Take This Calligraphy Challenge: 9 New Calligraphy Projects (+ Business Advice) With Lauren Essl

A student favorite, Lauren Essl, is back to teach you how to complete nine of her favorite calligraphy projects!

In our new premium lettering course, we’re changing up the format to give you a class that you can use as a creative challenge to help you learn calligraphy through various projects.

In our 160-minute Creative Calligraphy Challenge course, Lauren is sharing nine of her favorite (and most-popular) calligraphy projects with you. She’s also spilling her advice on how to turn your art into a calligraphy business with quick steps and a thorough workbook to get you set up for success.

ENROLL IN OUR OUR NEW CALLIGRAPHY CLASS:

Why? Because for a limited time, you can get this premium lettering class for 25 percent off its original price of $49. Plus, when you enroll early, you’ll automatically be entered into our class giveaway that includes:

  • A goodie bag from Lauren that includes a stamp, ink, markers, and more!
  • A $25 gift card from Paper Ink Arts (that’s where Lauren gets her pens)
  • Two Brit + Co online classes of your choice!

So what are you waiting for? Enroll in our Creative Calligraphy Challenge online course today!

There are even more reason you’ll want to take this class: Lauren has poured her heart into this jam-packed calligraphy class.

By the end of this creative challenge, you’ll have finished the following popular calligraphy projects, including:

  1. A watercolor art piece with calligraphy
  2. Addressing envelopes (a popular wedding request!)
  3. Other unique ways to address envelopes
  4. Creating watercolor gift tags and place cards
  5. A faux marbled art print (using easy-to-find supplies!)
  6. Calligraphy on unique surfaces
  7. How to add calligraphy to a social media image
  8. Creating a gold foil print with your own calligraphy (and how to request from a printer)
  9. Adding your calligraphy to a custom stamp

Here are just a few of the projects you’ll learn how to do below…

By the end of your class, you’ll have all the calligraphy skills (and projects) you’ll need to start your own calligraphy business. Amazing, right?

Ready to get started? ENROLL in our Creative Calligraphy Challenge online course today. And if you need to brush up on your calligraphy skills, you can start by taking Lauren’s Calligraphy 101 and Calligraphy 201 first.

Tag @BritandCo in your calligraphy projects using #bcclasses and #iamcreative.

In March 2020, we opened up our creative library to the world and over 150,000 of you joined to stay creative during the pandemic.

Well, things have changed for sure, but it's still a bit crazy out there. Many of us are still balancing working from home by night with watching our toddlers by day. Some of us can't work and are catching a serious case of cabin fever this winter... and ALL of us want to stay inspired, creative, and take care of ourselves.

So starting February 1, 2023, we're offering 10 free courses for the next 3 months and you can always access all 120+ online classes for just $10/month or test drive them all with a 30-Day Free Trial after you create a free B+C account. Interested in learning some new recipes or baking techniques? Check out 45+ expert-led classes in our B+C Baking and Cooking Bundle.

You've all shared some beautiful and creative things over the past few years, so we wanted to figure out how to make it easier for all of you to keep learning, making and creating. This is just the first phase of some new things coming to B+C Classes, and we're excited to give members exclusive access to even more great creative stuff in the near future.

Stay creative, friends!

As much as I love Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day is actually my favorite February holiday! There's nothing I adore more than getting together with my girlfriends and celebrating each other with drinks and games — and gifts — galore. This year, the bestie basket is the best (and easiest) way to show your girls how much you care about them! These adorable gifts are super easy to make — you just have to pick a cute basket, fill it with your BFF's favorite things, and voila! You've got a perfect, thoughtful, last-minute gift!

Don't know what you need to get started? I've got you covered!

Here's everything you need to craft the perfect, last-minute bestie basket for Galentine's Day!

Target

Coiled Rope Basket

Obviously the first piece you need for your bestie basket is an actual basket. This pink rope basket from Target is cute, big enough to hold plenty of goodies, and is only $6!

Target

Felt Heart Valentine's Day Basket Red

But if you're looking for something a little more cutesy — and a little smaller — this heart basket will do the trick, too! Plus, the handle makes your gift way easier to transport to your BFF.

Target

Valentine's Day 8ct Pegged Tissue Red Heart on Cream

You can totally just put your gifts right into the basket, but a little tissue paper adds an extra zhuzh to your gift as well! And look at how pretty this heart paper is!

Target

16 fl oz Stoneware You are Loved Mug Pink/Red Striped

Whether your bestie is a coffee addict á la Lorelai Gilmore, loves a hot cuppa tea, or can't resist a decadent hot chocolate, a cute mug is a must-have in your basket. I love, love, love the pink and red stripes on this one!

