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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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✍️ Lesson 2 of the brand-new Beginner’s Mode ✍️ Lesson 2 of the brand-new Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course just dropped! In it, we’ll take a deep dive into supplies and workspace setup. Then, we’ll do a little preliminary assignment. This clip was taken from the workspace video. In it, I’ll show you how I store my supplies and give you a tour of my workspace and how I set myself up for calligraphy creation success. (Literally: I show you everything, right down to where I put my iPad to keep a movie on in the background while I work.)

Link in bio to enroll in the course! If you’re not taking it, **do**!! It’s already got 3+ hours of video instruction in just two lessons.

#calligraphyadvice #moderncalligraphy #pointedpencalligraphy #artcreation #calligrapher #artstudio
I love watching project timelapses — like a comp I love watching project timelapses — like a complicated calligraphy or watercolor project coming together in a matter of seconds. A cleaning timelapse, then, is a no-brainer! My friend mentioned that she does these when she needs a little extra motivation to tidy up. I was totally feeling that this weekend, so I made a couple of these. The anticipation of knowing that I’d get to watch the room become neat in an instant was actually incredibly motivating. It’s the little things, right? 😉 #cleaningtimelapse #cleaning #tidyingup #neatandtidy
🖍️ We have a million crayons laying around be 🖍️ We have a million crayons laying around because my kids love to color (right now, their pages of choice are K-Pop Demon Hunter-themed). While I’m always down for some adult coloring, I also love to letter with crayons! In the latest TPK tutorial — link in bio — you’ll learn how to make this cozy ombré wax crayon calligraphy. 🍁 Switch up the color scheme if you’re not a pumpkin spice person! This technique looks great with light blue, dark blue, and dark purple; or light green, dark green, and dark blue. #crayoncalligraphy #crayolacrayons #waxcrayons #adultcoloring #autumnart #cozylettering #handlettering #lettering
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
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