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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. Leanne Avatar
    Leanne
    February 6, 2023

    Thanks ,inspired to make my own

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

      I hope that you do! Thank you for supporting!

      Log in to Reply
  2. Taylor Avatar
    Taylor
    February 6, 2023

    I’ve been looking for easy to do borders to make my journal a little less blah when I’m not feeling super crafty. Your tutorials are the absolute best and so easy to follow!

    P.S. Thank you for all your amazing calligraphy tutorials! I was so overwhelmed when I first started I had no idea where to begin and almost gave up completely until I came across your blog. You have literally changed my life for the better and gave me something to be passionate about. Even when I fall into a creative slump, I know I can come here and find something to get me going again. I truly appreciate all the hard work you do! 💕

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

      I am glad that you found those tutorials useful! They are an easy way to add a touch of flare to pretty much anything! Thank you for the kind words! I am so happy to spark some passion and hope that you find inspiration to continue practicing and working on projects! Thank you for supporting and enjoying!

      Log in to Reply
  3. Jahleel Avatar
    Jahleel
    February 6, 2023

    Borders are such a fun way to glam up a project, thanks!

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

      I agree! I am so glad that you like them!

      Log in to Reply
  4. Michele Chung Avatar
    Michele Chung
    February 6, 2023

    This is very useful and easy to pick up. Thank you, Lindsey!!

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    1. Lindsey Bugbee Avatar
      Lindsey Bugbee
      February 24, 2023

      My pleasure! I am so glad that you like it!

      Log in to Reply
  5. C Hopkinson Avatar
    C Hopkinson
    February 6, 2023

    I love making cards, and to add the extra finish of a bordered envelope is extra special. Wonderful post!

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

      Thank you! I agree with you! A great and fun way to add something extra to a nice card!

      Log in to Reply
  6. Lindsay Avatar
    Lindsay
    February 6, 2023

    The video tutorials paired with the new photos/written instructions are so helpful! Thank you!

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

      I am glad that you think so! Thank you so much for supporting!

      Log in to Reply
  7. puppyeasy Avatar
    puppyeasy
    February 1, 2023

    THANK YOU 😊, you make intricate calligraphy easy by fun (“horseshoe”) and explaining step by step, either pictures and/or video. I’m on and off from practicing, always 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️still read your blog and instructions, download what I can do in short time. So far I have been able to learn how to start calligraphy and some watwrcolors 😉. Even my husband has asked me to make some thank you cards 🤷🏻‍♀️.
    Keep on with the beautiful art, you can do soooo much ✨️ and are very kind teacher.
    Hope sneezes and cold go away pretty soon from your kids.
    THANK YOU again for all you are doing, all of you at the TPK 💝

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

      Thank you for the well wishes! It warms my heart that you enjoy it so much, are so enthusiastic, and are able to apply the tutorials to your own projects! 😊

      Log in to Reply
  8. Barbara Avatar
    Barbara
    February 1, 2023

    I really appreciate how do-able you make these projects appear. It’s encouraging to beginners and those of us who are getting back into calligraphy after a period of [many] years. Thank you!

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

      Thank you! That is so kind of you and definitely one of my goals to make calligraphy feel more accessible to as many people are possible. Good luck getting back into it! You will do great I am sure 😊

      Log in to Reply
  9. Jane McCrary Avatar
    Jane McCrary
    February 1, 2023

    I love that you have started including short videos with some of your projects! It helps me to understand the process and gives me confidence that I can do it as well. Thanks!

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

      I am glad that you like that aspect! I hope that you can continue to enjoy content on this site! Thank you!

      Log in to Reply
  10. Helen Avatar
    Helen
    February 1, 2023

    So simple but so cute. I love the video tutorials paired with the photos/written instructions. I can watch the video then use the written instructions for prompts.

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

      That is a great duo and way to do it! Thank you for enjoying and supporting!

      Log in to Reply
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✍️ There’s a fresh addition to the TPK Catal ✍️ There’s a fresh addition to the TPK Catalog: The Graceful Ballerina Calligraphy Drill Worksheet 

This ballerina is unique among TPK calligraphy drills in that it’s really not that complicated. After a few simple loops, a flourished tutu, and long strokes to make the legs, you have, well, a ballerina! 🩰 The most difficult part is getting the outline right; but even that isn’t too bad because you’ve got a traceable outline included in your worksheet set.

The beauty of the flourished ballerina? She makes *anything* look elegant: cards, envelopes, gift tags, whatever. My recommendation is to feature her on your next envelope. She’ll add a “wow” factor and allow you to left-justify the address, which is always a relief (no need to bother with centering)!

To find her, visit the link in my bio, then navigate to the Blog!

#thepostmansknock #tpk #calligraphy #calligraphydrills #calligraphyworksheet #moderncalligraphy #pointedpen #pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphypractice #flourishing #flourishedart #mailart #snailmail #envelopeart #envelopecalligraphy #handlettering #creativeprocess #artistsoninstagram #balletart #ballerinadrawing #ballerinaart #inkdrawing #calligraphycommunity #stationerylove #letterwritersalliance #penandink #calligraphyinspiration #learncalligraphy #artistlife #creativeplay
✨I’ve been making these little calligraphy Chr ✨I’ve been making these little calligraphy Christmas trees for years. They’re a go-to whenever I need a quick gift tag, envelope flourish, or something festive that doesn’t require a whole afternoon.

