A couple of weeks ago I shared a calligraphy card design especially for Christmas. If you missed it and want to check it out, you can find the tutorial and free template here. Today, I’d like to help complete your Christmas card mailings with a free envelope guide design. In fact, it’s the same one that I’m using this year to send our family’s holiday greetings.
Here are the supplies you will need:
· fine-tipped pen (I like micron)
· calligraphy pen and nib
· metallic ink or watercolor (I used Arabic gold in this set)
· small round paint brush if using watercolor
· jar of water
· lint-free cloth
· free template
This design is customized for 5x7 envelopes. Begin by printing and cutting out the template.
Then, place the template inside of an envelope. Using white or light colored envelopes is a huge time saver, because guidelines are visible through the paper when using a light table.
Once the template is centered inside the envelope, use a fine-tipped pen to trace the scroll and greenery flourishes. Do not trace the rectangle boxes and centering line.
Then, add names inside the scrolls with metallic calligraphy ink or watercolor. If you're using watercolor, add a few drops of water to the pan and mix gently with a small paint brush. When it is about the consistency of milk, paint onto the back of your nib. Shake off any excess into a water jar or onto a paper towel. Now your nib is ready for writing. Repeat this process for each time you need to "re-dip."
Using the rectangular box guidelines and centering line, which are visible through the envelope, add the rest of the address in calligraphy. I also added gold to the berries in the greenery flourishes.
I tried to keep the design simple since it needs to be replicated for each card you send. I hope this design has not only added beauty to your holiday card tradition, but also made it fun and easy. I’d love to hear if this tutorial and template have been helpful to you.
Be sure to download the free template below! Merry Christmas!
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