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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.

    Three Ways to Make a Calligraphy Border Design

    January 24, 2023

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    Calligraphy, Flourishing, Mail Art, Tutorials, Video

    Looking for a way to make a blank page special? Try adding a calligraphy border design! Today, I’ll demonstrate three different motifs that come together in a matter of minutes.

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    Three Ways to Make a Calligraphy Border Design
    I used Bleed Proof White ink to create every border design in today’s tutorial. The envelopes are from Cards and Pockets (affiliate link).

    A calligraphy border design never fails to add an elegant touch to your work. Today, I’ll show you how to create three simple but intricate designs to frame your calligraphy or text. Grab your favorite pen and nib combination plus some paper, and let’s dive into the world of calligraphy border design!


    Cumulus Calligraphy Border Design

    Cumulus Calligraphy Border Design

    This calligraphy border design reminds me of fluffy cumulus clouds! In the video below, I’ll show you how to create it. For written instructions (with demonstration screenshot photos taken from the tutorial video), scroll on!

    1. Draw a Horseshoe

    First, use a pencil (or a white mechanical pencil) to draw a horseshoe shape in the upper left corner of your page.

    Making a White Mechanical Pencil Draft

    Then, add curlicues to either side of that horseshoe shape.

    Making a White Mechanical Pencil Draft

    2. Make “3”s

    Next, hook a number “3” with a loop in the center into the lower left part of the cloud. End the “3” with a descending tail. Then, do the same on the other side of the page. Finish up by using straight lines in an “L” shape to fill in the rest of the border.

    Making a White Mechanical Pencil Draft

    3. Add Ink

    Now, use the ink of your choice (I opted for Bleed Proof White) to go over your pencil draft.

    Cumulus Border Design

    4. Erase Pencil Guidelines

    Once your ink has completely dried, erase your pencil guidelines. Voilà! A sumptuous and pretty calligraphy border design.

    Cumulus Calligraphy Border Design


    Branches and Berries Calligraphy Border Design

    Branches and Berries Calligraphy Border Design

    The branches and berries border design is a whimsical and pretty creation. I’ll show you how to make it in the video below, but you can scroll on for written instructions, too:

    1. Draw Branch Skeletons

    Begin by drawing a curved line, then add several little lines coming off of that first line. Continue to do that, working your way around the perimeter of the page.

    Simple white illustrated branches

    2. Draw Leaves

    Now, add almond-shaped leaves to the end of each small line.

    Adding leaves to the branches

    3. Add Berries

    Finish up by adding a dot here and there to flesh out the border.

    Branches and Berries Border Design
    Even though it’s not very berry-like, I like to use gold watercolor to depict the little circles.

    And that’s all there is to it!

    Branches and Berries Decorated Border Design


    Flourish Frenzy Calligraphy Border Design

    Flourish Frenzy Calligraphy Border Design

    This calligraphy border design might look complicated, but it’s simple once you break it down! In the tutorial video below, I’ll show you how to draw it. For written instructions, scroll past the video.

    1. Make a Guide Circle

    Begin by using a pencil to draw an oval or a circle, depending on your page dimensions. Try your best to make sure that the circle is symmetrical.

    Pencil Oval Draft

    2. Make “Phone Cord” Loops

    Next, use your calligraphy pen to draw “phone cord” style loops. Alternate the height of the loops between tall and short.

    Phone Cord Loops on a Decorated Border

    3. Fill in the Negative Space

    Once the ink has dried, erase your pencil guidelines. Then, finish up by adding loops and curls in the negative space. There’s no rule about where to put the flourishes. Wherever you can fit them is perfect!

    Flourish Frenzy Decorated Border Design

    If you want to, you can add some dots (gold or silver!) to enhance the border, but I like it just like it is.

    "Flourish Frenzy" Calligraphy Border Design


    I hope that at least one of these three calligraphy border design tutorials tempts you to pick up your pen and create! Thanks so much for reading (and/or watching) today’s tutorials, and enjoy the rest of your week.

    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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112 responses

  1. Marietta Avatar
    Marietta
    May 1, 2023

    Whenever you do a giveaway, I find another post I have not seen. I love this post and I found something new to practice. So in effect, I always win the giveaway! Thanks

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      May 1, 2023

      Ha! I love that! Thank you for enjoying the content so much!

      Log in to Reply
  2. Jill Avatar
    Jill
    March 1, 2023

    I love these!! So many applications, for a lettered piece, or an envelope, or even a piece of artwork. Can’t wait to give it a try – and you have made it very approachable and simple — and so beautiful!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      March 3, 2023

      Thank you so much! It really is a catch all for all those things you mentioned! I am so happy to hear that you like the idea! Best of luck trying it out! I am sure that you are going to create something beautiful!

      Log in to Reply
  3. Carla Standen Avatar
    Carla Standen
    February 10, 2023

    Lindsey! You have SUCH a way of breaking down complex-looking “things” into manageable steps. I applaud you for this… And genuinely also thank you. You’re a constant source of inspiration!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 24, 2023

      Thank you! It is my goal and passion to make calligraphy accessible to anyone! I am so glad that you find it helpful and are enjoying! Thank you so much for the kind words!

      Log in to Reply
  4. Lexi Avatar
    Lexi
    February 8, 2023

    The branches and berries design is lovely! It would look great on a winter holiday card.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 9, 2023

      Thank you so much! I agree!

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  5. Iris Avatar
    Iris
    February 7, 2023

    Hi, Lindsey: I love these border designs! I like to watch the tutorials twice, the second time as I follow along in an attempt to recreate the art in my sketchbook. Thanks for another great way to enjoy a cold winter evening at home (along with a mug of hot cocoa and marshmallows to sip on).

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 24, 2023

      What a great way to pass time! I wish that I was doing that right now! I am so thrilled that you are enjoying!

      Log in to Reply
  6. Olive Oyl Avatar
    Olive Oyl
    February 7, 2023

    So so cool! Weekend project, here we come. I wish I could see how you’d stamp there.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 24, 2023

      Good luck! I hope that you have fun with it!

      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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