Show your calligraphy mentor some love!
Create a handmade calligraphy appreciation card using ink, brush or markers, decorative lettering, and a short thank-you message for your mentor.
Step-by-step guide to create a handmade calligraphy appreciation card
Step 1
Choose one piece of cardstock and lay it flat on a clean table.
Step 2
Fold the cardstock in half to make a card and press the fold so it stays flat.
Step 3
Use the ruler and pencil to draw light horizontal guide lines on the front where the greeting will go.
Step 4
On scrap paper practice the calligraphy strokes and the decorative letter shapes you want to use.
Step 5
Lightly sketch the main greeting on the front of the card with your pencil using the guide lines.
Step 6
Use your brush and ink or your marker to trace over the penciled greeting with calligraphy strokes.
Step 7
Let the ink or marker dry completely before touching the front of the card.
Step 8
Gently erase any visible pencil guide lines from the front of the card.
Step 9
Write a short thank-you message inside the card in neat handwriting.
Step 10
Sign your name at the end of your thank-you message.
Step 11
Add decorative touches like stickers washi tape or small drawings to the front and inside of the card.
Step 12
Place the finished card into the envelope.
Step 13
Write your mentor’s name on the front of the envelope neatly.
Step 14
Share a photo of your finished handmade calligraphy appreciation card on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have cardstock, a ruler, or brush ink for this card project?
If you don't have cardstock use folded construction paper or reinforce printer paper with a piece of cereal-box cardboard, substitute a book edge or straight scrap for the ruler in step 3, and replace brush and ink in step 6 with a brush-tip marker, felt-tip pen, or gel pen.
My ink smudged and pencil lines won't erase—what should I do to fix it?
Follow step 6 by letting the ink dry completely and blot excess on scrap paper, use a lighter pencil when sketching the greeting in step 5, then gently erase as in step 7 and reinforce a weak fold from step 2 by pressing it firmly with the back of a spoon.
How can I adapt the activity for younger children or make it more challenging for older kids?
For younger kids simplify steps 3–6 with thicker guide lines, chunky markers, and an adult pre-folding the cardstock, while older kids can practice on scrap paper in step 4, try a pointed nib or dip pen in step 6, and add detailed decorative lettering in step 11.
What are some ways to extend or personalize the handmade calligraphy card after finishing the basic steps?
To extend the project add a watercolor wash or gold-ink accents before step 6, tuck a small calligraphy practice sheet inside the card in step 12, press a dried flower onto the front as part of step 11, and embellish the envelope prior to step 14 before sharing a photo on DIY.org in step 15.
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Facts about calligraphy and hand lettering
✒️ The word "calligraphy" comes from Greek kallos (beauty) + graphe (writing) — it literally means "beautiful writing."
🙏 A simple handwritten thank-you note can be more memorable than a digital message and helps strengthen mentor relationships.
🖌️ East Asian calligraphers often grind solid ink sticks on an inkstone and use soft brushes instead of pens.
💌 Handmade and decorative greeting cards became especially popular during the Victorian era as a social custom.
🖋️ People used ink to write thousands of years ago; ancient Egyptians were making inks over 4,000 years ago.
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