They look fancy, but they’re really just simple strokes stacked in different patterns. Truly: once you get the rhythm down, you can make a tree in under 30 seconds. 🎄 

If you want to try them (there are six styles!), the tutorial is on the TPK Blog, and it’s called
“6 Simple Ways to Make a Calligraphy Christmas Tree.” Feel free to google it, or visit: thepostmansknock.com/6-simple-ways-to-make-a-calligraphy-christmas-tree/

It’s very beginner-friendly, video-based, and a great way to get some creativity in during a busy season. I hope you love it as much as I do. 💛

#calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #holidaycalligraphy #calligraphyart #creativelifehappylife #christmascrafts #holidaycrafts #giftwrappingideas #diychristmas #christmascards #calligraphytutorial #finetec #metallicwatercolor #papercrafts #creativepractice #thepostmansknock #holidayinspiration #blackandgold #christmasideas #holidayideas
🎁 These printable gift tags are one of my favor 🎁 These printable gift tags are one of my favorite free printables on the TPK site. Just download, print, cut them out, and — if you want to — reinforce them with a bit of cardstock.

Inside the PDF you’ll find four designs: Festive Frida, Flourished Tree, Pine Boughs, and Merry & Bright. They’re all hand-drawn, and they make even the simplest wrapping look bespoke and artistic. 🎨 

Pro tip: If you’ve got a bit of extra time, add a pop of watercolor or some gold dots; and consider mounting the tag on a contrasting piece of cardstock for extra oomph.

They’re free to download at: thepostmansknock.com/free-super-cool-hand-drawn-printable-gift-tags/ (or visit the link in my stories today). Happy holidays!

#handdrawn #gifttags #printablegifttags #freeprintables #holidayprintables #christmascrafts #holidaygifts #papercrafts #snailmailinspo #mailart #creativegiftwrapping #diyholiday #diygifttags #artistsoninstagram #illustrationartists #thepostmansknock #tpkcommunity #calligraphycommunity #stationerylove #creativecommunity
There’s something extra fun about a card that do There’s something extra fun about a card that doesn’t just open … it comes to life. ✨ This little stand-up tree might look fancy, but it’s totally approachable — relaxing to make, satisfying to embellish, and (my favorite part) it folds up perfectly to pop in the mail. 💌🎄

If you’re looking for a holiday project that feels creative and doable, this is *such* a good one. The printable template does half the work for you, and you can customize the rest with flourishes, white ink, ornaments, or whatever feels festive to you.

The full step-by-step tutorial is waiting for you on the TPK website; just head to the link in my bio and tap “Blog.” I think you’ll have as much fun making this as I did. ❤️

#calligraphy #calligraphytutorial #holidaycalligraphy #flourishedcalligraphy #moderncalligraphy #calligraphycommunity #calligraphypractice #calligraphyart #letteringcommunity #letteringart #papercraft #papercrafting #diycards #handmadecards #holidaycards #christmascards #christmascrafts #snailmail #snailmailrevolution #snailmaillove #creativecommunity #stationerylove #makersgonnamake #thepostmansknock
I love it when I can make simple pointed pen pract I love it when I can make simple pointed pen practice on cardstock ... and it magically turns into a festive card! Find instructions + a printable template for making this “Loop-de-Loop” tree in the TPK 2025 Holiday Calligraphy Worksheet set. 🎄 (Link in bio, then navigate to the Blog!)

#pointedpen #calligraphy #calligraphypractice #pointedpenpractice #holiday #christmastree #treedrawing #doodles #goldwatercolor
Every November since 2016, I’ve looked forward t Every November since 2016, I’ve looked forward to sitting down with a cup of something warm ☕️ and sketching out ideas for the TPK holiday worksheet. This year was no exception, and I think you’ll be pleased with the motifs! They’re designed to bring calm, beauty, and (sneaky) pointed pen practice to your holiday season. 🎄Visit the TPK Blog (link in bio, then navigate to Blog) for details!
The other day, I was thinking about sending out ho The other day, I was thinking about sending out holiday cards, and I immediately dismissed the thought with, “I have zero time to calligraph envelopes for those.” ✍️

... But is that true? I put it to the test for the latest article on the TPK Blog. Using some time-saving tricks I’ve learned over the years (like using a watery ink, a bouncy calligraphy style, and minimal pencil guidelines), I timed myself making three envelope concepts. Two of them took 5 minutes or less. The most time-intensive took 5 minutes, 30 seconds. The envelopes still turned out looking elegant, especially with the help of some artistic postage stamp collages. 💌

For clear step-by-step tutorials detailing how to make these envelopes and sourcing pretty postage, visit the TPK Blog (link in bio, then navigate to “Blog”)!

#snailmail #mail #calligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #happymail #snailmailrevolution #mailbox #postage #vintagepostage
After I chose this music to accompany this reel, i After I chose this music to accompany this reel, it dawned on me: drawing a calligraphy medallion is like, well, Belle’s arc with the Beast. 

At first, it’s a bit of a weird situation. Strange shapes, questionable structure, possibly some growling (à la “YOU WILL JOIN ME FOR DINNER. That’s not a request!”) when the inevitable ink smudge happens. You keep thinking, “I’m not sure why I’m doing this ... should I hop on Felipe and gallop away?” 🐎

But something shifts as the medallion starts to come to life. And when you finish that last detail and pull back, the music swells. Light bursts from your paper like it did from Beast’s digits as he transformed into a stunningly beautiful prince. ✨ You’re practically in a ballroom celebrating, and, wait, did your furniture just turn into an adoring crowd that’s celebrating your fortitude and skill?

(And now you know how my mind works 🧠 ... I love a good metaphor, no matter how weak it may be!) 

To learn how to make a calligraphy medallion, just search for “calligraphy medallion” on the TPK site (link in bio). You’ll find both free Blog tutorials and detailed premium worksheets.

... I’ll show myself out now. 🙈

#pointedpencalligraphy #calligraphy #handwritten #pointedpen #dippen #calligraphymedallion #calligraphydrill #calligraphypractice
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