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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.

    Free Printable Calligraphy Drills: “Cool Calligraphy Drills” Worksheet

    April 20, 2023

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Beginner’s Calligraphy, Calligraphy, Calligraphy Drills, Free Printables, Intermediate Calligraphy, Printable Goodies

    Calligraphy drills are a must for all skill levels! If you’re a beginner, they can help you practice common strokes and gain a mastery of the dip pen. Intermediate calligraphers will benefit from writing drills that commonly occur in flourishing, which helps with making effortless-looking embellishments. And advanced calligraphers can — and often do –…

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    FREE & Fresh Printable Calligraphy Drills

    Ready to add to your calligraphy drills worksheet collection? TPK’s 8 Cool Calligraphy Drills worksheet features a set of fresh, printable calligraphy drills that are perfect for anyone looking to get better with a dip pen. These drills are suitable for all skill levels and include a range of exercises to help you master pointed pen calligraphy. The best part? This two-page worksheet is completely free and can be used to warm up before a project or as a regular practice tool.

    In the video above, I’m writing the “minimum” drill from 8 Cool Calligraphy Drills. I used a Brause EF66 nib in an oblique pen with sumi ink, but you should feel free to write with any nib/pen/ink combination that’s best for you.

    TPK’s Newest Printable Free Calligraphy Drills

    If you’re looking for a fun way to improve your calligraphy skills, don’t miss out on 8 Cool Calligraphy Drills. This two-page worksheet features eight unique exercises that will challenge you to perfect your basic strokes and take on more complex techniques. Don’t forget to print it out on 32# laserjet paper (HP Premium is my preferred pick) for the best possible writing experience.

    These new drills are free, and you can find them by clicking the button below:

    DOWNLOAD “8 COOL CALLIGRAPHY DRILLS”

    Why Do Calligraphy Drills?

    Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced calligrapher, there’s no denying the benefits of calligraphy drills. For starters, drills offer a direct path to improving your skills and confidence. Personally, I love using drills to familiarize myself with new nib and ink combinations. By practicing with a repetitive, calming movement, I find it easier to adapt to an unfamiliar supply.

    Printable Calligraphy Drills

    Over the years, I’ve also learned to do drills before I jump into a dip pen session. Don’t try to make a calligraphy project without warming up first! Otherwise, you’ll likely experience shaky strokes or jerky writing motions. Taking a couple of minutes to write a few drills before you create “real life” calligraphy can make a world of difference. Take it from someone who has tackled many a project without warming up first … with not so great results.

    LEARN ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF DOING DRILLS

    Keeping Calligraphy Drills Fun

    Calligraphy practice doesn’t have to be tedious. You just have to get creative with it! That’s why I love coming up with new and interesting calligraphy drills to work on. The last four drills in today’s worksheet are a perfect example of this. They’re challenging, but also a lot of fun to work through. And once you’ve mastered them, there are plenty of ways to use them in your own projects. The Evergreen Drill, for instance, makes a beautiful addition to any holiday-themed design.

    6 Simple Ways to Make a Calligraphy Christmas Tree
    We’re several months away from the holiday season, but you really can’t go wrong pre-making a few gift tags or cards using the Evergreen Drill concept.

    If you enjoy today’s drills, TPK has several themed drills packets for your practicing pleasure. My personal favorite is the Fairytale Drills worksheet, but the Under the Sea worksheet is the best seller. No matter which theme you spring for, it’s fun to work through all the drills, carefully completing each one until you get to the projects portion and find yourself flourishing magnificent fish, dragons, or birds!

    Premium Calligraphy Drills

    BROWSE PREMIUM CALLIGRAPHY DRILLS

    A BOGO Weekend Treat

    If you enjoy today’s free drills, I suspect that you’ll love TPK’s themed premium calligraphy drills. Give two of them a try this weekend with a BOGO (Buy One, Get One) deal! Add any two of these calligraphy drills worksheets to your cart, then input the code 2DRILLSBOGO in the “Apply Gift Card” field at checkout. Voilà! You’ll get double the practice for the price of one worksheet. The code expires this Sunday, April 23rd, at midnight MDT.

    Not Your Average Calligraphy Drills: Under the Sea Edition | The Postman's Knock
    This “Stinging Jellyfish” drill is from TPK’s Under the Sea Calligraphy Drills.

