Get Hand Lettering Inspo from These 12 Instagram Artists

Picking up a new creative hobby is never a bad idea. From paper mache to beat boxing, you can get lost in whatever you want to do. Think hand-lettering might be the thing for you? Since the 50 Days of Lettering Challenge just started (take the creativity challenge, what are you waiting for?!), we wanted to give you a little lettering inspo to get you going. Hand lettering is a creative process that doesn’t always end with your ideal product, BUT practice makes perfect. Take these 12 whimsical writers as prime examples.

1. @caseyligon: If you’re looking for someone who uses multiple different mediums, Casey has the perfect account. She uses everything from parsley to coffee grounds to create her beautiful hand lettering.

2. @jennetliaw: Jennet’s attention to detail in her pieces leaves you awe-inspired. Check out this account for some serious script.

3. @seanwes: This account is perfect for the perfectionists. Sean’s ideally aligned hand lettering will get you itching to practice your own!

4. @jeremyfriend: Jeremy’s slanted lettering is all you could ever want. His elegant strokes are enough inspiration to last you a lifetime.

5. @valeriemckeehan: Let’s talk chalk! This girl has some serious skill on the blackboard that will throw you back to your schoolyard days.

6. @inkscribbler: This account will bring out your inner ethereal goddess. Their blend of floral and lettering is sure to make them your muse.

7. @nevesman: The bigger and brighter, the better. This account will definitely get you inspired to write outside the box.

8. @christophercraig: From letters to illustrations to sayings, Christopher’s Micron pen never fails to make magic. This account is sure to spark some inspiration.

9. @noeltheartist: Bring out your inner explorer with this nature-inspired account. Noel has a knack for keeping things coin-sized with his hand lettered logos and illustrations.

10. @pistolpress_sf: When you’re looking for the ideal mix of lettering and photography, this account is for you. Adriana combines the two elements to make perfectly beautiful images!

11. @jenngietzen: This account follows all the colors of the rainbow! Jenn’s lettering is the perfect combination of color and sass.

12. @thirstyheartsdesign: Hand lettering on anything and everything? Yes, please! Angie puts her pen marks on everything from mugs to t-shirts!

Feeling inspired? Practice your own hand lettering by taking the 50 Days of Lettering Challenge. Even learn new skills through the daily creativity task by checking out our collection of online hand lettering classes including Calligraphy 101 and Calligraphy 201, Hand Lettering Basics and Brush Calligraphy.

Let us know how your hand lettering challenge is going by tagging @BritandCo on Instagram with the hashtag #50daysoflettering.

Paczki Day is coming up on Tuesday, March 1, and what better way to get in the spirit than with some Instagram inspiration. If you haven’t tried Paczki yet, you’re missing out *big time.* These Polish pastries — which are similar to donuts — are a MAJOR staple around this time of year (along with spring detox recipes and Easter dessert recipes). Traditionally, they were made in Polish households to use up all manner of dessert ingredients before the start of Lent, and even today, Paczki Day is still a pretty big deal in cities with large Polish populations, like Chicago and Detroit. Here are 11 of our favorite pics of this seasonal creation.

www.instagram.com

1. Classic Paczki

First off, let’s start with a description of what Paczki actually ARE. They’re not dissimilar to a jelly donut, but they’re made from an even richer deep-fried dough spun from eggs, sugar, fat, yeast, and milk.

www.instagram.com

2. Soft on the Outside, Sweet on the Inside

Paczki are traditionally stuffed with fruit or cream fillings, ranging from sweet to uber sugary (savory flavors need not apply). Some of the most traditional fillings include plum and rosehip jam.

www.instagram.com

Login • Instagram

3. Don’t Skip on the Filling

These Paczki are PACKED with delicious filling. The filling itself is sweet and gooey, while the dough is coated in a light, flakey, sugary glaze. Um, yes please.

www.instagram.com

Login • Instagram

4. Chocolate on Top

Perhaps less traditional than some, these tasty Paczki are drizzled with a sweet and chocolatey glaze. Conventionally, they’re glazed with a sugary, citrusy finishing.

