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  • Welcome to TPK! This is your second of 2 free articles. For unlimited access to tutorials and articles, join TPK Premium for less than the cost of a latte.

    Modern Envelope Calligraphy Inspiration

    April 30, 2019

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Calligraphy, Inspiration

    Today’s post is a feast for the eyes! In it, you’ll find a highly pinnable collection of envelope calligraphy photos. I hope that you find inspiration here for your next project, be it personal correspondence or a batch of wedding envelopes!

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    Janet Style Envelope Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock

    With spring and summer weddings coming up, I decided to post a collection of modern envelope calligraphy inspiration! Note that I haven’t included any mail art in this list — just pure, lovely calligraphy. My hope is that these will inspire you for your next project, whether it’s a personal letter or a paid job!

    Formal Envelopes

    All of the envelopes shown below were created using Janet Style calligraphy. I love using a Brause EF66 nib and a Rodger’s Pen Box oblique pen to write in formal styles. I’ve linked to the envelope + ink source under each photo!

    Vintage Beauty

    Janet Style Calligraphy Envelopes | The Postman's Knock
    Envelopes: “Paper Bag” by Paper Source | Ink: Iron gall

    Understated Grace

    12 Artistic Envelope Ideas | The Postman's Knock
    Envelope: “Slate” by Paper Source | Ink: Bleed Proof White

    Ostentatious Yet Irresistible

    White Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock
    Envelope: “Dahlia” from Paper Source | Ink: Bleed Proof White

    Playful Purple

    Janet Style Calligraphy Envelope | The Postman's Knock
    Envelope: “Beet” from Paper Source | Ink: Bleed Proof White

    Several Shades of Blue

    Janet Style Envelopes | The Postman's Knock
    Envelopes: Crane’s Lettra | Ink: Turquoise Bombay Ink

    Red and Regal

    White Calligraphed Janet Style Envelope | The Postman's Knock
    Envelope: “Red” by Paper Source | Ink: Pen White

    Bohemian Envelopes

    The envelopes shown below were created with Kaitlin Style calligraphy. Unless otherwise noted, I calligraphed these with a Brause EF66 nib and a Rodger’s Pen Box oblique pen. Again, I’ve linked to the envelope + ink source under each photo!

    Casual and Artistic

    Kaitlin Style Wedding Invitation Suite | The Postman's Knock
    Envelope: “Gravel” by Paper Source | Nib: Nikko G | Ink: Bleed Proof White

    Locomotion of Letters

    Kaitlin Style Calligraphy Envelope | The Postman's Knock
    Envelope: “Chocolate” by Envelopes.com | Ink: Bleed Proof White

    Sweet and Serene

    Handwritten Wedding Invitations | The Postman's Knock
    Envelope: “Paper Bag” by Paper Source | Nib: Nikko G | Ink: Bleed Proof White

    In the Spotlight

    Kaitlin Style Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock
    Envelope: “Chocolate” by Envelopes.com | Ink: Bleed Proof White (Dots were made with Arabic Gold)

    Simple and Blue

    Kaitlin Style Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock
    Envelope: “Bright White” by Royal Sundance | Nib: Nikko G| Ink: Turquoise Bombay Ink

    Nice and Clean

    Kaitlin Style Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock
    Envelope: “Chocolate” by Envelopes.com | Ink: Bleed Proof White

    Neat + Orderly Envelopes

    These envelopes are all neat and orderly, making them perfect for events! Their styles vary, so look to the caption to see which lettering or calligraphy styles I used to make them. Unless otherwise noted, all of these envelopes were created using a Brause EF66 nib and a straight or an oblique pen!

    Red and White

    Amy Style Calligraphy Envelope | The Postman's Knock
    Calligraphy Style: Amy | Envelope: “Red” by Paper Source | Ink: Bleed Proof White

    Beautiful Brown

    Amy Style Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock
    Calligraphy Style: Amy | Envelope: “Curry” by Paper Source | Nib: Nikko G | Ink: Brown Gouache

    Glittery Gold

    Envelope with Gold Lettering | The Postman's Knock
    Lettering Style: George | Calligraphy Style: Janet | Envelope: “Black” by Paper Source | Ink: Arabic Gold

    Laurels and Curls

    Beth Style Envelope | The Postman's Knock
    Calligraphy Style: Beth | Envelope: “Sage” by Paper Source | Nib: Nikko G | Ink: Iron Gall

    Character Contrast

    Introducing the All New Beth Style Calligraphy Worksheet | The Postman's Knock
    Calligraphy Style: Beth | Lettering Style: Sans Serif | Envelope: “Bright White” by Royal Sundance | Nib: Nikko G | Ink: Sumi

    Turquoise Delight

    Watercolor Melt Lettering Tutorial | The Postman's Knock
    Calligraphy Style: Amy | Envelope: “Peacock” by Paper Source | Ink: Bleed Proof White

    I hope that you enjoyed browsing through these photos! Some have appeared on the blog before, while others are making their debut today. If you have any questions about any of these envelopes, feel free to ask! I promise that you’re capable of making envelopes that are just as eye-catching and cool. 🙂

    Thanks so much for reading TPK, and enjoy the rest of your day!

