5 Ways to Watercolor on Christmas Cards
Today we are learning 5 ways to watercolor on Christmas cards. Okay any card but since it’s Christmas in July we’re using Christmas cards. I love all of the very different looks you can get from these different techniques.
Watch this video to see how I created each of these cards. The products used are linked at the bottom of this post.
Pan Watercolors
Pan watercolors are the first method we’re using. These are solid, hard, and dry watercolor pigments in little trays. Just add water to activate them. I seriously like to have fun with watercolor and don’t take it too seriously.
For the first card, I started out by doing a wash of color in various reds. Using a dry brush, I pulled up and puddle spots. Then, I went back and added more color to one side of the leaves.
Spray Ink as Watercolor
There’s plenty of different spray inks on the market these days; Distress Inks, Altenew, Dylusions. The Altenew spray inks have a beautiful shimmer to them and that’s the one we’re using today.
We’re using watercolor paper. Spray the paper with water first. Then, spray with the ink spray. And spray again with water. Repeat this as many times as you want to get the look you want.
If you want to create dots and layers of color, you’ll want to dry between sprays.
Powder Watercolor
Powder watercolors or pigment powders are so much fun! You’ll never get the same look twice. There is one thing about them….they can be super messy.
My favorite way to use these is to wet my watercolor paper first then sprinkle the powder and spray the paper again. And that’s all you have to do. Pretty simple.
Watercolor Markers
If you like coloring but want that watercolor look, then try watercolor markers like Zig or Altenew. They give you that paint brush and water color feel without the bowls of water and pans of paint. This also gives you a little more control.
I find that these kinds of markers work really well on Bristol Smooth cardstock instead of watercolor paper. Use a water brush so you can control how much water goes on the paper. This will blend the colors together and give that watery look.
Tombow Markers
While Tombow markers are really a watercolor maker, they can be used like they are. We’re still using the Bristol Smooth cardstock and a water brush. Use these markers similar to how you use a watercolor marker but use a little more color on the paper. Also, the color will be a little more vibrant.
If you’d like to know more about watercoloring in a more formal way check out Sandy Allnock. She’s awesome!
I hope you enjoyed these different ways to quickly watercolor cards for Christmas this year. I’d love to see your cards so be sure to tag me in any social media posts.
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