www.instagram.com

Login • Instagram

5. NOT Sugar-Free

These bad boys are rolled in a crystal coating of white sugar. They’re decidedly NOT for dieters. Bring on the sweetness!

www.instagram.com

6. Stack ’em Up

Paczki on Paczki on Paczki. Need we say more?

www.instagram.com

Login • Instagram

7. Bun Basket

Bring your neighbor a friendly basket of delicious homemade Paczki. It’ll be a total throwback to simpler times, and your neighbor will not be able to resist the pull of that super-powdery confectioners’ sugar on top.

www.instagram.com

Login • Instagram

8. Ready for Glaze

So THIS is how they do it. These pastries are piping hot and fresh from the oven, and they’re ready for a delicious vanilla glaze.

www.instagram.com

Login • Instagram

9. Real Fruit and Nutella Paczki

To mix things up, why not try incorporating fresh fruit and/or Nutella into your otherwise traditional Paczki? Case in point: These AH-mazing looking dough balls.

www.instagram.com

Login • Instagram

10. Apricot Dreams

You can barely tell from the pic, but these Paczki are actually stuffed with delicious apricot preserves. In fact, you can feel free to use jam or preserves from whatever fruit you like, from strawberries to blackberries and beyond.

www.instagram.com

11. Cousins in Sweetness

Paczki and donuts are basically cousins when it comes to the family tree of desserts. Both deep-fried, often filled, and usually glazed, they’re truly the stuff of sweet dreams.

Follow us on Pinterest for more Paczki and other food trends!

Featured image via sheri silver/Unsplash

This post has been udpated.

It's officially the last week of Scorpio season — and it's been a tumultuous, disorienting and dramatic month to say the least. On a personal level, the challenge has been to remain grounded and balanced through the disruptions. We cannot ‘blame’ Scorpio, but must realize the planets reflect what is going on here on Earth. We can, however, choose the high road or the low road to learn our lessons — we have free will and can only control our actions and reactions to life’s events. As always, this horoscope column is written with the hopes that it inspires us to live our best lives, sharing kindness and compassion with ourselves and others.

Read on for your weekly horoscope for November 18 to 24 to understand what this week has to offer — including what Pluto in Aquarius really means:

What's happening astrologically during the week of November 17 to 24, 2024?

Photo by Irena Carpaccio on Unsplash

The most noteworthy event this week is Pluto moving into the fixed air sign of Aquarius on November 19. This heralds a new era as Pluto is a slow-moving planet, and it will stay in Aquarius until 2044. Aquarius at its best is a futuristic sign whose focus is of a humanitarian nature. Aquarius is highly intelligent, a bit unpredictable and unique in all ways. Aquarians do not like to be told what to do. They are open minded and tolerant for the most part but can be slow to change their minds once they determine they know all that needs to be known. Aquarians are known to love everyone; they are very community oriented. How Pluto will manifest its transformative energy in the sign of Aquarius will be nothing short of revolutionary. We may find unique solutions to the world’s problems that no one has thought of or even conceived of. We may realize we are all connected, and the new world order will reflect this realization.

On a personal level, Pluto in Aquarius can teach us to be open minded; to realize we can use our intellect to approach life in new ways and to be inclusive of others. Look at your own chart to see which house Aquarius rules to get a better understanding of the lessons you may learn during this 20-year period.

Another major shift this week occurs when the Sun moves into Sagittarius on November 21. This year, the Sun will remain in Sagittarius until December 22. Sagittarius is an optimistic archetype. This enthusiastic and energetic, mutable fire sign is socially oriented and seeks truth and understanding. While the Sun is in Sagittarius, we have the chance to broaden our comprehension of ourselves and our place in the world. Taking a wide viewpoint, we can be philosophical and hopeful. Higher education, learning and travel are also parts of Sagittarius’ world view. Natural teachers, Sagittarius loves to share knowledge. Other cultures and religions are fascinating and can be sources of learning. We also tend to over-do and over-consume while the Sun is in Sagittarius. While the jovial nature of Sagittarius is fun-loving, we can be overly confident, overly optimistic and blurt out what is on our minds without first thinking about how it is received.

