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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.

    How to Learn + Create Modern Calligraphy: A YouTube Video

    December 27, 2018

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Beginner’s Calligraphy, Calligraphy, Dip Pen Calligraphy, Free Printables, Printable Goodies, Tutorials, Video, Worksheets

    Today, I have a special treat for calligraphy beginners: a tutorial video featuring a free worksheet! You can watch “How to Learn and Create Modern Calligraphy”, find a link to the worksheet, and learn about my motivation for filming this video below!

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    How to Learn + Create Modern Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock

    For several months now, I have intended to make a short video tutorial over how to learn and create modern calligraphy. There were plenty of days when I should have filmed the tutorial, but I kept putting it off. I mean, I wanted the video to be perfect: engaging, inspirational, and informative! I knew it should include a worksheet, and I hoped to spend a lot of time editing the video. Calligraphy is my thing, the activity I love to do, and I needed to reflect that with the quality and thoughtfulness of the How to Learn and Create Modern Calligraphy video!

    About the How to Learn and Create Modern Calligraphy Video

    Two weeks ago, I started working on a script for this video. Then, I developed a worksheet. The other day, I put on some makeup, took advantage of having a babysitter for Remy, and filmed the various video clips! Finally, I dedicated this week to stitching the clips together and searching for the perfect background music. The video that I ended up with, How to Learn and Create Modern Calligraphy, is exactly what I was going for. It’s colorful and upbeat, with quality information to get you started with creating modern calligraphy!

    How to Learn + Create Modern Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock
    You can download the free worksheet that I developed for the video by clicking here!

    My hope is that How to Learn and Create Modern Calligraphy will inspire people who perhaps aren’t familiar with TPK to begin writing! It covers the basics of calligraphy: the proper supplies to buy, how to hold the pen, and some letter/word formations. The description below the video on YouTube also provides information on how to move forward with honing your calligraphy skills. Basically, it’s The Beginner’s Guide to Modern Calligraphy, but in video form. You could also think of it as a super summarized version of The Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course!


    If you’re already on your calligraphy journey, the video probably won’t surprise you with new information. I really did make it with newbies in mind! However, if you’re new to calligraphy, you might give it a watch. I’d love any comments and/or likes, too! I have to admit that I’m a bit green when it comes to using YouTube, but I’m trying to build a presence on the platform. Your help with that via comments/likes/shares would be sooo appreciated!

    Thanks very, very much for reading (and, now, watching) TPK, and have a great 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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45 responses

  1. kayak Carz Avatar
    kayak Carz
    December 29, 2018

    Great tutorial and video, thanks for sharing.
    Love your site 🙂
    Kayak

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  2. Mariella Avatar
    Mariella
    December 28, 2018

    Dear Lindsey,
    I love your calligraphy style, probably because it is simple and yet wonderfully flourished!!
    Thank you for all the worksheet and videos!
    Thank you!

    Log in to Reply
  3. Mary Avatar
    Mary
    December 28, 2018

    Lindsey, you are so generous with your wonderful free worksheets, videos, and tutorials! Thank you. And your paid worksheets are very affordable too.

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  4. Amber Guidry Avatar
    Amber Guidry
    December 28, 2018

    Love your videos! Thank you for sharing tutorials throughout the year!

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  5. Raye Cage Avatar
    Raye Cage
    December 28, 2018

    Thank you for showing me how to hold the calligraphy pen and move my hand on the paper!

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  6. Malin Avatar
    Malin
    December 28, 2018

    Awesome video, and great work as always!

    Log in to Reply
  7. arushidoshi Avatar
    arushidoshi
    December 27, 2018

    The video really helped me a lot, thank you so much for your support.

    Log in to Reply
  8. Terri Dempsey Avatar
    Terri Dempsey
    December 27, 2018

    Thank you for your instruction and encouragement.

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  9. Angela Schramm Avatar
    Angela Schramm
    December 27, 2018

    Thank you so much for this video! It is awesome!

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  10. Jill Joe Avatar
    Jill Joe
    December 27, 2018

    Lindsey,
    I love all you do – you are so amazingly gifted and I aspire to be as talented as you are! Hence, I spend WAAAAAY too much time on your blog, your videos, your worksheets, etc. For that reason, I want to THANK you for making your worksheets and courses affordable… otherwise I’d be “broker” than I already am!
    Best,
    Jill Joe
    Daffodils Galleria

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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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