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  • September’s Artistic Calligraphy Envelopes

    September 22, 2022

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    — 2 Comments

    Mail Art, Roundup

    These artistic calligraphy envelopes helped me to stay sane in the middle of our hectic September schedule (and a chaotic house)! I hope that they inspire you to make some beautiful mail of your own.

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    September's Artistic Calligraphy Envelopes
    I created these artistic calligraphy envelopes within the past two weeks. They all are A7 “White” from Cards and Pockets.

    September has been a whirlwind in this house. Among other things, we are in week seven of a kitchen remodel, and the house is in chaos as a result. It’s amazing how having a cluttered home can make other things — like hauling our kids to pediatric checkups and speech therapy sessions — seem overwhelming. When the chaos starts taking its toll, I embrace decorating envelopes.

    September's Artistic Calligraphy Envelopes

    Artistic envelopes are the perfect project. They don’t take long to make, which is a bonus if you’ve got time constraints. While they do provide an artistic challenge, that challenge is always bite-sized and enjoyable! My favorite part of making a beautiful envelope is knowing that many people will appreciate it, from postal workers to the recipient. Here are the envelopes that I’ve whipped up this month to combat our remodel-induced clutter chaos:

    1. Creepy Halloween Envelope

    This envelope was created using iron gall ink and a spiderweb motif from TPK’s upcoming Halloween Fun Worksheet (look for it next week). The calligraphy style shown here is Kaitlin, and the envelope features plenty of ink spatters and Forever stamps from the USPS website.

    2. Red Roses Envelope

    I used the Shortcut Vintage Roses Mail Art Tutorial to make this envelope. It’s a quick mail art project because the roses come from a printable template! Wavy Janet Style calligraphy gives the piece an elegant touch. (The colors I used — Cadmium Red and Sap Green — come from the Winsor & Newton Cotman palette.)

    3. Red + Yellow Roses Envelope

    Honestly, I enjoyed making the Red Roses Envelope so much that I couldn’t help but make another envelope just like it. I switched up this envelope by coloring in the roses with yellow and adding red accents. (The colors I used all come from the Winsor & Newton Cotman palette: Cadmium Yellow Hue, Cadmium Red Hue, Sap Green, and Viridian Hue.)

    4. Simple Elegance Envelope

    Simple Elegance Envelope

    In this envelope, the postage stamps do all the artistic heavy lifting. The calligraphy itself is a pretty flourished style (covered in TPK’s Intermediate Modern Calligraphy Online Course), written using iron gall ink. For tips and information about putting together postage stamp collages, see this article.

    5. Bluebird Envelope

    Bluebird Artistic Envelope

    The bluebird decoupaged on the left part of this envelope was cut out of the The Bluebird Bundle. To make it look more natural, I freehand drew the branches that extend upward. Then, I wrote the recipient’s address in Amy Style calligraphy using iron gall ink. A smattering of vintage stamps, mostly bird-themed, give the envelope personality.


    If you’ve never made mail art before, I can assure you that it’s a worthwhile endeavor. It’s just as satisfying for you as it is for the recipient — trust me! There’s always someone to write to (take a look at More Love Letters), and ample mail art tutorials to try. Thanks so much for looking at these artistic calligraphy envelopes, and have a wonderful weekend!

    Warmly,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock

    P.S. – If you liked this collection, you might also like:

    • Rent Check Mail Art Envelopes: A Collection
    • Inspirational #10 Envelope Art Examples
    • Using Mail Art to Mellow Out
    • Six Calligraphy Envelopes, Two Hours
    • Two Hours, Four Artistic Envelopes
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Sketchbooking

About the author

Hi! I’m Lindsey Bugbee! The designer + illustrator + calligrapher behind The Postman’s Knock (TPK). TPK is a blog focused on teaching creative techniques and offering guides to learning modern calligraphy and illustration. I hope you enjoy reading my blog as much as I enjoy writing it! If you are new to calligraphy, check out the Beginner’s Guide to Modern Calligraphy!

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2 responses

  1. Joan Concilio Avatar
    Joan Concilio
    November 7, 2022

    I absolutely love seeing all of these that you’ve come up with. (Actually, some of my favorite posts are the ones that show the wide variety of what can be done on envelopes – it always inspires me!) You do such lovely work and I appreciate that you share it with us!

    Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      March 15, 2023

      Thank you! It is truly my pleasure and I enjoy what I do so much! Thank you for appreciating it!

      Reply

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Did you know: this fabulous (hand-drawn!!) thank y Did you know: this fabulous (hand-drawn!!) thank you card is a FREE printable on the TPK website. You can follow the link in my profile to download it. 🥳

Once you’ve got the file, print it out on the highest quality print setting you have. Print it on the heaviest paper that your printer will allow you to use; I use an Epson paper that’s around  100# and great for printing off artwork. Then, cut out the design, fold it, and write your message on the inside. And voilà: an instant + unique thank you card!