Supporting our time with the Sun in Sagittarius, Jupiter, the planet that rules Sagittarius, is forming a sextile to Chiron, the healer and shaman of the Zodiac. Between November 18 – 28 we can feel uplifted and work toward freeing ourselves from negative or limiting beliefs or patterns. This time is best spent focused on personal growth, learning from a mentor or someone we admire and keeping an open mind. Releasing old wounds and insecurities will make room to experience more abundance and true healing. The effects can be long lasting; make the most of this 10-day transit.

I look to the sky and the planets to help navigate the world around us. If you’d like to know more about how these and other transits affect your life, please contact me for a personalized reading!

Read Your Sun and Rising Signs For Your Weekly Horoscope

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Are you sabotaging your progress in life with negative self-talk? Do you feel blocked by insecurities but don’t quite know where they originate? You can identify what prevents you from being successful and happy and actually break free from what hinders you. Be honest. Delve into your psychology. Write in your journal. Julia Cameron wrote a book called The Artist’s Waywhere she describes a technique called Morning Pages to help unlock your inner knowing. This approach would be very helpful for you.

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Identifying the impediment to your personal growth requires you to slow down, rejuvenate, and repair any frazzled nerve endings and to retreat into a safe and comforting space. This can be done in the sacred spaces of your home or in nature, where you commonly find reverence and inspiration. Take time to retreat to the places in your life where you feel secure and protected. You might also find yourself inspiring others or offering refuge to those who feel extra vulnerable. Offer assistance to those who need it.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Your community is a source of solace and provides a sense of belonging this week. This is a reciprocal arrangement; offer shelter to others and you will, in turn, feel support and protection. Use your strength and stability to encourage those around you. If you feel insecure that you don’t have what it takes to provide for others, dig deep. You are stronger than you think and whether you know it or not, others find you inspiring and admirable. While the obstacles appear daunting, your ingenuity and energy is indomitable. Pace yourself. You have what it takes to endure.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Your soft, sensitive side can find inspiration though music, poetry or art. Lean on your spiritual practices to boost your confidence. There might be opportunities in your profession that require you to step out of your comfort zone and tap into your natural leadership abilities. If you are required to lead a workshop, or give a presentation, use your mentors to give you courage and strength. It is likely that you will overcome any tendency to be shy if you take time to acknowledge what you know and muster up your bravery to shine.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

You might be doubting yourself and your worthiness. If you find yourself insecure about your capabilities, this is a good week to reflect on how far you have come. Boost your ego by recounting and reviewing your accomplishments. If you are unable to see clearly as you look back, confide in your community or loved ones. Take a trip down memory lane with those closest to you. Share pictures from your past or recount stories about occurrences that demonstrate your growth and evolution.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

There might be a tendency to dwell in the shadow this week. Do not let fear stand in the way of your growth or understanding of the predicament you might find yourself in. There are lessons to be learned, and this darkness can serve to transform yourself. You will not always feel so pessimistic and what you experience has the potential to give you a perspective that will help you withstand future hardships. It is a good idea to frequently remind yourself that you are strong and capable.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Relationships might be a sore spot but only if you have allowed them to become unbalanced. To achieve the equanimity you so desire, it is important to maintain your autonomy while allowing your partners to experience their own self-determination. It is possible for you both to be strong individuals and strong together. Lean into your spiritual practice to find solace as you strive for fairness and balance. If your relationships are healthy, use this time to enhance the connection. Date night, meet for lunch or take a break from work to walk in the park can be wonderfully enchanting and satisfying.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

You can achieve healing through holistic practices. The synergy between the mind and body promotes health; the body has a natural affinity for health. It is important to balance work, personal care, adequate sleep and deep connections with others. Strive to achieve stability through spiritual and physical activities, being of service to others and tending to personal relationships. Scorpios are natural healers. Setting aside the ego to help others is a great way to demonstrate this power.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

