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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.

    Luminous Watercolor Florals Kraft Card Tutorial

    September 2, 2021

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Floral Illustration Tutorials, Greeting Card Tutorials, Hand-Lettering, Thank You Cards, Watercolor Tutorials

    There’s just something about watercolor florals on kraft paper! The paint’s semi-transparent quality dries beautifully on the paper to result in an elegant piece. Today, I’ll show you how to use watercolors to make a lovely “thank you” card.

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    Luminous Watercolor Florals Kraft Card Tutorial

    If you’re looking for a tasteful way to say “thank you”, try making this lovely watercolor florals card. It features kraft paper, pretty watercolor, and lettering that complements the card’s floral motif. (Watercolor beginners rejoice: this tutorial is suitable for any skill level!)

    1. Gather Your Supplies

    Before you get started making this watercolor florals card, you’ll need a few key supplies. You can find a list with links below the photo.

    Supplies needed to make a floral watercolor thank you card

    • Watercolor palette with green, orange, and red tones
    • 5″ x 7″ (~12.7 cm x 17.75 cm) blank kraft greeting card
    • Finetec Arabic Gold pan
    • Bleed Proof White Ink (or white paint)
    • Blunt art syringe (to moisten watercolors, optional) + art water
    • Size 000 paintbrush + Size 1 paintbrush
    • Pencil + ruler or straight edge
    • Straight pen fitted with Nikko G nib

    2. Make a Pencil Draft

    First, use a ruler or a straight edge to make two sets of horizontal guidelines. The guidelines in each set should be about 7/8″ (~2.25 cm) apart, and the sets should have about 1/8″ (~0.3 cm) of space between them. Once you’ve got those guidelines, use George Style lettering to write “THANK YOU”.

    Making a thank you card pencil draft
    Try to center “THANK” at the top and “YOU” at the bottom. It helps to write the “A” in the center first, then “TH” and “NK”. Then, write the “O” and “Y”, then “U”.

    Now, work on using your pencil to draw a flower garden motif. The garden should include roses, tulips, branches, and leaves.

    Making a thank you card pencil draft

    Please feel free to use the photo below as a reference for your own pencil draft!

    Pencil draft of floral watercolor thank you card
    Notice that most of the florals are concentrated at the bottom of the card. A couple of curved branches help to fill up the top.

    3. Add Watercolor

    Next, use your size 1 paintbrush and a pale green tone to fill in any long, thin leaves in your motif. Use the size 000 paintbrush to paint delicate stems.

    Adding Watercolor to the Floral Kraft Greeting Card
    I used Hooker’s Green from the Winsor & Newton Cotman palette to paint these leaves.

    Then, use a red tone and an orange tone to paint any large flowers. Use a dark green and a bit of brown to start filling in large leaves.

    Adding color to the watercolor floral thank you card
    I used Winsor & Newton‘s Alizaron Crimson for the rose and Cadmium Orange for the tulips. For the leaves, I used a combination of Viridian and Burnt Umber.

    Finish up this step by filling in remaining leaves with a light green tone. Then, use your size 000 paintbrush and a burgundy tone to fill in any thyme-like branches. Finally, use Bleed Proof White ink to paint any small flowers.

    Adding color to the watercolor floral thank you card
    I used Sap Green and Indian Red to complete the watercolor portion of my card.

    4. Fill In the Lettering

    Now, use your Bleed Proof White ink (or white acrylic paint) and your size 1 paintbrush to fill in any thick strokes in your lettering.

    White lettering on a Watercolor Florals Kraft Card

    5. Use a Dip Pen to Add Accents

    At this point, you’ll use the watercolor calligraphy technique to load dark green watercolor onto your Nikko G nib. Use the green watercolor to outline the large leaves and stems on the card.

    Watercolor Florals Kraft Card with outlined leaves
    I used Hooker’s Green to draw the outlines shown here.

    Then, use that same green tone to outline around your lettering.

    Watercolor Florals Kraft Card with outlined leaves

    Once the watercolor outlines have dried, load some Arabic gold watercolor onto your nib. Use your dip pen and the gold watercolor to outline your flowers. Then, use the size 000 paintbrush to add a few random collections of gold dots, which will give the piece some dimension and interest.

    Luminous Watercolor Florals Kraft Card Tutorial

    Enjoy!

    Once all of the paint has dried, your watercolor florals card is ready to be enjoyed. Send it in a pretty envelope — if you have the time, mail art is always appropriate — and prepare for a delighted recipient!

    Luminous Watercolor Florals Kraft Card Tutorial

    I hope that you enjoyed this tutorial, which is perfect for a beautiful end of summer day. Thanks very much for reading!

    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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124 responses

  1. Ali Burke Avatar
    Ali Burke
    September 22, 2021

    Beautiful!! I love the gold accents. Thank you for the tutorial!!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      September 28, 2021

      You’re welcome! The gold is gorgeous!

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  2. Dorina Avatar
    Dorina
    September 22, 2021

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful tutorial, Lindsay! Can’t wait to try this, and loving the rustic romantic vibes from palette combo on Kraft paper <3

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      September 22, 2021

      Aren’t they pretty?! Thank you and I hope you enjoy making it.

      Log in to Reply
  3. wendy Avatar
    wendy
    September 21, 2021

    Oh this is a beautiful card! I love kraft, and these colors really pop on that kraft cardstock!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      September 22, 2021

      Thank you so much! I’m glad you like it.

      Log in to Reply
  4. Caryn Macdonald Avatar
    Caryn Macdonald
    September 21, 2021

    Lindsey, I love all of your work! Thank you for including such beautiful and accessible projects as this card.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      September 22, 2021

      You’re so welcome, I’m glad you enjoy the projects!

