Last weekend, I was working on the upcoming intermediate calligraphy eCourse when I came across a calligraphy exemplar that I made last year. The exemplar was the result of creating quick thank you cards for the first 50 people who ever ordered from the TPK Supplies Shop. Even though I was pressed for time, I wanted to make sure that every card arrived in a fabulous personalized envelope! I called the speedy style that I developed “Cocktail Casual” calligraphy.
I love this calligraphy style because it’s quick and chic. You can use it to make everything from artistic wedding invitations to everyday labels. The best part? “Cocktail Casual” is the messy bun of calligraphy styles. Even though it’s not perfect, it’s lovely and easy on the eyes. Yesterday, I finished up a limited edition worksheet that walks you through how to create this style, and I can’t wait for you to try it out!
Who Will Benefit From Using the Cocktail Casual Calligraphy Worksheet?
I want to start by saying that you should have some calligraphy experience before taking on Cocktail Casual calligraphy. This is a calligraphy style that requires some speed and confidence, which beginners won’t have. (If you are a beginner, no worries — just take the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course first!)
Don’t let me scare you! This isn’t a difficult style to write. But, in order to write it, it’s important to feel comfortable using a dip pen. It doesn’t hurt to have a favorite pen and nib combination! Using a familiar nib will help you to find success writing Cocktail Casual words.
Finally, I should tell you that this calligraphy style is not for perfectionists. You don’t need pencil guidelines to create Cocktail Casual calligraphy, which means that the positions of your letters will vary. You’ll write some large letters and some small letters, and you’ll embrace inconsistent spacing! The occasional shaky stroke will occur. This all contributes to the devil-may-care effect.
About The Cocktail Casual Calligraphy Worksheet
The Cocktail Casual Calligraphy Worksheet is unlike any other on the TPK site. I initially hesitated to make a worksheet of this style because it gets so much beauty from inconsistency … and the general idea behind any worksheet is to be consistent! My solution for that is to have you look over letter formations, trace a couple of times, and then write words or letters on your own without any guidelines.
You might feel a little funky writing without guidelines, but I’m convinced that it’s the best way to encourage you to take on this free-spirited style! First, you’ll practice letters (A-Z, a-z, 1-0, &). Then, you’ll practice writing out 26 city names, Amsterdam through Zürich.
If you prefer to practice calligraphy on your iPad, I made a Procreate version of the worksheet as well!
Worksheet-Exclusive Video
As I mentioned, this calligraphy style is speedy and inconsistent in the best of ways. It’s a bit tough to adequately describe that concept only using text, so I also made a short video (~8 minutes) for worksheet learners. In the video, I write out the address shown below while giving you tips and information about writing Cocktail Casual calligraphy.
You will receive access to the Cocktail Casual calligraphy video upon your purchase of the worksheet set. (The video is included with both the Procreate and regular worksheet set.)
Limited Edition
Both the Procreate and printable versions of the Cocktail Casual Calligraphy Worksheet Set will disappear from the TPK catalog on Tuesday, June 9th. Note that if you purchase a worksheet, you will have access to it (and the accompanying video) indefinitely.
I decided to make this a limited edition worksheet because I’m looking for feedback on whether people like writing this type of casual calligraphy style! If you do, let me know (lindsey@thepostmansknock.com) — it will play into my decision to make a more detailed, stays-in-the-catalog-forever worksheet or not.
To recap, you can find the printable version of the worksheet by clicking here. Alternatively, you can find the Procreate version by clicking here. Thanks so much for reading, and happy writing!
Warmly,