It is your time of year to shine. How can you use your creativity to heal any insecurities? Practice your art to gain confidence and then share what you know with others. Your tendency to be spontaneous can be infectious but can lead to chaos. If you are planning a party or celebration, start early and include others in the preparation. Delegate and share the responsibilities. A group effort can be even more fun. Include the kids and encourage self-expression. Spread joy and laughter as you connect with your inner child.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Connecting with your roots and focusing on your family is a path to healing and greater personal freedom. Focus on inner nurturing and connecting with the divine. Reflect on what home truly means to you. Is home a place or a feeling within your soul? How can you help others achieve peace of mind and nurture those who have had a turbulent upbringing or who have experienced wounds around home? You have an ability to see others’ emotional scars. Practice compassion and empathy as you devise ways to help others dissolve those scars.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Knowing yourself is the first step toward healing any childhood wounds of not being heard or acknowledged. Your thoughts are valuable. Your ability to find unique solutions are essential for the evolution of the planet. It is critical for you to express yourself clearly so that misunderstandings are minimized. Practice Non-Violent Communication, a profound method of communication developed by the humanistic psychologist, Marshall Rosenberg. Experiment with different forms of communication, keeping in mind that clarity is the goal.

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

What do you truly value? Do you view your body as sacred? Are you focused on material possessions to define security? Your spiritual life is a pathway to understanding your core values. A connection to the divine is part of your wealth. Learning to create boundaries so that you can focus on what you value will lead you to contentment. Learn to say no, or not now. Stand up for yourself and develop your talents and unique perspective. Establish an inner sense of belonging to create your security. Material goods are fleeting. Your spiritual truth is everlasting.

Looking for a more thorough reading? Reach out to Tina at SevenSistersAstrology.com!

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.

Summer hair is all about laid-back looks, but even our favorite easy hairstyles need a bit more structure when it's time to go back to work or school. Updos can add serious style and personality to an outfit, and are a fun way to keep your look constantly changing. From unique takes on the braid to soft curls and edgy accessories, these hairstyles will make you excited to get ready!

Milkmaid Braids

www.instagram.com

All you need to do for this easy hairstyle is braid your hair into two braids, wrap them across the top of your head, and pin behind your ear. Pull out some face-framing pieces to complete the look.

Sleek Pony

www.instagram.com

There's nothing chicer than a high pony. Add some texturizing spray to give it a messy finish or keep things sleek with some hairspray.

Sock Curls

www.instagram.com

We know that curling your hair with socks sounds crazy, but it really works! You'll get voluminous curls with a fraction of the effort.

Add A Headband

www.instagram.com

Headbands keep your hair out of your face and add serious style to your outfit. Pearls, bows, velvet — there's plenty to choose from!

Top Knot

www.instagram.com

Top knots are fun because they can be sleek, messy, curly, or straight, and they always look good.

Pin It Back

www.instagram.com

We know that having short hair can leave you with only a few styling options. Accessorize with some cute bobby pins for a chic and edgy look.

Braided Low Pony

www.instagram.com

A mini braid makes this easy hairstyle anything but boring. Scoop your hair into a low pony and braid a small section. Wrap that around the elastic and then secure with a pin. Voilà!

Dutch Braid Bun

www.instagram.com

A braided bun is a great option for keeping your hair out of your face and off your neck. Not only is it cute enough for work, it's also practical enough for cleaning and working out.

Loose Waves

www.instagram.com

We're pretty sure that this look will never go out of style. Add some clips, a headband, or leave it as is.

All Natural

www.instagram.com

Rock those curls!

Mini Pony

www.instagram.com

A half-up ponytail adds the perfect amount of spice to your look.

Rope Braids

www.instagram.com

Swap your normal updo for a half-up look that has the right amount of detail. Try fishtail braids, rope braids, or French braids.

French Twist

www.instagram.com

This classic 'do is a lot easier than it looks. Just make sure you have enough bobby pins!

What's your go-to easy hairstyle? Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for the latest beauty content from B+C!

