How to Make Calligraphy Wall Art + More Hand-Drawn Awesomeness

Lately, we’ve been testing out our calligraphy skills on everything we can get our hands on! Lauren Essl of Blue Eye Brown Eye taught us everything we need to know in our Calligraphy 101 E-Class! See what you can do with them below. Hint — there is wall art involved <3

CALLIGRAPHY PROJECTS

Here’s everything you need to make cards, envelopes, and treat bags. Head over to your local craft store or Amazon to stock up on the following supplies:

Supplies needed for this project:
– Oblique pen holder

– Zebra G nib

– Black ink

– White ink

– Ink pot

– Washi tape

– Tracing pad

– Cards

– Envelopes

– Paper treat bags

How cute are these stripey treat bags? Personalize with a message and fill ’em up with sweets or small gifts!

Grab some 8×10 inch Bristol boards to turn your calligraphy stylings into frame-able art. Here are the supplies you’ll need to add a personal touch to your home decor.

CALLIGRAPHY WALL ART PROJECT

Calligraphy 101 E-Class

LETTERING courses.

Add your own 8×10-inch frames and you’ve got an inspiring trio of prints, perfect for that gallery wall you’ve always wanted.

As February comes to a close, you may or may not have spring cleaning on the brain. If you feel like someone flipped a switch and reminded you that this new season is coming — and quickly — you're not alone. As much as we excitedly tried to usher in a new year, it feels like spring is the true refresh we all need. So while we all plan for our spring cleaning...and inevitable redecorating...we're eyeing Target wall art to help our homes look the part! Scroll for Target wall art inspo for every room in your home to see how you can refresh things this spring!

Floral Target Wall Art

Amanti Art White Bouquet by Julia Purinton Framed Canvas Wall Art

We can hear Miranda Priestly rolling her eyes and saying, "Florals for spring? Groundbreaking," but this custom canvas painting has a welcoming aura that's perfect for your entryway. It has a hint of whimsical romance due to Julia Purinton's use of glaze, acrylics, and oils.

Modern Blue Vase II By Farida Zaman

This modern, minimal floral art from Target is so calming. It could work well in just about any room, but I'd love to see it in a gallery wall wherever it lands. The navy blue paired with the gold frame is elegant, yet simple enough to compliment any other art and photos around it.

Amanti Art Natural Bouquet I Gray by Julia Purinton Framed Canvas Wall Art

If you want to tend to plant babies without having to deal with keeping them watered, this natural bouquet painting makes for a great addition to your kitchen. The terracotta, peach, and charcoal grey vases house beautiful stems that'll brighten your kitchen.

Spring Florals By Marisa Anon

These bold flowers are a fresh and fun way to take on florals as the weather warms up! The playful lines and bright colors could seem childlike, but the abstract nature of it all is extremely chic. Grab this if you're looking to make a statement!

Floral Spring Framed Wall Art - Threshold Designed With Studio MgGee

It's no secret that I love Studio MgGee, so I'm not surprised that I completely adore this dainty floral duo. The mustard yellow of the background is bold, but it's also neutral enough to fit into most spaces. Plus, these delicate little flowers will add a touch of whimsy to your space.

Amanti Art Blue Spring II by Isabelle Z Framed Canvas Wall Art

But, keep it simple with a painting that's designed with spring in mind like this framed Target wall art. The navy blue flowers will bring a smile to your face as you sip coffee by the window and listen to the birds chirp their happy spring song.

Threshold Antique Floral Framed Canvas Board

This painting may have a moody aesthetic, but it's only because spring can be moody. Whether you're embracing a sunny or rainy day, this wall art will bring a touch of Bridgerton elegance into your home.

Threshold Orchid Flowers Framed Wall Art

Add a pop of color to your hallway with these orchid flowers wall art by Threshold. The walnut brown frames nicely contradict the painting, creating a rectangular shape that's sure to grab your attention when you walk by.

Kate & Laurel Blake Botanical 5F Framed Printed Glass by Amy Peterson

Tired of looking at paintings? Spruce up your hallway with this framed Target wall art that features a botanical leaf. It's simple, yet colorful enough to give your walls a little personality.

