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Calligraphy medallions are pretty much the perfect project! They act as a gorgeous calligraphy drill, allowing you to practice handling your pen like a pro. You’ll find that they add artistry and sophistication to any envelope or handmade card! Most importantly, medallions are challenging and fun to make. Today, I’m announcing the release of the…
Have you ever heard of calligraphy medallions? I hadn’t until early last year, when I came across a mesmerizing video on Instagram. In it, a calligrapher used a series of strokes to create an impressive circular work of art. I immediately had to make one myself! One medallion evolved into several, which culminated in a calligraphy medallions worksheet!
If you look closely at a calligraphy medallion, you’ll see that it’s just a repeating pattern. Most calligraphy medallions start with a circular template that is divided into equal parts. All of the medallions in the Calligraphy Medallions Worksheet: Birds & Botanicals Edition have eight parts. This division results in a visual treat that — to be honest — isn’t too tough to create!
In the case of calligraphy medallions, the process is every bit as enjoyable as the result. In short: they’re fun to make, and they provide great dip pen practice! It’s like making a big calligraphy drill. Still, there are some cool applications for calligraphy medallions. This time of year, I love putting them on the backs of envelopes as a festive holiday surprise!
You can also draw medallions, digitize them, and include them on invitations or cards. If you have a chalkboard at home or at your business, use the faux calligraphy technique to draw a large scale medallion on it! (Just use a moistened cotton swab to erase any chalk template lines afterwards.) If you keep a sketchbook or bullet journal, you can practice making calligraphy medallions there!
You’ve already seen the “Winter Wonderland” medallion (on the back of the envelope in the photo above), so I’ll talk about the other four medallions included in the Calligraphy Medallions Worksheet: Birds & Botanicals Edition here! First up is the “Changing Seasons” medallion. It’s the simplest of the bunch, and a great calligraphy medallion to start with if you’ve never drawn one before!
Next comes the “Peacock” medallion, which is the calligraphy medallion that’s featured on the front of the worksheet set. I love how the bottoms of the feathers form a star in the center!
After the “Peacock” and “Winter Wonderland” calligraphy medallions, you’ll find the “Birds of a Feather” medallion. It’s bohemian and artistic — perfect for any season or occasion!
Finally, the packet ends with the “Rose Garden” medallion. Now, this medallion doesn’t require a lot of calligraphy work. Instead, you’ll be focusing a fair amount on illustration in order to make it. Don’t be intimidated! The illustration required is minimal and easy to understand.
Short answer: yes. Anyone can draw a calligraphy medallion. If dip pens intimidate you, you can always use brush pens, faux calligraphy, or pencil calligraphy to make one! You’ve just got to take it step by step — and that’s the goal of the worksheet, to break each medallion down for you.
Keep an open mind and be patient with yourself as you work through making these medallions. If you make mistakes, keep going! Medallions are so intricate that it’s hard to notice errors in the finished piece. Really — give it a try; you’ll be impressed at what you can do!
If you want to try out making a calligraphy medallion but you don’t want to buy the Birds & Botanicals packet, I have two free calligraphy medallion tutorials available on TPK. You can find the “Simple Calligraphy Medallion” tutorial here, or the “Flourished Calligraphy Medallion” tutorial here.
The tutorials don’t go into as much detail as the worksheet packet, but they’ll still help to give you a taste of what it’s like to make a calligraphy medallion!
If you have any questions about the Calligraphy Medallions Worksheet: Birds & Botanicals Edition, please feel free to ask! I’m glad to help you out with an answer. I hope that your November is shaping up to be enjoyable, and I want to thank you for taking the time to read TPK!
Warmly,
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