blackandgold #christmasideas #holidayideas
🎁 These printable gift tags are one of my favor 🎁 These printable gift tags are one of my favorite free printables on the TPK site. Just download, print, cut them out, and — if you want to — reinforce them with a bit of cardstock.

Inside the PDF you’ll find four designs: Festive Frida, Flourished Tree, Pine Boughs, and Merry & Bright. They’re all hand-drawn, and they make even the simplest wrapping look bespoke and artistic. 🎨 

Pro tip: If you’ve got a bit of extra time, add a pop of watercolor or some gold dots; and consider mounting the tag on a contrasting piece of cardstock for extra oomph.

They’re free to download at: thepostmansknock.com/free-super-cool-hand-drawn-printable-gift-tags/ (or visit the link in my stories today). Happy holidays!

#handdrawn #gifttags #printablegifttags #freeprintables #holidayprintables #christmascrafts #holidaygifts #papercrafts #snailmailinspo #mailart #creativegiftwrapping #diyholiday #diygifttags #artistsoninstagram #illustrationartists #thepostmansknock #tpkcommunity #calligraphycommunity #stationerylove #creativecommunity
There’s something extra fun about a card that do There’s something extra fun about a card that doesn’t just open … it comes to life. ✨ This little stand-up tree might look fancy, but it’s totally approachable — relaxing to make, satisfying to embellish, and (my favorite part) it folds up perfectly to pop in the mail. 💌🎄

If you’re looking for a holiday project that feels creative and doable, this is *such* a good one. The printable template does half the work for you, and you can customize the rest with flourishes, white ink, ornaments, or whatever feels festive to you.

The full step-by-step tutorial is waiting for you on the TPK website; just head to the link in my bio and tap “Blog.” I think you’ll have as much fun making this as I did. ❤️

#calligraphy #calligraphytutorial #holidaycalligraphy #flourishedcalligraphy #moderncalligraphy #calligraphycommunity #calligraphypractice #calligraphyart #letteringcommunity #letteringart #papercraft #papercrafting #diycards #handmadecards #holidaycards #christmascards #christmascrafts #snailmail #snailmailrevolution #snailmaillove #creativecommunity #stationerylove #makersgonnamake #thepostmansknock
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