Amanti Art Sweet Lemonade by Isabelle Z Wood

Your office should be as fun and creative as you want it to be. After all, you need a little inspiration to get work done so hang this sweet lemonade painting in a spot you can easily see it.

Scenic Target Wall Art

Threshold Summer Pasture Framed Wall Art

Target wall art is known for either being beautifully understated or bold, which is why this painting can be another focal point of your entryway.

Warm Colors Scenic Landscape Framed Canvas

These bright, warm colors are the perfect addition to liven up your living room. I love how it's paired with a natural looking wood to bring out the more neutral colors, too. It allows the piece to blend in or stand out as you wish!

Laundry Day II By Grace Popp

So much scenic wall art tends to be landscapes and beaches, so I'm totally hear for this little slice of life we're getting with "Laundry Day II" by Grace Popp. The bright, bold colors are gorgeous, bringing you right into the charisma of wherever this scene is.

Silent Still Framed Wall Cotton Canvas Board

Nobody's heard from Claude Monet since this "Silent Still" went on sale at Target. For less than $30, you can get this tranquil scene that could arguably hang in your favorite museum.

Abstract Target Wall Art

Olivia & May Set of 2 Contemporary Abstract Framed Wall Art

Your mind may not think of the color black when you dream of spring, but contemporary, abstract wall art is known for accentuating neutral living room decor. When you open your blinds, the sunlight will reflect off this set of paintings and creating a welcoming environment for you and guests.

Paper Object No. 5 By The Miuus Studio

This simple use of shapes is so incredibly effective. The dark, halved circle draws your eyes right to the center, with the lines leading you outward as you look on. That effect makes "Paper Object No. 5" the perfect addition to your gallery wall, IMO.

Color Blocks Framed Wall Canvases

These framed wall canvases certainly make a statement with their colorful nature. Filled with shades of yellows, blues, and reds, the primary colors shine in their simplicity.

Megalith I By Jacob Green

"Megalith I" is giving the midcentury look of my dreams. I could totally see this pairing perfectly with a modular sofa or a conversation pit out in 60s California. While that's not my house now, a girl can dream, right?!

Sylvie Japandi Set Of 3 Framed Canvases

I've said it once, and I'll say it again: navy and gold really are everything. This set of 3 canvases is crisp, clean, and honestly so cute. Put it in your hallway, your office, or wherever you see fit — they're versatile enough to really go anywhere you want!

Kate & Laurel Sylie Thinking Of You Framed Wall Art by Rachel Lee Natural

This framed print makes for a great addition to your bedroom because it features a blend of pastel colors that accentuate the outline of a woman's body. We like to think it's a reminder that your room is your safe space.

Target Wall Decor Accents

Hand Woven Jute/Polyester Wall Art With Wooden Dowel

Woven accents are wonderful ways to add some texture to your walls. The earthy browns will bring a natural, grounded sense to your space.

Olivia & May Metal Sunburst Wall Decor with Capiz Accent

Or, take a nod from the sun's rays by adding this metal sunburst wall decor to your hallway. It'll serve as a bright spot when your days feel dreary.

Project 62 Mid-century Metal Wall Decor

Not a fan of having metal wall decor in your hallway? Leave it for your office instead! This mid-century design by Project 62 is under $100 and will pair well with the rest of the decor you've picked out.

Cosmoliving by Cosmopolitan Metal Abstract Wall Decor

Craving a little more glam? Cosmoliving by Comopolitan has something you may like. It features interlocked oblongs that create an abstract design that'll set the tone for your office.

Pillowfort Rattan Arch Leaf Kids' Shelf

This is technically a kids' shelf, but we'd like to think you can use it as wall art. Rattan is comforting for different reasons and feels like it complements the carefree nature of spring, so why not have a piece of it at home?

Looking for more home decor inspo? Be sure to check out our Amazon storefront, too!