    Warmly,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock

    Note that this post includes affiliate links to Paper Source and Paper & Ink Arts.

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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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33 responses

  1. Carol Workman Avatar
    Carol Workman
    May 13, 2019

    Gorgeous envelops! I love love receiving mail (okay – not the bills or the junk). LOL When I was young, starting during my late teen years, My Grandmother and I became pen-pails. Even though we lived in the same town – we both once spoke about how we loved receiving mail – so…. We wrote ever other once a month until she couldn’t write – 15 years. I will cherish those letters FOREVER> Thank you

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 16, 2019

      What a sweet story!! And thank you 🙂

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  2. Natalie Bell Avatar
    Natalie Bell
    May 13, 2019

    Love the techniques!! Will def be using them to do my envelopes from now on!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 16, 2019

      Awesome! <3

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  3. Sowmya Karthik Avatar
    Sowmya Karthik
    May 13, 2019

    All the envelopes are amazing.Love to learn all the techniques. Your an awesome teacher. 😍🤩🙂🤗

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 16, 2019

      Thank you so much! 🙂 XO

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  4. crystal.sewa Avatar
    crystal.sewa
    May 13, 2019

    This post is perfect timing and hoping I can recreate something just as beautiful for my wedding invitations! Thank you!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 16, 2019

      I bet they will turn out beautiful! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  5. Fayre Avatar
    Fayre
    May 13, 2019

    I love the contrast of two types of calligraphy – I just wish I could post anything with calligraphy. My local Post Office (in the UK) simply won’t accept anything artistic. I’m too afraid to simply put it in the post box for fear of what will happen. I put my artistic efforts into plain brown envelopes with typed labels so at least there is a surprise for the recipient when they open it.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 16, 2019

      I have definitely had problems with the post office! I actually recently posted about it on my instagram. It can be such a hassle! I love the alternate route you have figured out! XO

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  6. Dana Avatar
    Dana
    May 13, 2019

    These are all gorgeous! I love the white ink, but I always have trouble getting it thin enough and still have it look opaque.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 16, 2019

      I really love the white ink but yes sometimes it’s a bit harder to work with. Try out some types and pick a favorite! That usually helps. And thank you 🙂

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  7. Susan Avatar
    Susan
    May 13, 2019

    I have been procrastinating forever but now I’m going to set aside time to be more creative and try to emulate your work. Thank joy for all you share!!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 16, 2019

      That’s great to hear! Thank you for your passion!

      Log in to Reply
  8. Jan Brandt Avatar
    Jan Brandt
    May 2, 2019

    My word your calligraphy is gorgeous!! I loved looking through all these, then looking again … You always inspire me, Lindsey!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 9, 2019

      Thank you so much, Jan! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  9. Bron Avatar
    Bron
    April 30, 2019

    Ha! Such absolutely perfect timing. I actually popped in to the blog to do a search to find out what that lovely variegated deep blue I have seen you use in the past is, and voila! There it is in the cover photo of the lastest blog post! And it is always lovely to look through your work Lindsey, thanks for the inspiration 🙂

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 9, 2019

      If that’s not serendipity … 😉

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  10. The Reading Residence Avatar
    The Reading Residence
    April 30, 2019

    Oh wow, I love them all! I like the glittery gold and contrasting effects particularly, but how lovely would it be to send or receive any of these?!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      April 30, 2019

      Aw, thank you!! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
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A couple of days ago, I posted a clip from Lesson A couple of days ago, I posted a clip from Lesson 1 of the new Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course (seriously, join us — enrollment is a *steal* at $5/month, and you get complimentary tutorials [that happen to complement the course] — link in bio)! People seemed to like the story in that clip, so here’s another fun story from the same lesson. Sorry, I can’t confirm who the client was! That was a project with an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). 🤐 Still: a very fun, very cool experience ... I’m grateful that calligraphy has given me cool adventures and connected me to such an amazing community. ✍️

#calligraphystory #moderncalligraphy #learncalligraphy #beginnercalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphy
Lesson 1 of TPK’s Beginner’s Modern Calligraph Lesson 1 of TPK’s Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course doesn’t actually start with the pointed pen! ✍️ Instead, we ease into it with faux calligraphy and then pencil calligraphy. Here’s a little preview of what the pencil calligraphy lesson looks like. ✏️

If you’ve been wanting to learn calligraphy, join us in this course. It is an absolute *steal* because it’s included with your TPK Premium membership ($5/month - cancel anytime). Once the course concludes in January, you can choose to purchase lifetime access to the videos; or just continue on with us to the next course. For more information, visit the link in my bio!

#learncalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #moderncalligraphy #pencilcalligraphy #blackwingpencil #pencilart #letteringart #handlettering #modernlettering #artisticletters #artisticlettering
I’m editing videos for the new Beginner’s Mode I’m editing videos for the new Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course (🎉 JOIN US! link in profile for enrollment info!!) — and wanted to share this story from Lesson 1. In that lesson, we’ll chat about how to develop your motivation (this story is part of me sharing mine); and we’ll ease into our pointed pen experience with faux calligraphy and pencil calligraphy. Step by step, you’ll develop skills that will serve you for a lifetime ... and surprise and delight those around you, just like my “rent check envelopes” did! ✉️

#mailart #moderncalligraphy #learncalligraphy #storytime #calligraphy #snailmail #snailmailrevolution
Some recipes aren’t just instructions — they’re memories on a page. 💛 I spent some time illustrating one of my favorites, and it turned into the sweetest (literally) keepsake. Calligraphy, watercolor, and a little patience bring the story of a dish to life.

If you’d like to try illustrating your favorite recipe, too, I shared the full process (with helpful printables) on the TPK Blog — link in bio. ✨

#illustratedrecipe #calligraphyart #watercolorillustration #creativeproject #keepsakeart #slowcreativity #handletteringlove #moderncalligraphy #calligraphyinspiration #watercolorart
As much as cooking is an art, illustrating a recip As much as cooking is an art, illustrating a recipe takes it one step further. ✨ In TPK’s latest tutorial (link in bio), I’ll show you how to create an illustrated chocolate lava cake recipe using watercolor. You’ll find helpful PDFs and step-by-step instructions so you can follow along — or use the layout to bring one of your own favorite dishes to life.

Frame it as keepsake art, or give it as a thoughtful handmade gift this holiday season. 🎁

#illustratedrecipe #watercolorart #calligraphycommunity #foodillustration #arttutorial #watercolortutorial #creativeprojects #handmadegifts #keepsakeart #thepostmansknock
✨ One of the most beloved assignments from Lesso ✨ One of the most beloved assignments from Lesson 5 of Hand Lettering 101 was this playful project: design an artistic alphabet where no two letters look the same.

The idea? JUST PLAY. 🎨 I used watercolor and a paintbrush, but many students grabbed markers, pens, or anything colorful on hand. The results were incredible — @adriennelovesletters gave it her own flair, Isabel C. made it three times, and Laura M. created a stunning version too. (You can peek at more inside the TPK Premium Discord!)

If you’re ready to try this project yourself, you’ll find the Hand Lettering 101 eCourse waiting in the TPK Catalog. Just head to the link in my bio to be taken to the TPK website. 💌

#handlettering #watercolorlettering #moderncalligraphy #letteringpractice #creativeplay #calligraphycommunity #artinspiration #calligraphyart #watercolorart #letterlove #tpkpremium #handlettering101
Had the best time writing the latest tutorial on t Had the best time writing the latest tutorial on the TPK Blog — “Drawing Lesson: Elegant Swallows” (🔗 link in bio). If you’ve never drawn birds before, swallows are an excellent place to start. Their shapes are simple once you break them down! ✍️ 

In the tutorial, you’ll find:

🪶 Step-by-step visual instructions for drawing swallows in four different movements
🪶 The “Hand-Drawn Swallows Cheat Sheet” PDF
🪶 A detailed tutorial for making the mail art shown here

On another note, I want to extend a huge THANK YOU to TPK Premium and Premium Plus members ... your support allows me to write cool detailed tutorials like this one. 🙏 You all are amazing, and I’m so proud of our community.

#mailart #snailmail #illustration #illustrationtutorial #drawingtutorial #drawinginstructions #birdart #swallowsart #calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #pointedpen
In June, I kicked off the Hand Lettering 101 eCour In June, I kicked off the Hand Lettering 101 eCourse with TPK Premium members, and wow — it’s been such a joy to watch the transformation.

Over six lessons, students went from that “where do I even start?” feeling to confidently creating their own alphabets, playing with flourishes, and putting together gorgeous compositions. I loved seeing those little lightbulb moments along the way.

Here’s the great news — you can still take the course.
When you sign up, you’ll get instant access to:
📚 All six lessons (9+ hours of video demonstrations + printable PDFs)
🖌 Fun, approachable projects that build your skills without feeling overwhelming
🎯 A “before and after” assignment that’s always such a satisfying reveal

If you’ve been wanting a gentle, step-by-step way to get started with hand lettering, this is it. You can DM me for the link, or search Hand Lettering 101 on the TPK site (link in profile).

#handlettering101 #handlettering #moderncalligraphy #letteringlove #calligraphycommunity #learntoletter #creativelettering #letteringcourse #onlineartclass #artpractice
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