Last month, I posted a tutorial over how to make a calligraphy medallion. I love the medallion in that tutorial, but I freely admit that it takes a bit of time and energy to make! Effectively, I wanted to post a simpler tutorial … one that requires less steps. You’ll really enjoy this medallion as a way to add embellishments to envelopes, gift tags, sketchbooks, or anywhere else you might use a dip pen!
1. Draw Guideline Circles
First, find a round object that you can trace around. The object should be 2″-3″ (50-76 mm) in diameter. If you’re at a loss for what to use, look no further than your refrigerator! My circular object is the lid off of a jam jar.
If you are drawing guidelines on a dark envelope, a white mechanical pencil will come in handy!
Once you have drawn the first circle, locate a smaller circular object, like a roll of tape. Use your first circle guideline to center this new object, and trace around it.
You can end your guideline drawing by making a small dot in the center of the circles.
Feel free to “eyeball” the center of the circles — no need to measure!
2. Draw “Almonds”
Once you have drawn all your guidelines, use your favorite dip pen to draw an almond shape. The shape should start and end at the dot in the middle of the circles. Try to make sure that the blunt end of the almond touches the inside circle guideline.
I am using Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bleedproof White ink and a Nikko G nib here.
Now, draw a second almond to the right of the first almond. The left side of the second almond should pass through the center of the first almond. The start and end point of the second almond will also be that center dot.
Your first two almonds should form a heart shape.
Use the technique described above to draw almond after almond. As you draw, rotate the envelope to make it easier to add almonds without smudging the ink!
Rotate the envelope clockwise as you draw!
Continue to draw almonds until your envelope looks like this:
It’s fine if your almonds aren’t all the same size. It’s difficult to notice sizing errors in intricate pieces like this one!
3. Draw Curved Lines
For this step, you can use the same ink or opt for a different ink. First, pick one almond shape. Place your pen at the dot in the middle of the circle. Then, applying minimal pressure, pull the pen down to draw a line through the almond shape. Curve the line that you are drawing such that it runs parallel to the right side of the almond. As you get closer to the edge of the outer circle, apply pressure on your nib so the stroke gets thicker.
I am using Finetec Gold for contrast, but you don’t have to switch up your ink color for this step.
Work your way around the circle in a clockwise motion.
Don’t forget to apply pressure at the end of each line. Doing so will help you to achieve visually pleasing stroke contrast!
When you’re finished with this step, your calligraphy medallion will look something like this:
The calligraphy medallion looks great just like this, so you’re welcome to skip the next step if you want to!
4. Add Dot Embellishments
This step is optional because the calligraphy medallion is nice as-is! However, for a bit of extra oomph, you can add dot embellishments to one side of each curved line.
It doesn’t matter which side of the line you add the dots to. As long as you’re consistent, the calligraphy medallion will look awesome!
Keep creating embellishments until every line is punctuated with dots.
5. Erase Guidelines and Enjoy
Give your ink a few minutes to dry, then carefully erase your guidelines. You should be left with a gorgeous calligraphy medallion that only took 15-20 minutes to create!
There are many ways to modify this calligraphy medallion concept. For example, you can use one color throughout the entire process, which results in a more subdued elegant look.
The embellished Janet Style calligraphy on the back of this envelope corresponds beautifully with the medallion!
Instead of dots, you can experiment with adding stars. Of course, extra flourishes are never a bad idea! I encourage you to take creative license and customize this calligraphy medallion to fit your personal style. If you’re not there yet with a dip pen, it would also look wonderful created with faux calligraphy! Give it a try … you won’t be disappointed. If you’re interested in learning more complicated calligraphy medallion techniques, you can sign up for the 8/26 Intermediate Calligraphy Workshop (2 spots left), where I’ll be teaching you in person how to create this gorgeous piece:
Both upcoming TPK Intermediate Calligraphy Workshops include detailed in-person directions (and a take home instructional packet) over how to create this calligraphy medallion.
I hope that you enjoyed today’s tutorial! Of course, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments. Thanks so much for reading TPK, and have a great weekend!
Warmly,
Your medallion is very elegant. I like the way you keep it simple, by using objects such as the tape roll and jar lid to make the guide line circles. This drawing method is very clever and helpful for students who don’t have a compass. Thank you, Lindsay, for your clear directions, as always.
If I read from some sources, you have to dilute the ink first, before you use it. So it’s not ready to use out of the bottle. I hope it helps 🙂
I do not see how you can find errors in his. I was, at first, disappointed. I thought you had used a “stamp”, or even a Spirograph” to make the medallion! It’s too exact. But I read the lession, so, know better now, Very pretty.
Thank you Lindsey, for all this fantastic information and very clear tutorials. The watercolor envelopes, the medallions, the botanical envelopes, so much fun. I have more to try of your wonderful ideas. Thank U, thank U,
Sharen
Lindsey, I recently purchased the bleed proof white ink and another but they are not showing on the paper I purchased. Is there a specific black paper you recommend?
Hi Nicole! That’s strange — what paper are you using? I generally just write on generic black card stock. 🙂
If I read from some sources, you have to dilute the ink first, before you use it. So it’s not ready to use out of the bottle. I hope it helps 🙂
Beautiful!!!
Thank you, Lindsey! This is so helpful.
Love the medallion! Have to try one for a friend! Thanks for sharing!
This is beautiful!
Simply STUNNING….. love your artistic perspective!
Thank you for sharing this tutorial . I get so inspired following your instruction .
Lindsey, sorry I don’t comment more often, I really should. Just wanted to let you know how much I always love your blog posts. You are so talented and generous. Thanks for sharing and breaking down the steps for us!
I always love your tutorials! I especially love your watercoloring tutorials! Thanks so much 🙂
I love medallions!
Relatively simple, elegant, and variable. Thank you Lindsey!