Author: Shi Yiing Tan

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Relaxing Weekend Activities for Retirees in KL – Try Brush Lettering & Watercolor Painting

Relaxing Weekend Activities for retirees in Kuala Lumpur

Retirement is a beautiful new chapter—a time to slow down, explore forgotten passions, and finally enjoy weekends at your own pace. If you’re looking for peaceful and creative weekend activities in Kuala Lumpur, brush lettering and watercolor painting might be just what your soul needs.

We’ve welcomed many retirees into our private art classes, and it’s always a joy to see how quickly they fall in love with creating again.

Why Creative Arts After Retirement?

Many students say the same thing: “I haven’t held a pen or painting brush since school!”

Now is the perfect time to rediscover the joy of art, not for grades or deadlines, but simply for pleasure.

Creative hobbies like brush lettering and watercolor help with:

  • Reducing stress
  • Improving focus and hand coordination
  • Stimulating memory and creativity
  • Bringing joy in a calm, non-rushed setting

Brush Lettering Class – Learn to Write Beautiful Words

Brush lettering is the art of drawing letters with expressive strokes. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys writing, journaling, or even sending handmade cards.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How to use a brush pen (provided)
  • Stroke techniques and letterforms
  • Creating your quote card

Watercolor Painting Class – Let Colors Flow Freely

Watercolor is all about letting go and enjoying how colors blend and move. You don’t need any experience — we’ll guide you step-by-step.

In each session, you’ll:

  • Explore simple floral or nature themes
  • Learn blending, layering, and brush control
  • Create your frame-worthy master piece

We keep our classes small and private, so everyone gets gentle guidance — no pressure, just enjoyment.

Weekend Classes in KL (or Online at Home)

Our Sunday sessions are held in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. Each class includes:

  • All materials provided
  • Warm, beginner-friendly instruction
  • and lots of encouragement!

Book Your Creative Weekend Today

Whether you’re retired or simply seeking slower weekends, you’re warmly invited to join us!

Tap here to view upcoming classes
Or WhatsApp us for bookings!

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DIY Creative Gift Ideas with Brush Lettering for Any Occasion

Looking for a meaningful, personalized gift that feels extra special? Brush lettering makes it easy to turn simple items into heartfelt treasures — perfect for birthdays, weddings, Raya, Christmas, and more.

Whether you’re a total beginner or already obsessed with calligraphy, here are some fun, easy DIY gift ideas that anyone can make with just a brush pen and a little creativity.

1. Hand-Lettered Greeting Cards

Nothing beats a handmade card with your brush lettering. Write the recipient’s name or a short quote like:

  • “You’re the best, Ma!”
  • “Selamat Hari Raya”
  • “You make my heart smile.”

What you need:
Brush pen, blank card, maybe some stickers or washi tape.
Tip: Add floral doodles or a watercolor wash to level it up.

2. Custom Name Tags or Gift Tags

Create small name tags for party favors, wedding tables, or gift boxes. Write each guest’s name in your style—everyone loves seeing their name in beautiful writing!

Materials:
Craft paper, twine, brush pen, hole punch

custom brush lettering gift tag with floral background

3. Personalized Tote Bags

Buy a blank canvas tote and letter a motivational quote or their name using fabric brush markers (like the Pilot Laundry-Tec Pen).

Quote ideas:

  • “You Got This!”
  • “Books. Snacks. Vibes.”
  • Their name in big calligraphy + a doodle

Where to get blank totes: Shopee, Daiso, Art Friend

4. DIY Framed Quotes

Design a favorite quote or inside joke with brush lettering, and frame it! This makes a great decor piece for home or office—and it’s budget-friendly.

Tip: Print your lettering on watercolor-textured paper for an artsy effect.

5. Handwritten Envelopes with Cash (Duit Raya or Angpau)

Turn ordinary money envelopes into a mini artwork with brush lettering and doodles. Write their name or a blessing.

6. Lettered Bookmarks

Cut thick paper into strips and letter your favorite quotes, affirmations, or initials. Laminate them if you’d like. Add a tassel for flair!

Perfect for party favors, teacher gifts, or handmade giveaway items.

7. DIY Mini Calendars or Planner Covers

Design a mini calendar with hand-lettered months or decorate a planner cover with a motivational brush-lettered quote.

Don’t Know Where to Start? Join a Class!

At Washilicious, we’ll guide you step-by-step through creating your hand-lettered gifts in our private brush lettering workshops (in KL or online). You’ll learn basic strokes and layout tricks and leave with a gift-worthy final piece.

Book Your Creative Class Here
(Materials included — even if you’re a total beginner!)

