Sip & Script: Local classes teach calligraphy while pouring wine

It’s not often we talk about a trend that doesn’t involve some form of technology.

But that’s just what two Boston-based entrepreneurs are doing with their company Sip & Script.

They’ve married calligraphy with cabernet to teach people this ancient craft while having a good time.

Instructor Elle Douglas said, “A lot of people think they need to have perfect handwriting to be good at calligraphy but that is not the case.”

Douglas is a high-tech worker by day and teaches calligraphy at night.

“People love coming and they say it’s therapeutic when they’re in class. It kind of slows you down.”

While Douglas handles the script, company co-owners Meghan Chaloner and Julie Manzini take care of the sips.

“The wine really does help. It gets people relaxed,” said Chaloner.

Sip & Script started in 2015 with a gathering in Somerville that paired arts and crafts with a choice of red, white or rose.

The company’s website describes its approach as “Teaching the art of pretty letters with cocktails in hand.”

“We thought it would be a one-time card-making class,” explained Chaloner. “We started in New England and then expanded. We’re in almost every major city in the U.S.”

Dozens and dozens of classes are now held all over the country.

Chaloner thinks the appeal is pretty simple.

“It’s really a great break from technology in the era of Zooms and working from home and being isolated at home. You’re able to come together as a group and learn a new fun skill.”

That skill can be used to dress up a wedding, a bridal shower, or create home décor.

While mastering the strokes can be tedious, the women we spoke with really seemed to like the experience.

Wendy Cole, of Swampscott, said “I’ve always liked addressing envelopes and sending cards. It’s really nice to learn how to do it properly, and just have fun for a night out with the kids and husband at home.

Heather Chu, of Danvers, added, “It’s definitely a learning curve but I’m getting the hang of it.”

Douglas is now taking her calligraphy to a new level by creating Inked-by-Elle.

She first learned her craft in a class similar to the one she now teaches. She’d like to turn her business into a full-time job someday.

Friends and family were asking her to take on specific projects for them and that made her realize she could turn her calligraphy into a small business.

Sip & Script holds classes all over the area.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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