Suzy from Suzy’s Doodles has truly outdone herself with her latest release, Sending Love, which is themed around Valentine’s Day. These watercolor cards are perfect for anyone who loves to color and get creative! They come pre-printed on watercolor paper, so all you have to do is add your own artistic touch. They’re essentially like mini coloring book pages sized perfectly for greeting cards, and they make for such a fun and personalized way to send love this season.
If you’re new to working with watercolors on printouts like these, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the process smoother and help you get the best results. Here are some human-style tips to get you started:
- Choose the Right Brushes: For watercolor work on pre-printed cards, using a round brush with a good point is key. A medium-sized round brush allows for both fine details and broader strokes, making it easier to color within the lines or blend colors smoothly.
- Use a Light Touch: When applying watercolors to the pre-printed designs, it’s important to use a light touch, especially on the fine lines and details. The watercolor paper is designed to absorb paint, but if you use too much water or paint, it could overwhelm the print, causing it to blur or run. Try to keep your paintbrush slightly damp, not soaking wet, and gradually build up the layers.
- Test Your Colors: Watercolors can behave differently depending on the brand and type, so it’s always a good idea to test your colors on a scrap piece of watercolor paper first. You want to ensure the colors blend well and have the right level of vibrancy. A good mix of warm and cool tones will really make your Valentine’s Day cards pop!
- Work from Light to Dark: Start with the lighter colors first, then work your way up to the darker ones. Watercolors are easy to layer, and starting with the lightest shades ensures you don’t accidentally darken areas you want to stay soft. Plus, layering dark colors over lighter ones helps add depth and dimension to your artwork.
- Let the Paper Dry Between Layers: Watercolor can be a bit unpredictable, so it’s essential to let your first layer of paint dry before adding a second layer. This allows the paper to hold the color and prevents bleeding, giving you crisp, clear edges on your design.
- Embrace the Natural Flow of Watercolor: One of the beautiful things about watercolor is its organic, fluid nature. Don’t worry if your paint doesn’t always stay perfectly within the lines; it’s part of the charm! Let the colors flow, blend, and mix naturally to create beautiful effects, especially around the edges of your hearts, florals, or lettering.
- Add Some Final Touches: Once you’re happy with your watercoloring, you can add some extra details to enhance the design. Use fine-tipped pens or markers to outline certain areas or add accents, and maybe even sprinkle on a little bit of glitter for that extra Valentine’s sparkle!
Suzy’s watercolor cards are such a fun, creative way to send love, and with these tips, you’ll be able to create beautiful, personalized masterpieces. So grab your watercolors, get started on your Sending Love cards, and enjoy the process of making something truly special for the ones you care about!
available at Simon Says Stamp.
She’s sharing some wonderful card examples on her blog, click here to check them out.
-Heather
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