Easy DIY Watercolor Tree Holiday Cards

Green Plaid Watercolor Christmas Tree Art, Green Cardstock, and Blank Greeting CardGreen Plaid Watercolor Christmas Tree Art, Green Cardstock, and Blank Greeting Card

 

Creative people like you want to send something special for friends and family at the holidays, something beyond generic store-bought greeting cards. But if you think you're too busy to make your own cards, we have you covered!

These custom holiday cards are quick and easy because few materials and no special painting skills are required, plus you can set them up assembly-line style. Switch up the design on each one, ensuring everyone gets a unique work of art in the mail. Even the kids can join in! 

 


Materials Needed

  • Goof Proof Greeting Card Kit or Cardmaker Cards & Envelope Set plus your choice of 4" x 6" Watercolor Paper Sheets
  • Cardmaker Colored Cardstock
  • Watercolor Paints
  • Stick-It-To-'Em ATG Adhesive Strips (come with the Goof Proof Kit)
  • Artist's Tape, Masking Tape, or Blue Painter's Tape
  • Watercolor Brush

  • Watercolor Sticks
  • Posca Paint Markers
  • Palette for paint mixing (a dinner plate can work!)
  • Water
  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Ruler
  • Scissors

Part 1: Paint the Cards

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 On the 4" x 6" watercolor paper sheets from the Goof Proof Card Kit, use a pencil and ruler to lightly draw a tree-shaped triangle. Leave about a 1/2" or so of space between the triangle's interior and the edge of the paper. Tape off the triangle using blue painter's tape, masking tape, or artist's tape, and gently burnish the interior edges with your fingernail to create a good seal against paint.

Tip: Test the stickiness of your tape first to make sure it won't tear the paper when removed. To make the tape less sticky, dab the strip on your clothing a couple of times to pick up some lint that will keep the tape from adhering too strongly.

Green watercolored lines with masking taped triangle on small watercolor sheet.Green watercolored lines with masking taped triangle on small watercolor sheet.

Using your first color, paint slanted stripes across the triangle. Repeat with different colors or lighter washes of the same color to add dimension. It isn't necessary to fill the entire triangle, but enough so that you can see the implied edges.

Tip: You can let the paint dry between strokes, or don't and see what surprising blending effects you can get!

Close up of green watercolored lines within masking taped triangle showing pearlescent blue green sheen.Close up of green watercolored lines within masking taped triangle showing pearlescent blue green sheen.

Keep adding lines in nearly perpendicular directions, almost like a plaid pattern, until you feel satisfied. Try using different line widths, different values, or different paint sheens.

Tip: This design is ideal for showing off specialty paints such as Fine-Tec Artist Mica Pearlescent Watercolors.

Pearlescent gray watercolored lines within masking taped triangle on small watercolor sheet.Pearlescent gray watercolored lines within masking taped triangle on small watercolor sheet.

Variation:

Using the same basic technique, choose a different palette of colors and paint the lines more side to side at slight angles to each other for a 'wrapped' effect.

Green watercolor wash within masking taped triangle on small watercolor sheet.Green watercolor wash within masking taped triangle on small watercolor sheet.

For a different approach, paint the entire triangle in one color.

Green watercolor stick marks over green watercolor wash within masking taped triangle on small watercolor sheet. Green watercolor stick off to side.Green watercolor stick marks over green watercolor wash within masking taped triangle on small watercolor sheet. Green watercolor stick off to side.

While it's still wet, add textural marks with a watercolor stick.

Small white dots over textured green watercolor wash within masking taped triangle on small watercolor sheet. White paint marker off to side.Small white dots over textured green watercolor wash within masking taped triangle on small watercolor sheet. White paint marker off to side.

Once the background is completely dry, use a paint marker to dot on some snow, ornaments, or garlands.

Part 2: Assemble the Cards

Masking tape being pulled off watercolor paper, revealing painted gray line design.Masking tape being pulled off watercolor paper, revealing painted gray line design.

Let your cards dry completely, then carefully peel the tape away. For best results, slowly pull it in the direction opposite the painted shape. Erase any pencil lines with a soft eraser.

Painted gray line minimalist Christmas tree watercolor art on top of pearlescent gray cardstock, on top of deckled edge watercolor card.Painted gray line minimalist Christmas tree watercolor art on top of pearlescent gray cardstock, on top of deckled edge watercolor card.

Choose a contrasting color card stock to complement the finished tree design. If you'd like, trim the cardstock slightly smaller than the folded card so that a small border of white shows on each side. 

Back of watercolor painting with brown adhesive strips on top, bottom, and sides. One paper backing strip being pulled off.Back of watercolor painting with brown adhesive strips on top, bottom, and sides. One paper backing strip being pulled off.

On the back of both the tree design and colored cardstock, add strips of Stick-it-to-'em Adhesive to the top, bottom, and sides. Peel off the brown adhesive cover paper when you're ready to assemble.

Three handmade watercolor Christmas tree greeting cards with colored borders.Three handmade watercolor Christmas tree greeting cards with colored borders.

 

Stack the tree design in the center of the colored cardstock and press the edges to stick in place. Then stack the design and cardstock in the center of the folded card and press the edges. 

DONE!

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