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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. Joan Avatar
    Joan
    January 31, 2023

    I appreciate these tutorials so much – and especially that you had photos and not just videos, because I struggle to be able to learn enough by watching but I really benefit from the photos!! (I like that you have both available!)

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 26, 2023

      I am glad that you like that aspect! Thank you for enjoying! I hope that they are helpful!

      Log in to Reply
  2. Cathy McAdams Avatar
    Cathy McAdams
    January 31, 2023

    You always make everything look so simple. Thank you for all you do to help us learn.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 26, 2023

      It is my pleasure! I am so glad that I have helped you learn something!

      Log in to Reply
  3. L.j.Troyer Avatar
    L.j.Troyer
    January 31, 2023

    These ideas look fun to try! Thanks for the simple tutorial.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 26, 2023

      Sure thing! I wish you the best of luck trying them out!

      Log in to Reply
  4. Martina Sattler Avatar
    Martina Sattler
    January 31, 2023

    Hi Lindsey, your tutorials show so well that small embellishments can make a big difference. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. 🙂

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 26, 2023

      They sure can! I am so glad you find it helpful! I am so appreciative of the support!

      Log in to Reply
  5. Gayle Avatar
    Gayle
    January 31, 2023

    You make these designs look so approachable!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 26, 2023

      They are! I encourage you to try it out! Good luck!

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  6. Rosetta H Avatar
    Rosetta H
    January 30, 2023

    I always get a personal call or text when friends and family receive my decorated envelopes. Mostly they tell me “I love it so much, I don’t want to throw it away!”
    Thanks Lindsey for your inspiration.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 26, 2023

      That is so nice to hear! I am glad that you and your family and friends can enjoy a piece of the art I love most! Thank you for your support!

      Log in to Reply
  7. Susan Wetzel Avatar
    Susan Wetzel
    January 30, 2023

    Lovely ideas! Can’t wait to try them all.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 26, 2023

      I hope that you do! Good luck!

      Log in to Reply
  8. Katie Avatar
    Katie
    January 30, 2023

    *happy sigh* This… this is the highlight of my day. I got Bleed-Proof White not long ago and haven’t used it yet because I wasn’t sure what to do first. And this lovely post popped into my inbox. ^_^ Lindsey, thank you for making lovely calligraphy and teaching others how to do the same! You make something that looks soooo complex seem doable and accomplish-able. Can’t wait to try these!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 26, 2023

      Aw! That is so sweet of you! I am happy to be of service! Best of luck in your next project! 😊

      Log in to Reply
  9. sjramsay Avatar
    sjramsay
    January 30, 2023

    This looks fun!! Lindsey, thank you so much for your generosity over the years. Much love to you.

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 26, 2023

      My pleasure! I am so glad that you continue to enjoy! Thank you!

      Log in to Reply
  10. Diane Hartford-Schulert Avatar
    Diane Hartford-Schulert
    January 30, 2023

    Oh, how I love your beautiful work! Calligraphy is artistic and makes me feel like an artist–even though I’m not! My daughter is, however, and she can do anything she puts her mind and hands to,…so at least there are true Artists in my family and I can safely say “we ARE related!” Thanks for breaking things down,..that helps alot!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 26, 2023

      Hi! I am so glad that you are enjoying! It makes me really happy to hear you are having such a positive experience! You can do more than you may think! Thank you for your support!

      Log in to Reply
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My seven-year-old and I have officially entered th My seven-year-old and I have officially entered the @edward.gorey.house envelope art contest! 🎃 My design leans a bit more macabre, while my son’s is, well, gory. (Venus flytraps are apparently no joke.) Visit the TPK Blog to see my process — I love to start with a Procreate draft and take it from there. 

