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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 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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60 responses

  1. Dawn Meyenburg Avatar
    Dawn Meyenburg
    November 23, 2020

    Always enjoy the new drills. They give me something to practice without having to write the alphabet over and over.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      November 29, 2020

      Good, I’m so happy to hear that! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  2. lauren.l.stanfield Avatar
    lauren.l.stanfield
    November 23, 2020

    Thank you so so much for sharing these! I could drill all day.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      November 29, 2020

      Absolutely! I’m so happy to hear that. 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  3. S. Cheng Avatar
    S. Cheng
    November 23, 2020

    Thank you Lindsey! I’m excited to try this!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      November 29, 2020

      My pleasure! I’m excited for you to try. 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  4. Kit Avatar
    Kit
    November 21, 2020

    These look like fun exercises! Will definitely print those out and practice. Thank you for your kind generosity!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      November 22, 2020

      My pleasure! I’m excited for you to try them out! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  5. Ranya R. Avatar
    Ranya R.
    November 20, 2020

    Thank you for the drills! Are there any other paper types you recommend using besides the 32# paper?

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      January 6, 2021

      If you want to try some “gourmet papers”, pick up a Rhodia pad, Tomoe River paper, or Clairefontaine paper. 🙂 As far as cheap paper goes, though, the 32# HP Premium laserjet is my favorite!

      Log in to Reply
  6. tiffany.gaidos Avatar
    tiffany.gaidos
    November 19, 2020

    Thank you so much for this! You’re absolutely right that it takes me awhile to warm up and get into the groove of writing, and while I have just powered through it a letter to someone, this is the key piece I’m missing!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      November 29, 2020

      Yes, exactly! Warm ups are key. 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  7. Nancy Oldham Avatar
    Nancy Oldham
    November 19, 2020

    Thank you! I just received my dip pen set today! And at LAST I can get started without the frustration I experienced with other inks and nibs! So this will be nice to have these drills!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      November 29, 2020

      I’m so happy to hear that! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  8. Liza Avatar
    Liza
    November 18, 2020

    Thanks for all your efforts in creating drill sheets. They are so helpful when I practice.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      November 22, 2020

      My pleasure, I’m so glad they’re helpful! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  9. emilyzobrosky Avatar
    emilyzobrosky
    November 18, 2020

    You are consistently so generous with your freebies and offerings, and they’re always so fun and well done! Thank you! Always grateful to find you in my inbox!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      November 22, 2020

      I’m so happy to hear that! It’s my pleasure. 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  10. aliahaytham Avatar
    aliahaytham
    November 18, 2020

    Thank you for this wonderful worksheet! I love your printables so much. They are so well thought out and helpful for a beginner like me.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      November 22, 2020

      I’m so happy to hear that! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
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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
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
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