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

Lead image via Target

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Finding art that you love, from bold abstracts to breezy landscapes, can make a creative and personalized impact on your space. Sure, your home decor can be inspired by the latest trends but art is the element that really brings your unique style home. Whether you have an extensive art collection or are just starting to curate one that expresses your creativity, Singulart is an online art and design gallery that makes buying art online super easy. Search through their collection of 30,000 artworks and find stunning one-of-a-kind art based on your budget, style preferences, orientation needs, and more.

Indies by Hervé Perdriel, France, 2019 Giclée print on Paper, 39x39in

Here, we curated a few gems from the original art gallery. Plus, find tips for creating a dreamy art collection that expresses your personal style. From mixing styles to making the most of color and texture, we’ll help you confidently build a collection that brings joy and inspiration to your space.

Blumenmuster XXVII by Karoline Kroiß, Germany, 2022 Acrylic on Paper, 10x10in

Seek Out Emerging Artists

Find artwork that is truly one-of-a-kind by investing in talented artists who are just starting to make their mark. Perhaps you have artistic friends or love to DIY? Seek out artists on social media or visit local art shows. Singulart features 12,000 established and emerging artists from all over the world who work in a variety of mediums – photography, sculpture, painting, drawing, and more. Follow the ones you love and save them for future collections.

Colette et Lucien - Triptique by Mathilde At, France, 2023 Oil on Linen, 20x20in

Mix And Match Art Styles

Think beyond the print and consider original artwork as part of your lasting art collection. Combining different art forms not only adds visual interest but also lets you explore unique textures, colors, and dimensions. Pair a thought-provoking painting with a whimsical sculpture to create a collection that sparks conversation. There’s creativity in building your art collection – have fun with it! The key is finding an element, perhaps a color palette or a theme, that ties them all together.

Seducción by Artista Enzo, Spain, 2023Acrylic on Wood, 19x19in

Set The Mood With Placement

Give your artwork the space it deserves to make it really shine. Landscape pieces in the dining room can create a serene vibe while bright and energetic artwork in a home office can inspire creativity. Let your art guide the mood and function of a room. Consider size, style and theme of the artwork when deciding where to display it too. Large, bold pieces can make an amazing focal point in a living room while smaller pieces grouped together make a great gallery wall. Singulart will create a collection based on your preferences to help you curate the perfect gallery wall too. Browse their curated picks too!

Out of the dark VII by Ute Laum, Germany, 2023 Acrylic on Canvas, 39x39in

Play With Color + Texture

Consider your existing color scheme at home and choose art pieces that complement or contrast them. Bold, vibrant artwork can breathe new life into a neutral room, while textured pieces can add depth and playfulness to a minimal design. Want to give a piece you love the spotlight? Enhance the impact of your art with accent lights or natural light (just make sure to protect it as directed).

Gasa (Rainbow) by Kurtis Brand, United States, 2022 Cotton on Canvas, 50x48in

Rotate And Refresh

What’s fun about a personal art collection is that you can swap it in a new space for an instant refresh. Consider changing art with the seasons or moving art from one room to the next to give it more exposure in a high-traffic space.


Once you’ve begun to curate art pieces that resonate with you, it’s essential to take good care of your purchases so they’ll stand the test of time and continue to bring you joy.

Here are a few tips on how to preserve your art for a lifetime:

  1. Avoid hanging artwork in direct sunlight or in a space with extreme fluctuations in temperature. Sunlight can cause fading overtime, so explore UV-filtering framing options and be mindful of how the light can change in your space throughout the year.
  2. Keep a microfiber cloth or soft, clean brush on hand for routine dusting and cleaning of your art. Avoid any chemical cleaning solutions or water that could damage the work.
  3. Research the art trends associated with your work and learn more about the creator behind the art so you can take pride in the pieces you’ve curated and feel super knowledgeable about them.

Treat your art with love and care, and let your imagination run wild to create a collection that is truly a reflection of you and your creativity!

Main photo: Dawn by Nelly Van Nieuwenhuijzen, Netherlands 2023, Acrylic on Canvas, 39x39in

Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

For the cookies:

  • 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
  • 6 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
  • 1/4 cup cacao butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • Plant-based food coloring
  • Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*
* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

  1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
  2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
  5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
  6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

Is your mouth watering yet? Check out our newsletter for more delicious holiday recipe ideas!

Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.