Greeting Card Watercolor Tutorial!

A Step-by-Step Tutorial

There’s something extra special about giving a handmade card—especially one painted with your own two hands.

Whether you’re creating something heartfelt for a birthday, a thank you note, or just a little hello, watercolor cards are a beautiful (and surprisingly easy!) way to share a bit of yourself.

Today, I’m walking you through how to watercolor your own greeting card, step by step. I’ve included photos, a video tutorial, and links to all the materials I use so you can follow along and make your own.

✨ Materials You’ll Need

Before we start, here’s what you’ll want to gather:

Blank watercolor cards + envelopes – I love these ones from Amazon.
A set of watercolors–here’s a quick link to my set.
A pencil for sketching
A waterproof pen or fineliner (for your quote or message)
A small paintbrush (I use round brushes, fineliner and size 6 round brush)

👉 I’ve linked all my favorite supplies HERE.

🎨 Step-by-Step: Watercolor Birthday Card Tutorial

Step 1: Choose Your Quote or Message

Start by thinking about what you want your card to say. I love pairing simple watercolor illustrations with a favorite quote or short message—something personal that will make the recipient feel seen and appreciated. For this design, I’m using “Make a Wish!”

Step 2: Lightly Sketch Your Design

Using a pencil, lightly draw your illustration and layout your text. Keep your lines faint—you’ll either paint over them or erase them gently once your painting is dry. For this design I wanted to use a feather. I have a few feathers to look at and also Google images to refer to.

Step 3: Ink the Lettering

Use a waterproof pen to carefully write your message and go over your sketch.

Step 4: Add Watercolor

Now the fun part! Slowly fill in your sketch with watercolor. Don’t rush—use light layers and build color gradually. If you're new to watercolor, less is more–leave some white space!

🖌️ Tip: Keep a paper towel nearby to blot excess water or lift paint.

Paint imperfect dots. Some small, some smaller. (above)

Next, with a different color, paint loose circles around the dots. (below)

Choose a color darker than the circles and make marks with your brush in small areas within the feather. (above)

White it’s still wet, clean your brush with water and slowly blend the color out onto the unpainted areas. This makes a nice gradient of colors! (below)

Now choose the darkest color yet and dab in some areas to add interest. You can do this while the feather is still wet or choose to let this layer dry first.

Carefully open your card while the front is drying. Choose a happy color and paint a swoosh with one stroke. The more you press the brush, the wider the mark. I like to start lightly and press more as I move the brush across the paper. Everyone’s swoosh looks different! (above)

Now go back and mix the same or similar color to the circles you painted. Make this the background color.

Tip: Always leave a wet edge. As you work around the background keep the edges wet or you will get harsh lines.

Step 7: Let It Dry + Send It Off

Let everything dry completely before folding or packaging your card. Then tuck it into an envelope and send some handmade joy through the mail. ✉️

📸 See It in Action

Here’s a short little video tutorial so you can see each step in real time. Whether you're a watercolor beginner or a seasoned painter, I hope this inspires you to try your own version!

🛍️ Shop the Supplies

Want to use the same materials I do? Here are my go-to picks:

Creating your own watercolor greeting cards is such a relaxing, rewarding way to slow down and express yourself. Plus, your recipient will treasure the time and care you put into making something just for them.

⭐ Click HERE to see all my supplies. ⭐

Happy painting,

Text in a land far, far away! and signature with paintbrush.