This is a great little contest, and, while it runs through December, it’s *especially* fun to work on this time of year. 👻 My kid and I both thoroughly enjoyed making our masterpieces! If you find yourself with some time in the next couple of months, make your own envelope ... there will be more than one winner! 🥇

#edwardgorey #envelopeart #mailart #kidsart #halloweenart #halloweenmail #envelope #snailmail #snailmailrevolution
Just added a new lesson to the Beginner’s Modern Just added a new lesson to the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course! ✍️ In Lesson 3, you’ll find over three hours of instruction to get you extremely comfortable using the straight calligraphy pen. If you want to learn pointed pen calligraphy, *join us*! TPK Premium members have the exclusive and incredible opportunity to take this detailed course for $5/month. Link in bio for details!

#calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #learncalligraphy #calligraphytips
Beautiful autumn leaves outside 🍂 inspire beaut Beautiful autumn leaves outside 🍂 inspire beautiful leaves inside ✨. You can find a tutorial over how to make this stunning bookmark in “The Calligraphy Book”. (Confession time: I don’t actually use this bookmark as a bookmark. It ended up being too pretty to be hiding inside a book! 🙈 Instead, I display it on my bulletin board.)

#bookmark #decoratedbookmark #autumnleaves #pointedpen #finetec #colirofinetec #metallicwatercolor
Which is your favorite? 👻 🍬 ✋ 🎃 Good Which is your favorite? 👻 🍬 ✋ 🎃 

Good news: whichever one you like best, you can learn how to create it in “Spellbound Strokes”, TPK’s Halloween 2025 worksheet set! The worksheet is available on the TPK site as of an hour ago. In it, you’ll learn how to create these fabulous Halloween-themed motifs ... and get plenty of calligraphy practice under your belt in the process. ✍️

For the worksheet link, see my stories today (10/9), or shoot me a DM. Happy Halloween, and enjoy!

#halloweencalligraphy #pointedpenpractice #pointedpen #dippen #halloweenart #macbeth
This is just as relaxing to watch as it is to wri This is just as relaxing to watch as it is to write. 🧘‍♀️ DM me for a link to a (free!) worksheet that teaches you how to write this loopy, modern quote. ✍️

#moderncalligraphy #learncalligraphy #calligraphy #handwritten #writingcalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphyvideo #tseliotquote
🎃 Halloween, TPK-style. ✍️ You can find ins 🎃 Halloween, TPK-style. ✍️ You can find instructions for making all of these project (and more!) on the TPK Blog and in TPK’s Halloween-themed worksheets. 🔗 Link in bio, then search for “Halloween” or just browse the Blog and Catalog!

#halloweencalligraphy #halloweenart #calligraphyprojects #halloweencraft #eleganthalloween
🤭 We’re ridiculous. Here’s the story: every 🤭 We’re ridiculous. Here’s the story: every month, @greenleafblue and I host a live creative coffee chat over Zoom for TPK Premium and G&B Patreon members — and we always include a giveaway. This time, we switched it up and picked the winner with a trivia question we made up on the fly. You can see how that went here!

✨ Watch the full chat on the TPK Blog (link in bio → “Blog”).

✨ Join us for the next coffee chat on October 17th by signing up for TPK Premium! I’m thrilled to announce that @sdionbakerdesign will be our special guest. (Her Patreon members can join, too!) And yes, there will be a giveaway. 🎁

👯‍♀️ Fun fact: Jess and I met as roommates studying art history in Paris + Florence way before The Postman’s Knock or Greenleaf & Blueberry existed. Over the years, we’ve nicknamed ourselves Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum, Lucy and Ethel… you get the idea. That familiarity definitely comes through in our chats.

#artistchat #artists #artsupplies #zoomchat #creativity #thepostmansknock #greenleafandblueberry
After eight years (and plenty of smudges), my chal After eight years (and plenty of smudges), my chalkboard finally got a makeover! This time, sketching out the design was so much easier thanks to my iPad + Procreate. Once the draft felt right, I used a grid method to bring it to life on the chalkboard. 🖊️✨ Curious how it all came together and find instructions for making your own chalkboard quote art? Check out the TPK Blog to see the process! (Link in bio, then navigate to the “Blog” tab.)

#chalkboard #chalkart #austenquote #janeausten #hyggequote #hyggeart #homeart #artforhome #artprocess #chalk
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