How to Make Calligraphy Place Cards - Easy DIY Brush Lettering

1. 1

   Step 1: Fold 4x6 Index Cards Into Tent Place Cards

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   Fold a stack of 4x6 index cards in half across the short side so each one stands up as a tent. Run a fingernail along the fold so it stays crisp. Set your pens out next to the cards, along with your list of names. She uses a hard tip and a soft tip Tombow Fudenosuke brush pen, plus a fine marker for the small print.

   Tip:

   Lined index cards work too. Fold them so the lines end up on the inside.

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   Used in this step4x6 unruled white index cardsTombow Fudenosuke brush pen hard tip

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2. 2

   Step 2: Write the Name on the Place Card Without Penciling

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   Skip the pencil guide. Pencil rarely erases cleanly on index card stock. It smudges and can leave dents even when you press lightly. Write the name straight onto the card with the brush pen instead, moving slowly and steadily. Rest your other hand on the card so it does not slide while you letter.

   Tip:

   Warm up on a scrap card first. Your first few names are always the stiffest.

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   Used in this stepTombow Fudenosuke brush pen soft tipTombow Fudenosuke brush pen hard tip

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3. 3

   Step 3: Add a Table Number to the Place Card in Small Print

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   Under the name, add the table number in small print with an ultra fine Sharpie or a fineliner. Keep it simple and light, like table two, so the name stays the star of the card. Small print in plain letters also makes a good contrast with the brush script above it. Line it up under the end of the name or center it.

   Tip:

   Use the same pen for every table number so the set looks consistent.

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   Used in this stepSharpie ultra fine point permanent marker blackSakura Pigma Micron fineliner pen 05

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4. 4

   Step 4: Use Thick Downstrokes and Thin Upstrokes on the Place Card Name

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   Brush lettering comes from pressure. Press the tip down as your pen moves toward you for a thick stroke. Ease up as the pen moves away for a thin hairline. You can see it in the capital A here: heavy legs, thin connecting lines. Go letter by letter, lifting the pen between strokes if it helps you keep control.

   Tip:

   Hold the pen at a low angle. Standing it upright makes thick strokes hard to get.

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   Used in this stepTombow Fudenosuke brush pen soft tip

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5. 5

   Step 5: Slow Down and Check the Spelling on Each Place Card

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   Take your time on every card. Speed is where mistakes creep in, so write as slowly as you need. Before you start a name, check it against your list twice. She has written a gorgeous card with the name spelled wrong, and it happens to everyone. If you slip, grab a fresh card and start over.

   Tip:

   Read each finished card back against the list before it goes in the done pile.

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   Used in this step4x6 unruled white index cards

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6. 6

   Step 6: Try a Lowercase Name With a Spaced Capital Surname

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   For a modern look, write the first name in all lowercase calligraphy. Underneath, print the last name in small capital letters with extra space between each one. The wide spacing balances the loops of the script above. Here a small boxed number in the corner marks the table without crowding the names.

   Tip:

   Space the capitals to roughly match the width of the name above.

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   Used in this stepSharpie ultra fine point permanent marker blackTombow Fudenosuke brush pen hard tip

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7. 7

   Step 7: Run the Calligraphy Name Edge to Edge on the Place Card

   Watch this step · 4:30

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   Let the first and last strokes of the name run right off both edges of the card. On the Wenday card, the W and the y both reach the edge. It makes a bold, full card. Add the table number in small capitals below, centered under the name. You can also keep the name centered and only stretch the entry and exit strokes.

   Tip:

   Start the first stroke off the card on scrap paper so the line stays smooth.

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   Used in this stepTombow Fudenosuke brush pen soft tipSakura Pigma Micron fineliner pen 05

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8. 8

   Step 8: Write a Bouncy Calligraphy Place Card With a Table Assignment

   Watch this step · 4:50

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   Bounce lettering lets letters sit above and below the line instead of in a flat row. Write the name in thicker strokes and let some letters dip and others rise. Add the table assignment underneath in a lighter hand. It looks relaxed and fun, which suits birthdays, showers and casual weddings.

   Tip:

   Keep the bounce on the lowercase letters. Capitals stay steady.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stepTombow Fudenosuke brush pen soft tipSharpie ultra fine point permanent marker black

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Keep going

How to Write Italic Capital Letters

8 steps · about 8 minutes

→

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