Target

14 fl oz Figural Heart Tumbler with Straw

However, if your BFF is more of an iced-coffee kinda gal, she may be more into this sweet little heart-shaped tumbler!

Target

Stanley 4pk 40oz Quencher Tumbler Straws

It's no secret the gals are into Stanley cups — so why not grab some pink and red straws to make everyone's favorite hand accessory even cuter?

Target

Paucax Water Bottle Pouch for Stanley 18-40oz

This little pink pouch is another perfect addition to your emotional support water bottle, too! You can toss your phone, credit cards, lip balm, or whatever else you need on your hot girl errands in here!

Target

Women's Concentric Hearts Valentine's Day Cozy Crew Socks

Cozy socks are a definitely must in your bestie basket! These are super on-theme — and super soft!

Target

LOOPS Double Take Glow Mask

I seriously love LOOPS masks! Grab this for your girlfriends, and maybe even throw 'em on while you grab some wine and gab during your Galentine's Day celebration!

Target

Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Body Scrub

Winter is doing a number on everyone's skin right now, so a body scrub is a nice little luxury to gift your girlfriends right now. Revive your skin — and smell good doing it!

Target

essie Salon-Quality Vegan Nail Polish

A little nail care is a total hallmark of a good girls night! Grab this sweet shade of red for the perfect at-home mani for you bestie!

Target

Salon Clip Hair Bow Set 2pc

Are people over bows? IDK, but I'm sure not. These are coquette and cute and so going in your bestie baskets this year!

Target

Nerds Valentine's Gummy Clusters

Bestie baskets absolutely need candy — it's a non-negotiable. Nerds gummy clusters are super viral right now, and for good reason! They're chewy, crunchy, and totally delicious.

Target

Dove Valentine's Dark Chocolate Hearts

If your friends aren't into gummy candy, classic Dove dark chocolate hearts are a solid way to go as well!

Target

Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Candy Truffles

And if dark chocolate is too bitter, then these sweet little milk chocolate truffles are also amazing!

Looking for more fun seasonal recs? Be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss a thing!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Skip the flowers this year and give Mom a gift that (actually) keeps on giving in the form of a creative online class! What has your creative mom always wanted to do but never did because she was taking care of YOU for 18+ years? Chances are there's a class out there that's right on the money (and will get you major “best kid ever" points for thinking of it). Leave all your classic “mom hobby" generalizations at the door and get her something for Mother's Day that goes way beyond her expectations and is actually FUN :)

PS. Now through May 15, take advantage of our two-for-one class deal to treat mom or get 50% off a single class for yourself using code springbogo at checkout.

Intro to Travel Photography Online Class

Now that she can visit you for the first time in a year improve her photo game for summer travel.

Color + Pattern for Interior Design Online Class

Help her get her home styled for happy living with this color + pattern interior design class.

Cake Decorating

You can reap the benefits of having mom take this cake decorating class! #lickthebowl

Jewelry Making + Metalworking Online Class

This class taught and designed by Tiffany Whipps will give her everything she needs to make hammered wire and beaded earrings for herself (and likely all of her friends).

Watercolor Painting Online Class

Jenna Rainey walks you through mixing colors, making different brushstrokes, painting beautifully natural floral designs.

Flower Arranging Online Class

Farmgirl Flowers teaches mom everything she needs to know about selecting, processing and arranging her own unique florals!

Calligraphy 101 Online Class

Lauren Essl of Blue Eye Brown Eye gives mom a way to practice her penmanship and tap into this oh-so-hot-right-now lettering trend.

Leatherworking Online Class

Transport mom back to summer camp in the 70's. In this class, taught by Natalie Davis of Canoe Goods, she'll learn how to add textured designs to leather and construct this handy tray for keys, jewelry and other bits 'n' bobs.

Jewelry-Making Online Class

Mother-daughter duo Nur-E Gulshan and Nur-E Farhana Rahman own the awesome jewelry company Knotty Gal, which gives us serious mother-daughter relationship goals. Take this class together!

Letterpress Online Class

Our friends at Hello!Lucky will teach mom how to print her very own cards for every holiday with a handy-dandy tabletop letterpress machine.


B+C Classes offer creative and business skills taught by the world's best experts. Choose individually from 120+ courses, or subscribe to our All Access Pass for all-you-can-learn at just $10/month.

The Mediterranean diet is perfect for those seeking fresh, healthy meals, all in the name of feeling better and living longer. Stocking your kitchen with Mediterranean staples is the easiest way to guarantee you always something to grub or snack on – support your goals with these 15 Mediterranean must-haves you can use for the best Mediterranean recipes!

