Watercolour Card Ideas

Looking for creative card ideas that are both fun and easy to make?  I've got you covered with my watercolour card ideas!

Watercolour painting isn't just for fine art. It's also the perfect medium for creating simple yet beautiful cards. 

Plus, you probably already have the supplies at home!

From cards created with stencils to simple whimsical designs you'll be able to make them for any occasion.

So, read on and discover simple ideas for creating stunning watercolour cards.  

If you are new to watercolour read my page on....

Easy Watercolour Techniques

Ideas for Watercolour Cards

Background Wash - paint a simple background wash using the Wet on Wet Technique. When dry, stamp a beautiful quote or sentiment.  

For quick cards I like to add a large stamped images over a background wash.

Watercolour an embossed image - Heat emboss your stamped image onto watercolour paper. 

The outline of the embossing creates "wells" that make it easier for you to paint within the lines.  This works especially well for large floral stamps.

Once you have gained confidence in painting this way try your hand at No Line Colouring.  Stamp your image with a light coloured ink such as Antique Linen Distress Ink or Fade on 3's Fadeout ink.  This provides an outline for your image for you to paint. 

Watercolour with stencils - With so many wonderful stencil designs around you can get some amazing results.  

Spray the back of the stencil with a repositionable spray adhesive such as Pixie Spray. Stick the stencil to the watercolour paper and paint. 

The adhesive will seal the stencil and reduce paint seepage.

Watercolour Stripes Card - Create a series of horizontal or vertical lines with watercolour paints across the card.

Make sure to allow each stripe to dry before painting a new one to prevent colours from blending.  Unless of course you want them to blend!

Abstract Art Card - Abstract watercolour cards are easy, fun, and always produce unexpected surprises.

Draw out random blobs and paint each blob a similar colour.  The blobs become the centre piece of your card. Or go completely random as in the card below.

Tree card - Use different shades of green and brown to paint simple tree designs.

Begin with simple shapes like circles or ovals, then use a small brush to add the trunk and branches.

More Watercolour Card Ideas...

Mosaic Card - Paint small squares or triangles in different colours at random places on the card. This creates a mosaic effect.

Galaxy card -  Use a mix of blues, purple and black to create your "space" background was.  Google "Images from Space" and you will find some amazing examples.

Add white splatters for stars. 

Try the Salt Technique to create an exciting texture.  It will create abstract crystal like designs.

Sunset Sky - Create a sunset sky blending hues of blue, purple, pink and yellow.

Start by painting the upper part of the card with blue. Slowly blend in purple, then pink.

At the bottom, use yellow. Blend the colours well for a beautiful sunset effect.

Snowy Day card - Paint the entire card sky blue then use a white pen to draw snowflakes.

Alternatively, use a snowfall stencil to add snowflakes with texture paste.

You could add a snowman cut out along with your sentiment.

Christmas Ornament Card - Paint big circles with shades of red, green, blue, and silver.

Add small white dots and stars to create a sparkly effect.

Finally, connect the ornament shapes with simple black lines as string hanging from the top of the card.  Add a hand drawn bow to connect the circle to the line.

Autumn Leaves - You can either paint loose forms of leaf shapes or use a leaf stencil. Use fall colours like oranges, reds, and yellows to achieve an authentic autumn feel.

If you're' not confident painting leaves use a leaf stencil to help you with the shape.

Personalising Watercolour Card Ideas 

Creating your own cards allows you add a personal touch to your greetings.

Instead, of relying on a printed or stamped sentiment, why not try your hand a hand lettering?  This way you can make the message more personal.

Use a fine-tipped brush or a calligraphy pen - that's if you have neat handwriting to write your message.

Another option is  to add some collage elements to your watercolour cards such as ephemera or cut outs.

Choose elements that complement your design. This mix of different mediums will add visual interest and create a unique piece of art.

I use Altenews metallic watercolours to paint small details or highlights.  Gold is my favourite and it's great for adding splatters too.

You can also apply a thin layer of glue and dust it with glitter for sparkle and to add a little magic to your cards.

 

And Finally...

Now that you're brimming with watercolour card ideas, remember that practice makes perfect.

So let loose, have fun, and make a mess!

Every card you create is a testament of your personal journey.

Moreover, these ideas are only starting points.  Your creativity can take you beyond the tips and ideas shared on this page.

New techniques, colour choices, and design elements can all emerge from experimentation.

So, have fun with these ideas and create something amazing today!