Seth Rogen is back with another highly-anticipated Apple TV+ showThe Studio — and we have a feeling he's bringing his impeccable comedic timing with him! Not only that, but he's also brought a bunch of really famous (and super fun) co-stars along with him! From Catherine O'Hara to Zoë Kravitz, this is sure to be one of the most-anticipated shows to watch for next year! I think this will definitely hold us over while we wait for Platonic season 2.

Here's everything you need to know about Seth Rogen's exciting new comedy, The Studio!

What's 'The Studio' about?

The Studio follows Matt Remick (Seth Rogen), the head of Continental Studios. The company is desperate to stay relevant while the movie industry is in turmoil, and Matt works with his team to make that happen. But it's Hollywood, so there's clearly no shortage of interesting characters for Matt to juggle, from directors to actors to everyone in between. Can this ultimate movie-lover, Matt, make magic happen for the studio? Or will all the chaos he encounters wind up being the end of his career?

Whatever the answer is, we CAN'T wait to watch this show!

Who's starring in 'The Studio'?

Youtube/Apple TV

This is a STAR-STUDDED cast. With Seth Rogen starring as the main character, Matt Remick, he's joined by an incredible cast of co- and guest-stars. The list includes:
  • Catherine O’Hara
  • Kathryn Hahn
  • Ike Barinholtz
  • Chase Sui Wonders
  • Bryan Cranston
  • Zoë Kravitz

When does 'Studio' come out?

The first episode of The Studio drops on March 26, 2025!

Watch The Trailer for 'Studio' Here!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

It's clear there will be no shortage of drama OR laughs with this one. Counting down the days until March 26!

Looking for more exciting film & TV news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

It's the most wonderful time of year for presents, festive recipes, and *all* the Christmas party ideas. Now is the time to start your holiday decor pinboards, stockpile entertaining essentials, and dream up your party menu. Instead of throwing the same old gathering you've been hosting for ages, mix things up with a holiday shindig that's totally epic this year. Check out these 35 DIYs, decor ideas, and creative themes that'll have your guests RSVPing Yes!

Candy Cane Lane Backdrop

Etsy

Host a Candy Cane Lane party with this sweet and colorful backdrop. (via Etsy)

Dried Orange Garland

Shutterstock

String dried oranges with twine for garlands, attach them to gifts, or use them as natural ornaments on your tree.

Festive Charcuterie Board

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Serve up the most festive charcuterie board with gingerbread, pomegranate, chocolate, rosemary, and candy canes!

Christmas Tree Arch

DBackdrop

Create a Christmas Tree Arch for your photo backdrop with real or artificial garland.

Bow Paper Cups

My Mind's Eye

Buy or DIY these adorable cups for your holiday party. (via My Mind's Eye)

Velvet Tree Bows

Dress up your tree for a very demure, very mindful holiday party. (via Etsy)

Disco Ball Wreath

Bring a little dance floor vibe to your holiday door with this disco wreath. (via Brit + Co)

Honeycomb Backdrop

If you’re looking for a colorful, swoon-worthy backdrop for your dessert table, you can’t go wrong with a wall covered in honeycomb shapes. How pretty are those jewel tones with pops of gold? (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY ’90s Throwback Tree Ornaments

Instead of Santa or reindeer, turn your tree into an homage to everything awesome about the ’90s, including Koosh balls (‘member those?). (via Aww Sam)

Wreath Witherspoon

This tribute to our fave legal blonde is now our new favorite holiday decoration. Invite some friends over, and make one together! (via Brit + Co)

DIY Snow Globe Cake

The best way to do snow globes? DIY edible versions, duh. Take your cake to the next level with a little fondant and some cheerful cake toppers. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Edible Chocolate Trees

Foil-wrapped chocolates will make these pretty trees the main attraction. Line them up along the mantel or use them as an inexpensive table centerpiece at your holiday dinner. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Punny Tree Ornaments

DIY queens will love the idea of putting their own spin on ornaments. Stock up on plain glass balls at the dollar store and let your friends have a blast coming up with holiday puns. They can then take their handiwork home at the end of the night as a fun party favor. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Candy Cane Treat Box

Peace, love, and peppermint! These candy cane gift boxes are a breeze to put together. Fill ’em with chocolate truffles dunked in pink chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Disco Ball Tree

A disco ball tree beats vacuuming up pine needles any day. It’s bold, it’s glam, and it’s actually pretty easy to put together. (via Studio DIY)

Glass Ball Terrariums

Amazon

Fill these glass ball ornaments with pine stems, snow, gift bows, even sprinkles for your festive decor!

