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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 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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90 responses

  1. Roxanne Avatar
    Roxanne
    April 22, 2019

    I absolutely love this tutorial! It came at a perfect time here in NC, where the bees are swarming frequently! I am a bee keeper and caught my first swarm a couple weeks ago without the help of my dad or son! I have 5 hives now and a great respect for these hard working little creatures! I am looking forward to making this Flourished Bee on a card for my family of beekeepers! Thank you for sharing your talent with us all!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 20, 2019

      What a beautiful story, Roxanne! Congratulations on catching your first solo-swarm! They are really such lovely, important creatures and we cherish them in our Boulder, CO community 🙂 I’m glad the tutorial can complement it!

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  2. Mic Avatar
    Mic
    April 18, 2019

    Love, Love, Love this!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 20, 2019

      I’m so glad! Thank you 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  3. Virginy Avatar
    Virginy
    April 16, 2019

    I’ve only just starten calligraphy, but I’ll definitely try this one! How beautiful 😍 maybe I’ll even try it on an embroidery! (That’s the reason I started calligraphy, because I want to make nicer designs for my embroiderypieces!)

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 20, 2019

      You can do this at ay level! And it will help you with your dip pen flourishes 🙂 I love that you are translating this over to embroidery. What a wonderful idea!

      Log in to Reply
  4. Jessica Jason Avatar
    Jessica Jason
    April 15, 2019

    Thanks for this tutorial 🙂

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 20, 2019

      You’re welcome 🙂

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  5. catherine Avatar
    catherine
    April 15, 2019

    Thank you so much for the free tutorial! Your tutorials make creating the piece so simple and fun! As a flashback, I enjoyed creating your Woodland Wreath from 2016 to make a set of place cards for my mother’s 90th birthday in March. They were a huge hit with my family and added so much to an already beautiful table! Thank for making artistic endeavors a part of my world!!

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

      You’re very welcome. I love love hearing what you all do with these tutorials! I am sure the wreath and place cards turned out wonderful! Thank you for being a strong part of this community! XO

      Log in to Reply
  6. Ann Avatar
    Ann
    April 15, 2019

    How beautiful! (Bee-autiful?) When the steps are broken down, it seems somewhat simple– a template, some flourishes, more flourishes… some swirls, some loop-de-loops… But then, whoa! …I’m really just blown away by this. Thank you so much for the tutorial packet!

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

      “Bee-autiful” Haha! I love it! Thank you so much! I’m glad you love it 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  7. Kim Schlossberg Avatar
    Kim Schlossberg
    April 15, 2019

    This is beautiful – and so much fun!

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

      Thank you–I’m so glad!

      Log in to Reply
  8. Claudia Burgin Avatar
    Claudia Burgin
    April 15, 2019

    Love this bee and The Bug!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 20, 2019

      Thank you! <3

      Log in to Reply
  9. Amanda Austin Avatar
    Amanda Austin
    April 15, 2019

    I love it! Can’t wait to try it out

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

      I hope you love it! XO

      Log in to Reply
  10. Jaimie Nackan Avatar
    Jaimie Nackan
    April 14, 2019

    This tutorial is so cute! I can’t wait to try it out!

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

      Thank you 🙂 I hope you love it!

      Log in to Reply
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✍️ 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
Every November since 2016, I’ve looked forward t Every November since 2016, I’ve looked forward to sitting down with a cup of something warm ☕️ and sketching out ideas for the TPK holiday worksheet. This year was no exception, and I think you’ll be pleased with the motifs! They’re designed to bring calm, beauty, and (sneaky) pointed pen practice to your holiday season. 🎄Visit the TPK Blog (link in bio, then navigate to Blog) for details!
The other day, I was thinking about sending out ho The other day, I was thinking about sending out holiday cards, and I immediately dismissed the thought with, “I have zero time to calligraph envelopes for those.” ✍️

... But is that true? I put it to the test for the latest article on the TPK Blog. Using some time-saving tricks I’ve learned over the years (like using a watery ink, a bouncy calligraphy style, and minimal pencil guidelines), I timed myself making three envelope concepts. Two of them took 5 minutes or less. The most time-intensive took 5 minutes, 30 seconds. The envelopes still turned out looking elegant, especially with the help of some artistic postage stamp collages. 💌

For clear step-by-step tutorials detailing how to make these envelopes and sourcing pretty postage, visit the TPK Blog (link in bio, then navigate to “Blog”)!

#snailmail #mail #calligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #happymail #snailmailrevolution #mailbox #postage #vintagepostage
After I chose this music to accompany this reel, i After I chose this music to accompany this reel, it dawned on me: drawing a calligraphy medallion is like, well, Belle’s arc with the Beast. 

At first, it’s a bit of a weird situation. Strange shapes, questionable structure, possibly some growling (à la “YOU WILL JOIN ME FOR DINNER. That’s not a request!”) when the inevitable ink smudge happens. You keep thinking, “I’m not sure why I’m doing this ... should I hop on Felipe and gallop away?” 🐎

But something shifts as the medallion starts to come to life. And when you finish that last detail and pull back, the music swells. Light bursts from your paper like it did from Beast’s digits as he transformed into a stunningly beautiful prince. ✨ You’re practically in a ballroom celebrating, and, wait, did your furniture just turn into an adoring crowd that’s celebrating your fortitude and skill?

(And now you know how my mind works 🧠 ... I love a good metaphor, no matter how weak it may be!) 

To learn how to make a calligraphy medallion, just search for “calligraphy medallion” on the TPK site (link in bio). You’ll find both free Blog tutorials and detailed premium worksheets.

... I’ll show myself out now. 🙈

#pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphy #handwritten #pointedpen #dippen #calligraphymedallion #calligraphydrill #calligraphypractice
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