How to make simple watercolor postcards even if you’re not an artist. Lacking any real talent does not stop me from getting creative and making a stack of postcards.
It is a fun activity that you can do on your own or with some friends. You only need a few supplies to get you started.

I use them as thank you notes, thinking of you, and birthday cards. There are many more ways to say thank you or happy birthday than sending a card in the mail. An email and a post on social media are all wonderful and thoughtful. But there is something to putting pen to paper.
Supplies You Will Need for this Simple DIY
- Watercolor paper or watercolor postcards (Watercolor paper has a beautiful texture, and the thickness of the paper helps prevent it from curling.
- Brushes in different sizes (I like to use a very thin paint brush as well as a little larger flat brush)– This article has great information on types of brushes.
- Watercolor paints (I have inexpensive paints and a set similar to this one).
- Fine tip black markers or brush pens
- Small cups of clean water to clean brushes and mix and blend paints
- Tape (I used thin tape to create a grid and also stripes. This tape
Books for Inspiration
I’ve had a copy of Sarah Midda’s South of France A Sketch Book for years, and the colors on the book cover have been an inspiration for watercolor stripes for gift tags in the past. This book cover inspired the postcard with paint squares. It’s called Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours – Adapted to Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, Mineralogy, Anatomy, and the Arts.
Some avocado and geranium messy stripes with a box for text
I used tape to keep a box blank for text like “thank you” or a simple “hello” message. The tape is easy to use for designs like stripes or squares or to create a text box.
The drying time for watercolors is very fast. By the time I finished making circles on one card, I could go back with a fine tip bush and make designs.
This activity is fun with a few friends. I suggest having a stack of practice cards to get warmed up on before moving on to the postcards that come in a book of TK for about $7. I noticed by the time I had done four or five; I started really feeling more comfortable. I may never be a watercolor artist, but I enjoy making these simple postcards.
Here are a few more Sunday favorites this week with Cindy and Mary Ann
Did you see Cindy’s beautiful outdoor space and read about Mary Ann’s trip to Portugal?
Quince for Bedding
I talked about how much I love Quince’s clothing in this post. Quince also has beautiful bedding. Patrick’s girlfriend moved to NYC for a Ph.D. program, and we helped her move in a few weeks ago. What’s better than all-new bedding when you move into a new apartment? Especially quality bedding, but at really great prices.
Quince has every type of sheet. The kind of sheet is very much a personal preference, and Kate knew exactly what she wanted. Quince has European Linen, Classic Organic Percale, Luxury Organic Sateen, Organic Flannel Bedding, Bamboo Sheets, Tencel Jersey Sheets, and 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcases.
Quince also has the most beautiful quilts, duvet covers, and shams. Kate chose the Linen Quilt Set with pink percale sheets and linen shams in soft blush. We added silk pillowcases in pink and a cozy pillow(Luxe Mongolian Lamb Pillow Cover) for one more texture in the mix.
Quince has every kind of luxury bedding that you could ever want at affordable prices. I could not be more impressed with the items I have from Quince, and now that I have seen the bedding firsthand, I can really appreciate the quality of Quince for bedding as well as clothing– Make sure to explore everything Quince has to offer!
Serena & Lily
It’s no secret that I love Serena & Lily. They have had their Cayman glassware and pitcher for several years. It was just a matter of time before they expanded the collection. They now have vessels, vases, bowls, and glassware. The Cayman Seagrass Bowls easily remove from the seagrass holder to be washed. Currently, I have a bowl of tomatoes on the counter in my Cayman bowl. But how pretty they would be for side dishes on a buffet or to serve family style.
I sure love Quince bedding too, Annie. I can’t tell you how much I love getting one of your hand-painted gems. That is a fun party idea!