Making White and Gold Pointed Pen Calligraphy on a Navy Envelope (Real Time)

Today, I'm making white and gold flourished pointed pen calligraphy on a navy blue envelope that will house a gift certificate. This video isn't so much a tutorial as it is just something soothing to put on in the background as you write something yourself! In it, I'll walk you through what I'm doing and why I'm doing it, so hopefully you'll be able to glean some tips for your own calligraphy creation.
To dive into flourishing with a free worksheet, see: thepostmansknock.com/calligra...

[@jenessahooper4563]

It’s so helpful to see this in real time and process. I always feel so crazy erasing and adjusting over and over to get it balanced just right! It’s so gratifying to know that what I thought was proof I wasn’t skilled is proof that I actually am. 😊

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

Absolutely. The fact that you're putting time and care into your calligraphy says that you're doing it right.

[@PennyPage123]

This is brilliant, to see just how slow to go to get the result. Very helpful indeed. thank you very much. To see how to turn the paper and decide on which letters to do to save smudging, great advice. Lover you tucking the brush into your hair, afraid I don't have long hair, so not an option for me but great idea. The whole video has been very inspirational.

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

When my hair is down, I use one of these to put my brushes/pens into: us.glasshousefragrances.com/products/scent-scene-stand-1?&variant=42174254743725 -- I wouldn't buy one *specifically* for that purpose, but I happened to get one for Christmas and found the scent sticks to be way too scented, so I threw them out and -- lo and behold! -- a great brush/pen stand. :) I'll bet you have something similar laying around?

[@user-hh8gp1hd1k]

I loved watching your creative process in real time. No matter what you've said about how much time it should take to do good calligraphy, I've felt that a professional probably knocks things out quickly. It was enlightening to see just how long it takes you to do one piece. In addition, although it wasn't meant to be a technical tutorial, I was able to see exactly how you hold your oblique pen. I picked up my pen right after watching your video and realized that my pen position is one of the reasons why I've had so much trouble getting the thin upstrokes. I was excited to find that with a little tweaking, my upstrokes had improved. Thank you, Leslie!

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

This feedback makes me soooo happy! Yes, calligraphy is a slow process regardless of who is doing it! I love that you realized that watching the video and will take that into your own practice going forward. :D

[@charlinebosse1099]

Just so beautiful! I love the little flourishes that looks like tassels, so cute. And yes, there is often a struggle when it comes to stop...or do I add more. The secret is also in the SLOW...Just downloaded my free worksheet. Thank you so much.

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

Aw, thanks for your thoughtful comments! And yesss!! Speed (or lack thereof) is so important when it comes to successful pointed pen work. :)

[@pattijacobs1]

Beautiful! And yes, I thought it would be done quicker! When I do regular calligraphy I go faster and I see where I should slow down. Thanks for sharing!

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

I'm so glad this was helpful to see!

[@marilynhuffaker8915]

Real Time = good reminder of how this really works. Also seeing the full arm movement is a good personal reminder. Thank you!

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

I'm so glad! I'm always concerned when I post real-time stuff because I figure people will get bored. That's great feedback. Thank you!!

[@Rustdog50]

Love to watch the process in action.

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

Thank you!!

[@dianapatrick7761]

This looks like so much fun!!

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

It really is -- such a great way to just zone out and enjoy!

[@amareamore1693]

Yayyyy new long tutorial video🎉🎉🎉🎉 2024

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

One of my goals for the second half of this year is to make more KZbin videos!😊

[@manujagupta5466]

Simply watching Lindsey as she teaches itself is relaxing ❤

[@mellyju]

Loved this thank you!

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

You're so welcome!

[@alikigeorgiou8499]

Loved waatching you make this envelope - it looked beautiful!

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

I'm so glad you liked it -- thank you for the kind feedback!

[@patty17294]

I watched a video where the calligrapher had it written at the edge of the screen *sped 500 times*, that's when I realized the reels are not in real speed

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

Abbbbsolutely. For reels, you just about have to speed it up to keep people engaged and interested. But in real life, calligraphy is pretty slow and therapeutic.

[@morgenmachen2400]

I seriously underestimated how long my envelopes would take this Christmas. I did dark envelopes and i used my white mechanical pencil, gliding ruler and one of the plexiglass tools with the heights and slants (i forget what its called). They STILL took 30 min per - easily! I think your walking through your process outloud is super helpful for beginners. Your envelope turned out nicely ❤ Happy New Year to you three!

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

That's calligraphy in a nutshell! I would have told you that this would take me 15 minutes to whip up, tops. I usually need to multiply my own time estimation by *at least* two! It's tough not to get caught up in the process as the clock positively races. 🤷‍♀️

[@agreedtobeme9540]

I still have a major problem when it comes to the flares and all the additional flourishes that you put into the writing of even a simple name. How do you decide the curves and the actual dynamics of when is too much too much and when is just the right amount of flourishes and embellishments added into the writing ?

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

I'm a terrible person to ask when too much is too much, haha! I've definitely been accused of going over the top, and I know that I often do. SO, take my advice with a grain of salt. But, here's what I consider when flourishing: 1. Purpose of the Piece: Think about the purpose and context of what you are writing. A formal invitation might allow for more elaborate flourishes compared to a simple thank-you note. 2. Balance and Symmetry: Try to balance the visual weight across your piece. If you add a flourish to one part, consider how you can balance it on the other side. This doesn’t mean everything has to be symmetrical, but a visual balance can definitely make the piece more aesthetically pleasing. 3. Whitespace: Pay attention to the whitespace around your words. Good flourishes will frame and emphasize the text, but too many can make it look cluttered. If the embellishments start to overwhelm the main text (and that's a problem), it might be time to scale back. 4. Look for Inspiration: Observe how experienced calligraphers incorporate flourishes into their work (Pinterest and Instagram are good places for this). Notice how they decide placement and style based on the composition of the piece. If you're not enrolled in the Flourish With Me course, it's a really good resource for learning how to flourish in a clean, balanced, and intentional way. You can find more info here: thepostmansknock.com/catalog/flourish-with-me-a-pointed-pen-calligraphy-online-course/ Thanks for a good question!

[@agreedtobeme9540]

@@LindseyBugbeeTPK Thanks Lindsey. Good answer to a novice. Trying to decide if I can even take on this type of calligraphy. I specialize more in the Old English and church style text. But Thank you.

[@manujagupta5466]

30 min??? I took 2 days for that one envelope which i made for a card. "This is ok...um....no....maybe this..... tear up the draft. Start anew..."🤔🤔🤔🤔😅 It's a miracle i was able to gift it at Christmas.

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

Haha you definitely are making me feel better! ;)

[@mellyju]

What is the white pencil please

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

It's this one -- I LOVE this thing!: thepostmansknock.com/catalog/white-mechanical-pencil/