Download Free Brush Lettering Worksheets

Do you want to practice your brush lettering before creating your custom name and gift tags? We’ve got you covered! Click the links below to download your free worksheets and create stunning brush lettering tags today!

Free Downloads:

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Best Brush Pens for Beginners in Malaysia (2025 Buying Guide)

Best Brush Pens for Beginners in Malaysia

Getting started with brush lettering can feel a little overwhelming, especially when there are so many brush pens to choose from. If you’re a beginner wondering which tools are worth trying, this guide will walk you through the best brush pens for different skill levels, all easily available in local stores or online.

What Makes a Brush Pen Beginner-Friendly?

When choosing your first brush pen, here are a few things to look for:

  • Flexible Tip: Not too soft or too hard—just enough bounce to control.
  • Ink Flow: Smooth and consistent, without bleeding.
  • Grip & Control: Feels comfortable in your hand for longer practice sessions.

Top 5 Brush Pens for Beginners in Malaysia

1. Tombow Fudenosuke (Hard Tip)

Image via Tombow (website)

2. Pentel Fude Touch Sign Pen

  • Why Beginners Love It: Comes in beautiful colours with a soft-but-snappy tip.
  • Where to Buy: Popular Bookstore, Lazada, Pentel official Store
  • Best For: Colourful lettering, decorative headers
Image via Pentel website

3. Sakura Pigma Brush Pen (Fine Tip)

  • Why Beginners Love It: Archival ink and waterproof—great for long-lasting work.
  • Where to Buy: Art Friend, Shopee
  • Best For: Card-making, final pieces
Image via Sakura website

4. Kuretake Fudebiyori

  • Why Beginners Love It: Rich colours, slightly longer tip for bold strokes.
  • Where to Buy: JetPens
  • Best For: Medium lettering styles and decorative designs

5. Pilot Fude Makase (Fine Tip)

  • Why Beginners Love It: Affordable, reliable, and comes in soft pastel ink.
  • Where to Buy: Pilot Official Store, Cziplee
  • Best For: Budget-friendly practice pens
Image via Pilot website

What About Paper?

Using the wrong paper can damage your brush tips! Stick to:

Image via Rhodia website

Want to Try Before You Buy?

At Washilicious, we provide all materials during your first class, including beginner-friendly pens. You’ll get to test different paper types and discover what feels best in your hand.

Final Tip: Start with One Pen and Practice Daily

You don’t need an entire collection to start. Just pick one, print out some basic stroke drills, and practice for 5–10 minutes a day. It’s all about consistency, not perfection.

Ready to Start Your Lettering Journey?

Join our beginner brush lettering class in KL! You’ll leave with your pen, practice sheets, and a finished piece you’ll be proud of.

Book Your Spot Today – Limited Monthly Slots

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Brush Lettering for Beginners: 7 Tips to Get You Started

Brush Lettering for Beginners 7 Tips to Get You Started
Brush Lettering for Beginners 7 Tips to Get You Started

If you’ve ever watched someone effortlessly create beautiful hand-lettered quotes on Instagram or TikTok, you’re not alone. Brush lettering is not just a hobby, but as a relaxing, therapeutic art form.

Whether you’re a total beginner or just curious, these beginner-friendly tips will help you start your journey into brush calligraphy.

1. Choose the Right Tools

Start with basic tools:

  • A beginner brush pen like Tombow Fudenosuke or Pentel Fude Touch.
  • Smooth, bleed-proof paper (you can find these at Cziplee, Stickerrific, Art Friends, Kinokuniya, or even Mr. DIY).

Want a ready-to-go starter kit? We provide one with our beginner classes!

Image via Pentel Malaysia

2. Master the Pressure: Light Up, Heavy Down

This is the golden rule in brush lettering:
Light pressure on upstrokes, heavy pressure on downstrokes.
It takes time for your hand to get used to it—don’t worry if it feels awkward at first.

3. Practice Simple Drills First

Before jumping into writing words, start with basic strokes:

  • Upstrokes
  • Downstrokes
  • Loops
  • Ovals

These drills help build muscle memory—just 5–10 minutes a day works wonders.

4. Take It Slow

Speed ruins control. Brush lettering is more like dancing than writing—it’s all about rhythm.
So… slow it down. Breathe. Repeat.

5. Learn from Local Creators

There are plenty of Malaysian artists sharing brush lettering on social media.
Look for local hashtags like #malaysiacalligrapher or follow creators like @washilicious (that’s me!).

6. Don’t Compare Your Start to Someone’s Finish

We all start at zero. Comparing your Day 1 with someone’s Year 5 only adds pressure. Enjoy your progress—it’s part of the fun!