#diycard #diythankyoucard #freedownload #penandinkillustration #illustration #handmadecards #paperlove #stationeryaddict #artprintable #cardmaking #gratitudecards #snailmaillove #printathome #craftyday #diyproject #greetingcards #thankyounotes #printablecards #cardcrafting #paperprojects #creativeexpression #stationerylove #papercrafts #inkandpaper #craftersofinstagram #paperpassion #cardlover #cardmakersofinstagram #sendmoremail
If you plan on giving a DIY gift or two this holid If you plan on giving a DIY gift or two this holiday season, now is the best time to start planning! Pretty soon, we’ll be knee-deep in the “holidaze”, when it’s impossible to get practically anything done. 

To me, this anniversary artwork (which could double as a holiday gift) is the perfect thoughtful present. It’s a conversation-starter, a memory-keeper, and a celebration all rolled into one! It’s also incredibly time-consuming to make something like this, so there’s that. 🤷‍♀️ But: the most precious commodity we have is time, which makes gifts like this one all the more special. To find instructions over how to make it — along with the help of a digital shortcut — visit the link in my profile!

#anniversaryart #anniversary #art #anniversarygifts #watercolorart #anniversarygift #illustration #love #watercolorwedding #weddinganniversarygift #painting #holidaygift #happyanniversary #anniversarygiftsforhim #anniversarygiftideas #diypresent #procreateart #anniversarygiftcustom #diywatercolorart #watercolorpainting #watercolortutorial #dailyart #handmade #connecticutlove #coupleart #cute #poitnedpencalligraphy #pointedpen #dippen #customartwork
** Nib on paper ASMR ** 😌 ✍️ In today’s ** Nib on paper ASMR ** 😌 ✍️ 

In today’s technology-saturated world, handwriting often gets tossed to the wayside. Some say that handwriting doesn’t really matter anymore, but I disagree. For one thing, handwriting is one of the most personal reflections of you. To hold something that someone wrote feels more intimate than looking at a photo — probably because a piece of handwriting requires active concentration and touch from its writer. (For this reason, I love looking through my late grandmother’s recipe box, with all its handwritten ingredient lists and instructions). ❤️

Furthermore, studies have shown that handwriting stimulates the brain differently than typing, promoting better retention of information and aiding in the learning process. The act of putting pen to paper can also be therapeutic, offering a mindful respite from the constant screen time and digital distractions. Plus, in an age of emails and texts, a handwritten note or letter carries an emotional weight and sentimentality that digital communication often lacks. 

Sometimes, though, people feel self-conscious about their handwriting. If that resonates with you, here are my top three tips for writing in fluid, pretty cursive:

1️⃣ Use a pen with smooth ink flow (in this video, I’m using a Pilot Falcon fountain pen; but I often use Pentel Touch or Pilot G2 05 gel pens).

2️⃣ Practice regularly with guided worksheets (TPK has a *fabulous* — and rigorous — elegant cursive worksheet; link in profile).

3️⃣ Analyze and adjust your grip and posture for comfort. A relaxed grip is key!

#CursiveHandwriting #HandwritingTips #CalligraphyLove #CursivePractice #HandwritingMatters #CursiveWriting #Penmanship #HandwritingHelp #WritingJourney #ImproveYourHandwriting #HandwritingGoals #ScriptLove #CursiveGoals #WriteBetter #ModernCalligraphy #WritingTips #HandLettering #LetteringLove #CursiveScript #HandwritingImprovement #ScriptPractice #HandwritingCoach #LoveToWrite #HandwritingSkills #Scripting #CursiveMagic #WriteDaily #HandwritingPassion #ElegantScript #ScriptTransformations”
👻 Is Halloween on your radar yet? If yes, consi 👻 Is Halloween on your radar yet? If yes, consider sending cards or making delightfully creepy artwork to start celebrating! Follow the link in my profile for Halloween inspiration, including free tutorials and worksheets + information about TPK’s premium artistic Halloween resources. 

This is a time lapse video of the trumpet vine sugar skull illustration tutorial from TPK’s “Halloween Fun Art and Calligraphy Worksheet” — which includes an optional instructional video component! I’ve included traceable templates to ensure that your illustrated skull looks gorgeous every time. 💀🌹

#HalloweenInspiration #CreepyArtwork #HalloweenCards #ArtisticHalloween #HalloweenFun #CalligraphyWorksheets #HalloweenCalligraphy #SugarSkullArt #TrumpetVine #IllustrationTutorial #HalloweenCrafts #SpookyArt #OctoberCrafts #DIYHalloween #HalloweenArtProjects #SkullIllustration #HalloweenCountdown #SpookySeason #ArtisticResources #TraceableTemplates #ArtTutorials #CreepyCreations #HalloweenCreatives #SpookySketches #HalloweenDIY #SkullArt #CelebrateHalloween #HalloweenLovers #FallCrafting #GhoulishGraphics
Last week, we went to a party where @facefiesta (L Last week, we went to a party where @facefiesta (Leah Reddell) was painting faces and giving henna tattoos. 👩‍🎨 I’ve been vaguely aware of henna and its intricate patterns for a while now, but had never seen it in action. I instantly fell in love and was so excited when Leah let me acquire three henna cones from her! 