DIY Advent Calendar

Marble backdrop with tiny packages full of goodies? Now you’re well on your way to counting down to Santa’s arrival in style. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Hot Cocoa Bar

Don’t forget the hot chocolate! You need all the fixings, though: marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, and even a little caramel drizzle. (via PMQ for two)

DIY Giant Ornament Balloons

Let these beauties bounce across the floor, bunch them together for a photo shoot, or hang them on your porch. (via Studio DIY)

DIY Blendo Ornaments

Decorate your tree with gold stars, red ribbon, and soft sage leaves for an extra pop of texture. Then follow this DIY to recreate the soft pastel ombre ornaments. So pretty. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

DIY Flamingo Snow Globe Ornaments

Channel warm holiday vibes with this crafty ornament. (via Club Crafted)

Christmas Bar Cart

It doesn’t get much more festive than a bar cart full of presents and gold barware. Layered garlands and mini bottle brush trees create punchy decor accents for any holiday get-together.(via Sugar & Cloth)

Metallic Eggnog Cups

Give that punch bowl set you found at the thrift store a new lease on life with metallic paints. (via Design Improvised)

Pink Gingerbread Car

Don’t pass up a chance to put a fresh spin on this party staple. Just add gumdrops, candy wheels, and sugar dust! (via Studio DIY)

Christmas Tree Cactus

No need for a tree when you have this festive cactus tree! (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY Christmas Light Balloon Garlands

String these on the tree, hang them across the mantel, or use them as a photo booth prop. These light bulb garlands can do it all. The best part is that you can totally customize the colors! (via Studio DIY)

DIY Printable Holiday Gift Wrap

Round up a group of friends for a spur-of-the-moment holiday wrap party. Make sure to get plenty of tape at the store, then warm up your printer and go crazy with this tropical-themed gift wrap. (via Studio DIY)

DIY Bubbly Balloon Backdrop

Simple, colorful, and DIY — all of our favorite things! This easy balloon backdrop will transform any blank wall — and the tree! — into a breathtaking party scene. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

Signature Drink

Deck out your bar cart for the holidays with some swag and swap out your wine glasses for something gilded to show off your signature Christmas cocktail. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Confetti Cannon

Shutterstock

It’s not a party until the confetti shows up. Pop the bubbly, then pop these DIY confetti cannons to kick off your bash in style. (via Brit + Co)

THEME IDEAS

Holiday Card Party

If you’re going with good old-fashioned snail mail this season, nothing beats a handwritten holiday card. Throw a party dedicated to hand-lettered addresses and actual stamp-licking. Check out the Brit + Co x Moonpig Holiday Collection too! (via Brit + Co)

White Elephant Gift Exchange

Skip the grand festivities in favor of a cozy night in with the people you love. Order in pizza, break out the Trader Joe's wine, and get ready to share some hilariously weird and wacky gifts. (via Brit + Co)

Cute Holiday Sweater Party, Hold The Ugly

ASTR the Label

Give everyone a reason to wear their cute holiday sweaters without needing to shop for something they'll never wear again. (via Brit + Co)

Gift Wrap Gathering

Photo by Marko Klaric

Grab your besties for a night of warm cocoa, gift wrapping, and holiday festivities at your house. Stock up on pretty wrapping paper and cool DIY gift toppers for a fun gift wrapping extravaganza.

Tree Decorating Party, BYOO

Turn your tree lighting into the main event. Invite your pals over for coffee and cocktails, then get your decorating on by DIYing a few baubles. You can even ask everyone to bring one DIY ornament with a prize for the most creative! (via Brit + Co)

Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for more Christmas party ideas.

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

This post has been updated.