Level: Easy- Intermediate

Explore and have fun!

The great thing about this project is that it is an easy way to explore your creativity while making something meaningful to share. The provided templates that can be printed and/or traced take the stress out of not having strong drawing abilities. The process video gives wonderful tips on painting with acrylics to achieve a watercolor look using easy techniques. Suggested supplies and products are listed to take away the guesswork- gather your tools and get ready to create!

Want to see it first? WATCH VIDEO HERE

Gather your supplies and set up your workspace.

Print the template designs you want to work with on a heavier cardstock, which will be sturdier for use with the acrylic/water mix. Two different ways to modify to skill level are to either: 1. Print the template on regular printer paper for younger art makers to paint with acrylic paints (without water) or 2. Trace the printed design onto a heavyweight watercolor paper (to be able to personalize the design and make desired changes to the design). Apart from the printed designs and the acrylic paints, minimal supplies are needed to make some really beautiful hand-made gifts. These included: Brushes (small filbert), paper cutter (scissors/exacto knife/paper trimmer), and glue (preference). Americana Acrylics work beautifully as a watercolor. I used the following colors: Tuscan Red DA265, Georgia Clay DAO17, Jack-O-Lantern DA229, Saffron Yellow DA405, Bright Yellow DA227, Citron Green DA235, Festive Green DA230, Forest Green DAO50, Peacock Teal DA326, Ultramarine Blue DA225, Dioxazine Purple DA101, Carousel Pink DA274, and Snow (Titanium) White DAO1.

Collage watercolor cards are the way to go for quantity

When you have a bunch of cards you want to send out at once (but still want to make it special), watercolor collage cards are the way to go! Paint a sheet of watercolor paper or cardstock with a variety of Americana Acrylic colors, each mixed with a bit of water (dampen the paper first to allow the paint to flow and mix into dreamy patterns). Once the paper dries completely, trace/cut template shapes, and glue/collage onto pre-made blank cards. This card activity is perfect for collaboration with a tiny artist who can paint expressive sheets, while the trimming and inking details can be left to the bigger artist to be transformed into fun greeting cards!

Personalize DIY cards with color

The Gnome Winter Wonderland card and Happy Holiday Ornament Card are more options for painting your own watercolor greeting cards. Each brings an opportunity to add personalized gifting to this winter season! Print these templates and have fun trying different paint color combos. Working in sections on these cards allows you to control the placement of your colors. Once dry, iron papers (paint side down) to flatten. Fold the Gnome card in half and create a DIY envelope with paper to complete. To finish the Ornament card, fold and glue, then cut out and add a string to hang. Give to someone you know in an envelope or a gift box to brighten their day.  

The Hedgehog Tunnel card is also another unique way to explore your creativity this season. Print, paint, fold, cut, and assemble your way to this dose of cuteness to "stay cozy" when the temperatures drop!

Get dimensional with 3D cards

Pop up cards and Accordian cards can convert into beautiful decor pieces once painted and folded. Choose from two Pop-up card templates (a cute woodland scene or a cozy room scene) to print, paint, cut, and fold. I had the most fun creating a watercolor Accordian card of a winter woodland scene. Painting each sheet and then assembling the pieces was very mindful and beautiful process. This piece would make a very thoughtful gift to give someone who shares your love for the forest.