Since we had friends and family visiting this weekend for my son’s birthday party, I painted five henna tattoos. The one in this reel is my very favorite: a masculine sleeve full of geometry and contrast. My friend, the “canvas”, has been applying coconut oil to this pattern like crazy to ensure that it lasts a long time (I believe 1-3 weeks is standard).

Of course, I’ve since written to Leah and asked her to sell me 10 more tubes. 🙈 I adore this stuff and can’t wait to doodle on my own arm! And I know that at many family gatherings to come, my loved ones will ask for tattoos. 

If you’re in the Boulder/Denver area, Leah sells henna cones! Outside of this area, I’m not sure where to get them — but that’s knowledge that I’m positive is easily procured with an internet search. 🔎 Happy drawing!

#HennaArt #FaceFiesta #HennaLove #HennaTattoo #ModernHenna #HennaDesigns #MasculineHenna #GeometryTattoo #HennaLove #DIYHenna #TattooLovers #BirthdayHenna #FamilyTattoos #BoulderHenna #DenverHenna #LocalArtists #HennaInspiration #TemporaryTattoos #HennaDoodles #SkinArtistry #NaturalInk #TemporaryTattoo #FacePainting #PartyTattoos #SkinCanvas #HennaSleeve #HennaSupplies #HennaTips #ArtisticExpression
Ink spatters and smudges are the woooorst. The goo Ink spatters and smudges are the woooorst. The good news, though, is that they can be fixed — at least somewhat. Here’s the hobby knife technique that I generally use to make my mistakes unnoticeable. It’s not a back-to-original-condition repair, but it usually works just fine!

For four more project-saving techniques, visit the link in my profile!

#pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphy #pointedpen #handwrittencalligraphy #dippencalligraphy #handwritten #penandink #sumiink #xactoknife #hobbyknife #calligraphyhack #beginnercalligraphy #learncalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphyhack #calligraphymistake #calligraphyfail #calligraphylove #calligraphytip #pointedpencalligraphytip
When life throws us curves, sometimes the best thi When life throws us curves, sometimes the best thing we can do is lose ourselves in the therapeutic act of creating. 🌼 Crafting a sympathy card is as much for the sender as it is for the recipient. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and send out warmth into the universe. Dive into this serene DIY sympathy card tutorial on The Postman’s Knock, and let the process be a healing and grounding experience for you. Whether you’re dealing with your own grief or hoping to comfort another, every stroke of the pen and brush becomes an act of love and understanding. Find the full tutorial link in profile.

#watercolor #sympathycard #MindfulMaking #CraftingCare #ArtTherapy #HealingThroughArt #diycard #consolationcard #HeartfeltHandmade #CalligraphyComfort #CraftWithIntention #EmbraceEmpathy #InkWithIntention #ArtfulHealing #DIYWithLove #ThoughtfulTouches #LetteringLove #SendSupport #pointedpen #pointedpencalligraphy #ReflectiveArt #handmade #grief #CondolenceCraft #ThoughtfulArtistry #TouchingTributes #watercolorart #HandmadeHugs
Everyone — and I mean EVERYONE — starts of as Everyone — and I mean EVERYONE — starts of as a beginner, no matter what you’ve set your sights on learning. Calligraphy is no exception! The trick to sticking with it is to love what you’re doing and celebrate the small victories every step of the way. 🥳

To see several of my before and after comparisons, visit the link in my profile. Don’t forget to vote in the Improvement Contest, too, to choose which TPK reader has improved in their art/calligraphy/lettering journey the most! Contest details can also be found by following the link in my profile.

Keep up the good work. After several sessions of joyful practice, I promise you’ll start to see some fabulous improvement! ✍️

#CalligraphyJourney #PointedPenMagic #BeginnerCalligrapher #CelebrateTheProcess #CalligraphyProgress #LoveYourLetters #SmallVictoriesBigGains #FromZeroToHero #InkInspiration #calligraphyinspiration #calligraphypractice #EveryStrokeCounts #LetteringLove #pointedpenbeginner #TPKCalligraphy #calligraphylove #LetteringGlowUp #pointedpencalligraphy #StayInky #ProgressNotPerfection #HandwritingHeaven #LoveYourLettering #CalligraphyChallenge #PracticeMakesPerfect #EveryInkDropCounts #CalligraphyContest #calligraphylove #LetteringLegends #TransformativeType #ScriptSuccess
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