7. Consider Taking a Class

Self-learning is great, but a class can:

  • Correct bad habits early
  • Give you personalized feedback
  • Boost your progress with hands-on demos

At Washilicious, our brush lettering classes in Setapak (or online) are designed to be beginner-safe, stress-free, and full of good vibes. You’ll leave with a finished piece, a brush pen, and loads of confidence.

Want a Free Starter Guide?

Download our free practice sheet for beginners by joining our email list!

Ready to Try Brush Lettering for Real?

Book your private class with us today – we’ve taught over 400 Malaysians how to turn words into art.

Book a Class – Limited Slots Monthly

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Top 5 Brush Lettering Classes in Kuala Lumpur – 2025 Edition

Top 5 Brush Lettering Classes in Kuala Lumpur – 2025 Edition
Top 5 Brush Lettering Classes in Kuala Lumpur – 2025 Edition

Looking to explore brush lettering in Kuala Lumpur but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re aiming to create handmade cards, design your wedding signage, or want a relaxing, creative hobby, brush lettering is one of the most fun and rewarding art forms to try. Here’s our pick of the top classes in Kuala Lumpur you can join in 2025.

1. Washilicious – Private & Personalized Classes in Setapak / Online

If you’re looking for a cozy, beginner-friendly experience, Washilicious is perfect. Classes are led by a Malaysian lettering artist with a warm teaching style, perfect for nervous newbies. You get full attention with one-on-one or small-group sessions, and all materials are included.

Why We Love It:

  • Personal attention and feedback
  • Perfect for total beginners
  • Relaxed, cozy vibes
  • WhatsApp support before and after class

Website: Class Schedules

private brush lettering and watercolor floral class KL Malaysia
Image via Washilicious

2. Craft at No.7 – Creative Studio Workshops in PJ

Located in the heart of Petaling Jaya, this cute studio offers weekend brush lettering workshops. The setting is IG-worthy, and the vibe is very community-oriented.

Image via Craft at No.7 (Instagram)

3. The Alphabet Press – Calligraphy with a Professional Twist

They specialize in both modern and copperplate calligraphy with a sleek studio setting. Slightly more advanced but great if you want a polished portfolio.

4. Stickerrific – For the Hobbyist

Stickerrific is a stationery store that hosts occasional lettering and journaling workshops. Great if you want to try brush lettering before committing to a full class.

Image via Stickerrific (Instagram)

5. The Weekend Workshop – Creative Events Across KL

They host all sorts of crafty events, including occasional calligraphy sessions. Good for casual learners looking for something social.

How to Choose the Right Class for You:

  • Are you a complete beginner? Go for a private or beginner-focused class (like Washilicious).
  • Do you prefer a social setting or 1-on-1 attention?
  • Want to learn online? Some classes offer Zoom options too.

Ready to Start?

Washilicious offers a welcoming way to dip your toes into brush lettering. Whether you’re looking for a chill weekend activity or a new creative outlet, their classes are perfect for beginners who want something personal, fun, and stress-free.

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The Underturn

Let’s explore the underturn, a fundamental stroke commonly found in lowercase letters such as a, i, u, and w. The underturn is characterized by its u-shape, starting with a thick downstroke that transitions smoothly into a thin upstroke.

To create an underturn, begin with full pressure at the waistline. As you move toward the baseline, gradually release the pressure. When you reach the baseline, your stroke should have transitioned into a thin line. To achieve this seamless transition, start releasing the pressure about two-thirds of the way down. After reaching the baseline, continue upward with light pressure until you return to the waistline. The upward portion of this stroke is essentially an entrance stroke.

Figure 1 Release pressure when you reach the baseline

The underturn also appears in lowercase letters like d and t but with a taller stem. For these letters, begin the full-pressure downstroke and proceed as you would with a standard underturn.

The word ‘minimum’ is an excellent choice for practicing underturn strokes because it contains multiple repetitions of this fundamental shape. Each “n,” “u,” and “m” in the word requires careful execution of the underturn, making it an ideal exercise for building consistency and control in your lettering.

As you write ‘minimum,’ focus on creating smooth transitions between the thick downstrokes and the thin upstrokes. Pay special attention to maintaining even spacing between each letter and ensuring that the height and curvature of each underturn remain consistent. This repeated practice will not only help you refine the underturn stroke but also improve your overall rhythm and flow when lettering.

Start with slow, deliberate movements, and gradually build up speed as you become more comfortable. Practicing ‘minimum’ regularly will strengthen your muscle memory and help you achieve greater precision in your brush lettering. Download the practice sheets below and get started now!

Practise minimum with a fine-tip brush penDownload
Practise minimum with a fine-tip brush penDownload