How to Paint Simple Handmade Watercolor Notecards

How do you paint simple handmade watercolor notecards? It’s that time of year when you’ll need to send at least a few thank you notes. 

You will only need a few supplies to make a beautiful card or several cards that can be used as thank notes, invitations, or birthday cards. I am not an artist, but I think making cards to give to friends and family is fun and creative. I choose simple items or shapes to paint and am very happy with the results. 

Supplies you will need to make watercolor notecards:

• Watercolor paper, watercolor cards, or watercolor postcards
• Watercolor paints
• Black pen (This is my favorite pen. It has two tips)
• Low tack masking tape (so you don’t damage the paper)
• A few paintbrushes (I’ve collected mine over the years from tag sales to art supply shops when traveling…you can always fit a paintbrush or two into your carry-on).
• Small cups with water to wet brush
• A few paper towels
• A paper trimmer
• Ruler
• Double-sided mounting tape
• Kraft paper envelopes

Getting started: (a few instructions from a non-artist, but someone who loves to paint)!

The great thing about watercolor painting is that it makes very little mess. Even though watercolors clean up easily with soap and water, it’s a good idea to cover your work surface with kraft paper or cardboard. 

I usually try mixing different paint colors on a sheet of paper (like printer paper) before using watercolor paper. I also try out designs on scrap paper. Even though the surface is quite different from painting on watercolor paper, which is textured, it still allows you to test out colors, patterns, and designs. I need to warm up by hand when I paint, just like when I write. We are so used to using a keyboard that it takes time to warm the hand for a creative project like making watercolor cards. 

I like to keep a few layers of folded paper towels nearby when I paint. I’ll use a little water in the paints and then tap the excess onto the paper towel before painting on paper. 

For these watercolor cards, I used watercolor paper, which I cut using a paper trimmer. It’s a great tool for best results, but scissors would work, too. 

This inexpensive set of watercolor paints has 48 colors and three brushes for less than $10. You could spend more time getting paints with your chosen color palette. I often shop at Jerry’s Artarama in Connecticut and Blick Art Materials in NYC. Both have amazing selections if you want to splurge.  

I have used inexpensive sets for a long time and am very happy with the cards I create. It’s a fun way to see if you enjoy painting before investing in more expensive watercolor paints. 

Simple techniques for making thank you notes.

1. I cut two sizes of paper. The larger card is cut to fit inside the 4 x 6 envelopes, and the smaller size is 2 x 2 or 2 x 3.
2. I cut a small piece of tape to create a text box for the message. 
3. I painted stripes on the larger card using a ruler as a guide. I wipe it clean after each stripe. 
4. I painted a simple border and then a bow in the center of the smaller card. This is just the design I chose because, as I stated earlier, I am not an artist, so I always prefer simple objects to draw or paint.
5. Once dry, I used double-sided mounting tape to attach the smaller card to the larger card (This next step is unnecessary, but I like the look).
6. Remove the tape and write your message in the text box or the white space on the card using a black pen or a paint pen. Then, write your note on the reverse side of the card. 

Make a few extra for birthday cards, Mother’s Day, or just a hello! Everyone loves to receive a little happy mail! 

This post uses affiliate links. If you use a link to purchase an item I’ve suggested, I will make a small commission, but it will not change your price! Thank you! 

If you make some watercolor note cards, I would love to see them! Tag me on Instagram, and I will share in stories!