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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 Instructions – Flourished Bee Calligraphy Tutorial

    April 4, 2019

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Calligraphy, Dip Pen Calligraphy, Flourishing, Free Printables, Printable Goodies, Tutorials, Worksheets

    Today’s post boasts a fun printable surprise: a printable calligraphy tutorial packet detailing how to make a flourished bee! If you’ve got a moment this weekend, get your dip pen out and give making this little guy a shot. I’d love to see your results on Instagram — you can tag me @thepostmansknock!

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    Free Printable Instructions - Flourished Bee Calligraphy Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    Ever since I released the Not Your Average Calligraphy Drills: Garden Edition, I’ve received several requests for instructions over how to make the flourished bee on the front. I love that bee, and I think it doubles as a beautiful piece of artwork and a killer calligraphy drill! So, today I went ahead and made a free printable Flourished Bee Calligraphy Tutorial. It’s a four-page calligraphy tutorial with step-by-step directions over how to use a dip pen to make that cool little bee!

    Springtime Motivation

    As the weather gets warmer, I’m feeling more inspired to pull springtime themes into my work. We’ve been going outside a lot, which feels amazing! No matter how much you love being indoors doing art or calligraphy, a bit of outdoor time is always rejuvenating.

    Remy and Hernán on a Hike
    Hernán, Remy, and I often take advantage of the nice weather to go on hikes! It’s a win-win because we get a workout in and Remy (surprisingly) stays entertained. 🙂

    I absolutely think that the season affects creative projects. Just as you might cook a certain way in winter versus summer, you also may find that the types of projects you take on and the colors/styles you use in those projects change seasonally! I’ve definitely seen that reflected in my mail art and my sketchbook.

    Free Printable Instructions - Flourished Bee Calligraphy Tutorial | The Postman's Knock
    This little bee looks amazing on the back of envelopes! He is a delightful surprise for both the recipient and postal workers.

    The Flourished Bee Calligraphy Tutorial Packet

    You can find the free Flourished Bee Calligraphy Tutorial packet by clicking here. It’s a PDF file, perfect for printing or just viewing on your computer!

    Free Printable Instructions - Flourished Bee Calligraphy Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    The packet includes four pages of instructions over how to make the flourished bee. You’ll start by tracing a template, then take it from there!

    Free Printable Instructions - Flourished Bee Calligraphy Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    In order to create the flourished bee, you will need to know how to use a dip pen. It’s okay if you’re still at a beginner level! The instructions are broken down clearly, which is perfect for someone who needs (stimulating + fun!) practice with a dip pen. If you haven’t learned how to create calligraphy yet, you can check out The Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course (or come to Colorado for a workshop). 🙂


    I hope that you enjoy the calligraphy tutorial packet and that you’re able to add this little bee to lots of fun projects! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments; it’s always such a pleasure to hear from you. Thanks very much for reading TPK, and have a wonderful weekend!

    Warmly,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock

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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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90 responses

  1. cardiganbuttons Avatar
    cardiganbuttons
    August 29, 2020

    I practiced once and created 3 times after this month. It is such a good practice and fun at the same time. My envelopes look so lovely! I am sure my pen friends will love it. I have to try with white ink soon. It looks so neat – I should read your blog about White ink again. I can always find answers. Thank you!

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  2. Cristine Fontanari Avatar
    Cristine Fontanari
    December 9, 2019

    Such a cute design! Thanks!

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  3. Misayo Jones Avatar
    Misayo Jones
    May 13, 2019

    Ah, I love him! I appreciate all these free resources, I think my first attempt at calligraphy came from one of your worksheets!!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 20, 2019

      That’s wonderful to hear! Thanks for the continued support! <3

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  4. Theresa Duffner Avatar
    Theresa Duffner
    April 23, 2019

    Thank you for all the worksheets, it’s really helpful to a complete novice like myself!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 20, 2019

      You’re welcome! I’m glad you find them educative! I always hoped for materials like this when I was learning, so I’m glad I can make it happen for all of you 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  5. Kathleen Jones Avatar
    Kathleen Jones
    April 23, 2019

    Thank you so much !!! I still have so much to learn. You are soooo talented.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 20, 2019

      Thank you! It’s the years of practice 🙂 Keep at it!

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  6. Becky Beyl Avatar
    Becky Beyl
    April 22, 2019

    Love this for spring!!!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 20, 2019

      Perfect timing, eh? 😉

      Log in to Reply
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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
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
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