Scroll on for 15 Mediterranean diet ingredients you should always keep in your kitchen to craft delicious dishes.

RF Studio / PEXELS

1. Olive oil

The heart of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that promote heart health and reduce inflammation. Its versatile flavor makes it perfect for cooking, dressing salads, or drizzling over veggies.

Rauf Allahverdiyev / PEXELS

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and K, plus lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Fresh, roasted, or in sauces, they’re a staple ingredient in countless Mediterranean dishes!

Yaroslav Shuraev / PEXELS

3. Spinach

This nutrient-dense leafy green is loaded with iron, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach is perfect for salads, sautés, or as a nutrient boost in soups and pasta!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

4. Eggplant

Eggplant is high in fiber and low in calories, making it great for digestion and weight management. Its meaty texture makes it a favorite in dishes like ratatouille or baba ghanoush.

Ellie Burgin / PEXELS

5. Zucchini

This versatile squash is rich in vitamins A and C and works well in everything from grilled veggie platters to savory breads. It’s a light, hydrating ingredient that complements hearty Mediterranean flavors.

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

6. Cucumber

Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are hydrating and rich in vitamin K. They’re a must-have for salads like Greek salad and tzatziki sauce!

Cup Of Couple / PEXELS

7. Bell pepper

Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, bell peppers add color, crunch, and sweetness to dishes. They’re perfect for roasting, stuffing, or slicing fresh into salads. They're even tasty when eaten by themselves.

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

8. Dates

Dates – AKA the tastiest natural "candies" – are natural energy boosters, rich in fiber, potassium, and natural sugars. They’re a sweet addition to desserts or snacks and pair beautifully with nuts and cheese!

Hilal Bülbül / PEXELS

9. Whole wheat bread

A source of complex carbs and fiber, whole wheat bread keeps you full and provides steady energy. It’s perfect for dipping into olive oil and balsamic or serving alongside some hearty Mediterranean soups.

Ruken Kobatan / PEXELS

10. Chickpeas

Rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, chickpeas are pretty much a Mediterranean diet superstar. Use them in hummus, stews, or salads for a satisfying, healthy boost.

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

11. Lentils

Lentils are protein-packed legumes that are also high in iron and fiber. They’re ideal for soups, salads, and as a hearty meat alternative in Mediterranean cooking.

Cats Coming / PEXELS

12. Farro

Rice, who?! This ancient grain is a powerhouse of fiber, protein, and magnesium. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make it perfect for salads or side dishes!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

13. Garlic

Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory and immune booster packed with flavor. It’s a foundational ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, enhancing everything from sauces to roasted veggies.

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

14. Olives

Olives are a great source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E. They add a salty, tangy punch to salads, tapenades, or as a simple snack! We could eat a whole jar, TBH.

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

15. Honey

A natural sweetener rich in antioxidants, honey is widely used in Mediterranean desserts and dressings. Its floral flavor and health benefits make it a pantry essential, plus it goes great with hot teas and coffee!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on healthy eating!

Jurassic World: Rebirth is hitting theaters this summer and I cannot stop thinking about how good Jonathan Bailey looks. The Bridgerton actor stars as paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis alongside Scarlett Johansson's Zora and Mahershala Ali's Duncan Kincaid. Together, the team is tasked with getting DNA samples after the world has become inhospitable to dinosaurs. But, naturally, all the internet can talk about is Jonathan Bailey. (Relatable).

Here's your first look at Jonathan Bailey in Jurassic World: Rebirth.

Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson team up for a brand new mission.

In the latest image, Scarlett Johansson looks on while Jonathan Bailey examines what looks like an egg from a giant nest. And considering these two are finding DNA samples from three giant land, sea, and air creatures, it's safe to assume a dinosaur isn't far off.

While revealing the image on The Today Show, Scarlett couldn't help but gush over her costar. "How cute is Jonathan Bailey? He's the best person, he's a dreamboat," she says. "Does he love you too? He has those kind of eyes...He's the best!"

Jasin Boland/Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment

I already know that ScarJo and Jonny Bailey are going to make the ultimate team. But social media's favorite part of this whole movie is Jonathan's glasses.

"I can’t believe we’re getting a Jurassic Park movie with Jonathan Bailey in slutty glasses," one X user said. "The T Rex doesn’t stand a chance."

Oh what I wouldn't give to have Jonathan Bailey gaze into my eyes while working to save the world.

Jasin Boland/Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment

And nobody is going to kick butt like Mahershala Ali. I'd trust this man with my life.

Are you excited to see Jonathan Bailey and Scarlet Johansson in Jurassic World: Rebirth? The movie hits theaters July 2, and you can check out The 13 Most-Anticipated New Movies Coming In 2025 for more.