    Thanks so much for reading today’s short article, and I encourage you to fill out the 8 Cool Calligraphy Drills worksheet when you have the chance! I gave it a test run yesterday as I listened to an audiobook, and I was immediately transported to a tranquil calligraphy paradise. The practice session underlined the reason I love creating calligraphy: it’s a slow and deliberate activity, and it never fails to make me feel centered. I hope this new drills sheet helps you to relax a little bit, too!

    Warmly,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock

    This article was first posted in November of 2020. It has been updated to include new photos, a video, and clearer information.

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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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60 responses

  1. Rebecca Badendick Avatar
    Rebecca Badendick
    May 5, 2023

    Thank you for offering so many worksheets and practice drills for a low cost or free for us.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 5, 2023

      It is my pleasure! I am so glad that you are enjoying and I hope learning a lot!

      Log in to Reply
  2. Angela Avatar
    Angela
    May 2, 2023

    Thanks again for more super helpful (and not completely boring) drills!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 5, 2023

      Ha! Thank you for enjoying! I hope that it is helpful in your practice!

      Log in to Reply
  3. bookboxer Avatar
    bookboxer
    May 1, 2023

    Thank you SO much for your continuing generosity. I read your email newsletters every time they’re sent and enjoy your enthusiasm, support, and professionalism … I imagine you’re a TERRIFIC teacher in person, and I look forward to someday attending one of your workshops.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 1, 2023

      I sure hope that you do! In person is such a fun calligraphy experience! Thank you for enjoying and supporting!

      Log in to Reply
  4. linda duntsch Avatar
    linda duntsch
    May 1, 2023

    so love all TPK calligraphy drills! so helpful!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 1, 2023

      I am so glad that you are enjoying! Thank you!

      Log in to Reply
  5. Kay Avatar
    Kay
    February 8, 2021

    I’m so thankful for this access to free calligraphy practice! I am brand new to calligraphy and have loved reading and learning more about it here on TPK.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Kay Avatar
      Kay
      February 8, 2021

      I enjoy the back and forth drills where I can practice my levels of pressure. I tried using regular printer paper and experienced a lot of bleed through, so I am planning to purchase some of the recommended paper and see if things go better.

      Log in to Reply
    2. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 15, 2021

      That makes me so happy to hear! I’m so glad you’re enjoying. 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  6. Kaitlin Avatar
    Kaitlin
    February 1, 2021

    These worksheets are great, and so wonderful you offer them for free! I downloaded most of them – more fun than regular drills!!

    Log in to Reply
  7. Janna Avatar
    Janna
    January 2, 2021

    Hi can someone help me how can I download the worksheet?

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      January 3, 2021

      Hi Janna! There are several hyperlinks in this post that you can click on in order to download the free drills. Please let me know if that helps!

      Log in to Reply
  8. Beth Cape Avatar
    Beth Cape
    December 28, 2020

    While in Israel, I had the pleasure of introducing calligraphy to a 12 year old American girl who lives in Israel now. We had a great time learning the basics of calligraphy. I showed her your website, some of your free worksheets, and the plethora of goodies available on your blog. I love your generosity to offer so many free instructions and materials! Happy New Year to you!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      January 4, 2021

      That is so awesome, thank you for sharing! Happy new year! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  9. Cheyenne Avatar
    Cheyenne
    December 25, 2020

    thank you for this! i can’t wait to try these!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      December 26, 2020

      Absolutely! I’m excited for you to try them!

      Log in to Reply
  10. BatS Avatar
    BatS
    December 17, 2020

    Thanks! They’re awesome, great excersice.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      December 23, 2020

      I’m so happy to hear that!

      Log in to Reply
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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
I love it when I can make simple pointed pen pract I love it when I can make simple pointed pen practice on cardstock ... and it magically turns into a festive card! Find instructions + a printable template for making this “Loop-de-Loop” tree in the TPK 2025 Holiday Calligraphy Worksheet set. 🎄 (Link in bio, then navigate to the Blog!)

#pointedpen #calligraphy #calligraphypractice #pointedpenpractice #holiday #christmastree #treedrawing #doodles #goldwatercolor
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