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Calligraphy Crossword (with a Prize!)

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Calligraphy Crossword | The Postman's Knock

I generally create blog posts that focus on artistic projects, so today’s post offers a bit of a variation! Instead of flexing your creative muscle, you’ll be using your memory and research skills to fill out this calligraphy crossword. Be the first to solve it, and you’ll win a $50 gift certificate to Paper & Ink Arts (update: the puzzle has been solved)! Fill it out anyway, and you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a set of Dr. Ph. Martin’s Iridescent inks. Read on to learn more!

The Calligraphy Crossword Puzzle

You can download the calligraphy crossword puzzle for free by clicking here. The crossword will challenge you with 22 writing- and calligraphy-related vocabulary terms. Like most crossword puzzles, the answers range between simple and difficult!
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Holiday Art + Calligraphy Giveaways

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Holiday Art + Calligraphy Giveaways | The Postman's Knock

2016 is coming to a close, which means it’s the perfect time to reflect on everything that’s happened this year. For me, that reflection has meant realizing how many creative, amazing people I have had the opportunity to interact with because of this website! I am consistently amazed by how self-motivated, positive, and artistic the people who follow TPK are; and this community motivates me to keep improving my own work!
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Two International Mail Art Tutorials + a Giveaway

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Two International Mail Art Tutorials | The Postman's Knock

Travel — whether domestic or international, near or far — is one of the very best ways to jump-start your creativity. When you experience new architecture and artwork, new people, and new food, you find yourself filled with new ideas when you return home! In this post, we’ll cover two international mail art tutorials, both inspired by a trip to Brazil last month. The mail art hints at some of the Brazilian pride we saw in Rio as preparation for the Olympics was underway …
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A Post Full of Giveaways

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A Post Full of Giveaways | The Postman's Knock

My birthday is this week, so for the past few days, I’ve been mulling over what I want. And, really, the answer is nothing. The truth is, the older I get, the more I prefer giving gifts than receiving them! So, for my birthday, I’d like to give you something. Effectively, this is a post full of giveaways! Under the description of each giveaway item, you’ll see a Rafflecopter widget. Use it to enter the giveaway for each item that catches your eye. You don’t need a social media account to enter; if that’s the case, you can just use the “Answer a Question” option!
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Laurel Branch Decorated Envelopes Tutorial (Includes Giveaway)

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Laurel Branch Decorated Envelopes Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

Decorated envelopes make for an amazing surprise gift! Think about it: usually, a person’s mailbox is a pretty boring place, home to many a credit card offer and grocery store flyer. When something extraordinary graces the humble mailbox, it’s hard not to get excited! Accordingly, today’s tutorial offers a quick and effective way to make an artistic piece of envelope art that will stand out in anyone’s mail pile! To create it, you’ll need a black (or very dark) envelope; mine is a cheapie that came in a black card/envelope set from the North American craft store chain Michael’s. Use a soapstone pencil and a ruler to make a centered vertical guideline as well as a centered horizontal guideline.
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Which Calligraphy Writing Utensil is Best for You? – Part II + Giveaway

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Which Calligraphy Writing Utensil is Best for You? – Part II | The Postman's Knock

In Which Calligraphy Writing Utensil is Best for You?: Part I, we talked about using regular pens and brush pens to create calligraphy. Both of those writing utensils provide a non-intimidating, fun entry into the world of lettering! Once you’ve practiced with regular pens and/or brush pens for a few days, though, you will probably want something a little more advanced. Enter dip pen calligraphy! In this post, we are going to discuss straight pens and oblique pens: how you know you’re ready to try them, which ones to purchase, and tips for using them.
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White Calligraphy Ink Showdown: Sumi, Ziller, & Pen White + Giveaway

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White Calligraphy Ink Showdown: Sumi, Ziller, & Pen White | The Postman's Knock

If you can write with a dip pen — and if you can’t right now, trust me, you can learn! — then white calligraphy ink is one of the coolest supplies you can own. All of a sudden, this new world will open up for you: you will be able to write on virtually any color of paper that catches your fancy!
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Scribblers Edition Kaitlin Style Calligraphy Workbook Giveaway

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Scribblers Edition Kaitlin Style Calligraphy Workbook Giveaway | The Postman's Knock

Today, I am very excited to announce that the Kaitlin Style Learn Calligraphy for a Latté worksheet PDF is now available as a beautiful printed calligraphy workbook through Scribblers! In truth, this couldn’t have happened without UK-based Scribblers owner Simon Rous, who has taken care of all printing, stocking, and shipping logistics. It was he who suggested we call the workbook “Learn Modern Calligraphy with a Cup of Tea” — it gives the packet a nice, British spin!
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January 2016 Creative Challenge (with a Prize!)

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January Creative Challenge (with a Prize!) | The Postman's Knock

Have you ever noticed that it’s easier to challenge yourself this time of year? I know it’s complete nonsense because today feels like any other winter day, and yet … the slate is clean. 2016 has just begun, and it’s exciting to think about what the next twelve months will bring in terms of your success and personal growth. With that in mind, I have put together a creative challenge for you that is doable, but will still require effort. The challenge consists of four projects that must be completed by February 1st, and I’m happy to say that all of them can be created not matter what your illustration and/or calligraphy skill level is! Once you’re finished, you’ll have a chance to win a grand prize consisting of some of my favorite high-quality art supplies ($125 value) or a gift certificate to Paper & Ink Arts! Before I detail the prize and the rules, let’s talk about the four parts of this challenge:
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