      Log in to Reply
  5. Kathleen Nava Avatar
    Kathleen Nava
    September 21, 2021

    This is beautiful! I always love your ideas and i appreciate how you do a strp by step process with your projects. I haven’t tried watercolor on kraft paper, I’m scared the paper will ‘melt’ with the amount of water i use lol. Definitely need to try it now.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      September 29, 2021

      Definitely give it a try, good luck!

      Log in to Reply
  6. Marty K. Whitney Avatar
    Marty K. Whitney
    September 21, 2021

    Very beautiful! Love your blog.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      September 29, 2021

      Thank you!

      Log in to Reply
  7. Madalyn Shatzer Avatar
    Madalyn Shatzer
    September 21, 2021

    I adapted this idea and created a “thinking of you” card for a friend undergoing cancer treatments. I substituted a Bible verse for the calligraphy, and I think that the design turned out quite well. Your watercolor cards are always so beautiful!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      September 29, 2021

      That is beautiful to hear, thank you! I’m sure your friend was thrilled to receive it.

      Log in to Reply
  8. Alexa Avatar
    Alexa
    September 21, 2021

    Beautiful-I can’t wait to try this ASAP! Kraft paper is not utilized nearly enough with watercolor, it has such an interesting effect.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      September 30, 2021

      It really does come out beautifully! I hope you enjoy it.

      Log in to Reply
  9. Brenda Avatar
    Brenda
    September 21, 2021

    Watercoloring is my favorite creative activity! Like this watercolor card.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      September 30, 2021

      It is a beautiful activity! I hope you give it a try!

      Log in to Reply
  10. Megan Avatar
    Megan
    September 21, 2021

    This is beautiful. I like that it is made on Kraft paper. It gives it a natural rustic look that is complemented so well by the bright flowers.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      September 30, 2021

      Thank you! Watercolors and Kraft paper do create a beautiful piece!

      Log in to Reply
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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
My favorite autumn projects are the ones that remi My favorite autumn projects are the ones that remind you how cozy this season can be. 🍂 This project definitely fits the bill ... create it with a hot, comforting drink nearby and an excellent audiobook, and you’re in for a treat! ☕️ ✍️ The tutorial on the TPK Blog (link in bio, then navigate to Blog) is super detailed, with mini tutorial videos to guide you every step of the way.

#autumnart #watercolortutorial #arttutorial #handpainted #paintingtutorial #pointedpen #dippen #flourishing
Happy Halloween! 👻 This year, I’m pretending Happy Halloween! 👻 This year, I’m pretending to be ... someone who writes calligraphy quickly! (No, just kidding — not about the video being sped up, but the choice of costume. I actually picked up a skeleton PJ set at Goodwill. 💀)

Even if you won’t be indulging in candy, remember to treat yourself this season, starting this weekend! The holiday season can be hectic, and it’s important to claim some relaxing time for yourself. Cheers to the “holidaze”! 🥂

#halloweencalligraphy #calligraphy #pointedpen #dippen #handwritten #writingvideo #calligraphyvideo
🎃 This is the last week that Halloween calligra 🎃 This is the last week that Halloween calligraphy drills will be available at TPK! Find what you like in the shop, download, then print it out on a pointed pen-friendly paper. Then, let the (happily!) spooky vibes take over while you practice your strokes. ✍️👻

➡ Link in bio to visit the TPK site.

#calligraphydrills #halloween #calligraphypractice #learncalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #dippen #pointedpen
✍️ Learn with us! Right now, TPK Premium membe ✍️ Learn with us! Right now, TPK Premium members are working their way through a new version of The Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course. It’s an *awesome* course that’s even more thorough than the original version (which is saying a lot because the original course has 281 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ reviews)! We just had the Lesson 3 class discussion this morning, ️and I’m so impressed with how much progress students are making — and I love their observations! One person compared using the Brause EF66 nib to driving a Lexus, which I got a kick out of. 🚘 

Premium membership ($5/month) grants you complimentary access to the course through January 6th; take it live with us! Once this course wraps up, we’ll be moving on to the new Intermediate Modern Calligraphy Online Course in February. 

Find details by visiting the link in my bio. I’d love to help you build those foundational skills that will allow you to create gorgeous envelopes, place cards, invitations, quotes, correspondence, and much more! The Lesson 4 class discussion is three weeks from now, so you’ve got plenty of time to catch up. 😊

#learncalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #writingcalligraphy #calligraphycourse #learningcalligraphy #writingcalligraphy #realtimecalligraphy
🍂 The newest tutorial on the TPK Blog walks you 🍂 The newest tutorial on the TPK Blog walks you through how to make this gorgeous illustration, step-by-step, with helpful instructional videos. To find the tutorial, visit the link in my profile, then navigate to the blog. ENJOY! 🤗

(PS - Loving the colors in the @greenleafblue Anthesis set ... I used French Orange Ochre, American Violet Hematite, Pyrrole Scarlet, and Italian Green Earth to make this pumpkin. All *fabulous* autumn tones!)
Loved chatting with @sdionbakerdesign and @greenle Loved chatting with @sdionbakerdesign and @greenleafblue last Friday! Samantha is exactly as thoughtful and creative as you’d imagine from her Draw Your… books — and this answer to Jennifer’s question says it all. ✨ Just have fun and make art!

☕ Want to watch/listen to the whole conversation? Head over to the TPK Blog to hit play on the recording! (Link in bio, then navigate to “Blog”.)

#artistchat #artist #samanthadionbaker #greenleafandblueberry #thepostmansknock #arttalk #creativity #sketchbooking #sketchbook #artadvice
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