“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”
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Watercolor Christmas Cards DIY
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread joy and warmth than by sharing handmade Christmas cards with family and friends? If you’re looking for a creative and personal touch, why not try our DIY watercolor Christmas cards?
This craft is perfect for both kids and adults, so don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned artist – this is all about embracing the merry mess and letting your creativity flow. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your supplies, and let’s dive into the world of watercolor magic!
In this blog post, I’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and inspiring ideas to help you create personalized cards that showcase your artistic flair and spread holiday cheer.
You can also print the PDF card template that I use in this tutorial for free. Just click HERE or the image below to download your free card templates!
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read my full disclaimer here.
Why Is Watercolor Paint Perfect For Your Christmas Cards?
First of all, watercolor is like the superhero of paints. It’s vibrant, it’s flexible, and it plays well with others. Watercolors love to mingle and dance on the paper, creating dreamy gradients and soft transitions.
Even if you’re not the next Picasso, the forgiving nature of watercolor means that happy accidents just become part of the charm. Those unexpected splatters? Snowflakes, my friend.
Time is of the essence during the holidays, right? Well, watercolor is on your side. It dries quickly, allowing you to layer and add details without waiting around like a drumming elf. Plus, if you’re feeling fancy, you can sprinkle a little salt or use some wax resist for textures that scream, “I put thought into this!”
Watercolor is like the Santa Claus of the art world, bringing joy, color, and a sprinkle of magic to your holiday creations. As you go through this tutorial, you’ll notice how beautifully the watercolor paints blend and layer, adding depth to your Christmas cards. 🎨✨
The following activities are also super fun during the holiday season:
Here are a few other activities that you and your kids are going to love:
Video Tutorial - Watercolor Christmas Cards DIY
You can watch our YouTube video to create your card or follow the step by step images below to learn how to make this watercolor Christmas card.
Step by Step Tutorial
Appropriate for Children Ages 7 and up
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 60 minutes
To bring your DIY watercolor Christmas cards to life, it’s essential to gather all the materials you’ll need for this creative project.
Here’s a list of what you’ll want to have on hand before you begin:
Materials:
- White cardstock or printed card template on white cardstock (8 1/2×11)
- Watercolor paint
- Paint palette
- Paintbrushes
- Silver Acrylic Paint (I used Sargent Silver Acrylic paint)
- Black micron pen/thin black sharpie
- Water for rinsing your brush
- Small jar or circular item to trace for your ornaments
- Glue
- Glitter
- Paper towel for drying your brush
- 1 piece of folded paper to catch the glitter
Instructions:
Step 1 – Get your materials ready.
- Print one of our card templates on cardstock or get a blank piece of cardstock ready.
- Fold your cardstock to create the basic shape of your card.
- Lightly tape your folded cardstock to your work surface.
Step 2 – Choose a Color Palette
Choosing the right colors for your watercolor Christmas cards is essential in conveying the right mood and capturing the festive spirit. Remember, the goal is to create a design that is not only visually appealing but also meaningful to you and the recipient.
Feel free to experiment with different ideas and color combinations. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
Consider the emotions you want to evoke with your cards. Traditional holiday colors like red and green can instantly give off a cheerful and festive vibe, while metallic shades like gold and silver add a touch of elegance.
If you’re aiming for a more modern and unconventional look, you can opt for unconventional color combinations or even a monochromatic scheme in shades of blues, like I used in my Christmas card example.
Once your color palette is chosen, mix/prepare your paint.
I recommend having a variety of shades to add depth and dimension! I used sky blue, and an ultramarine blue to paint my ornaments.
Step 3 - Make the Outline of Your Ornaments.
- Add some paint to the rim of your circular item.
- Press the circular item onto the surface of your card to create the outline of your ornament.
- You can use a variety of shapes and sizes.
Step 4 - Fill in your outline
- Fill in the outlines with thin layers of watercolor paint.
- Leave a few areas white to create highlights.
- Add thin layers of your darker shades.
- Keep layering your paint until you’re happy with your ornaments.
Step 5 - Add details
- Use the silver paint to create a little hat on your ornament.
- Draw a line to create a string for your ornament.
- Draw a bow or other details.
Step 6 - Glitter!
- Using your glue, create patterns on your ornaments.
- Sprinkle glitter onto the wet glue.
- Shake off any excess glitter into the folded crease of a piece of paper.
- Shake the glitter gathered in the folded piece of paper back into the glitter container.
Step 7 - Admire Your Beautiful Card
- Your card is done! Admire your work and think about who you’d like to give it to this holiday season.
Extensions
Get Fancy with Extras:
- Feel free to add different types of glitter for each ornament. You can also use metallic pens, or white gel pen highlights. These extras can make your cards sparkle and shine, adding an extra layer of festive fun.
Play with Lettering
- Experiment with different lettering styles for your holiday greetings. Hand-lettered messages can add a personal and unique touch to your cards. Play around with different fonts or even try your hand at calligraphy to create elegant and eye-catching text.
Personalize Your Message:
- Inside each card, include a heartfelt message or a personalized greeting. Whether it’s a funny anecdote or a warm wish, your words will make the card even more special.
Decorate Your Envelopes
- Don’t forget about the envelopes! Consider decorating the envelopes to match the theme of your cards. You can add a simple watercolor wash or a small illustration that hints at what’s inside. This small detail will make the recipient even more excited to open their card.
More Tips!
Take Your Time:
- Creating art is a therapeutic process, so enjoy every moment. Take breaks, sip on some hot cocoa, and relish in the joy of crafting.
Experiment with Styles:
- Feel free to experiment with different watercolor techniques. You might discover a style that speaks to you and sets your cards apart.
Share the Love:
- Once your cards are ready, share them with friends and family. The personal touch will undoubtedly bring smiles to their faces.
Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about the joy of crafting and spreading love during this festive season. So, gather your supplies, let your creativity flow, and have a holly-jolly time creating your very own masterpiece!
Creating elegant homemade Christmas cards using watercolor techniques is a fun and rewarding way to unleash your creativity during the holiday season. Follow these step-by-step instructions, experiment with different color palettes, and add your personal touches to make each card unique.
Don’t forget to share your masterpieces with friends and family to spread holiday cheer. As you share your masterpieces with loved ones, remember that the act of giving handmade cards cultivates warmth and connection. Start making your personalized DIY watercolor Christmas cards today and let the magic of the season unfold.
If you complete this watercolor Christmas card with your kids or students, please let me know! I’d love to add your creations to our gallery, so upload your photos or send them directly to me at: [email protected] Thank you!
You can also tag us if you post your masterpieces on Instagram or Facebook.
If you’d like to learn more about the Zentangle artform, Our digital course, Zentangle Basics, includes all of the foundational information you’ll need to help you get started with the Zentangle Method. Click on the video below for a quick overview of the course!
Looking for even more cool activities? You might be interested in these fun printables.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for more activities designed to encourage mindfulness and spark creativity, check out my printable resources below or visit my shop!
Don’t forget to download our free 15 page Mindfulness coloring book to help add a few mindful moments to your child’s day. Just click here or the image below!
