What makes a handmade card feel extra special? For me, it’s the joy of mixing color, water, and a touch of ink to create something simple yet beautiful.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how I paint two loose watercolor designs—a butterfly and a dragonfly. Both are easy, playful, and perfect for any occasion. Let’s get started together!
Contents
Materials You’ll Need
Before I start painting, I make sure I have everything ready. For these two cards, I keep it simple and flexible. You don’t need fancy tools—just the basics will do.
Here’s what I use:
- Watercolor paper: I use Canson Montval paper. It’s 24 by 32 centimeters (around 9.5 by 12.5 inches), 100% cellulose, and 300 GSM (140 lb). I fold the sheet in half and then again to get four quarters. I use two of those for today’s cards.
- Watercolor paints: I mix different ones. Some are paints I made myself. Others are from White Nights or maybe Sonnet. I just use what feels right at the moment.
- Brushes: I go with simple round brushes. If I need finer lines, I might grab a detail brush later.
- Ink pen: Waterproof is excellent, but if not, that’s okay. Just don’t paint over the lines afterward.
That’s all! Let’s get started.
Card 1: Watercolor Butterfly Design
Let’s start with the first card. I decide to paint a butterfly using soft colors and a loose style. This design is playful and perfect for any occasion.
Step 1: Create the Butterfly Shape with Water and Color
First, I mix Quinacridone Red with Phthalo Blue for a violet shade. I don’t wet the whole paper—just the area where I want the butterfly. I use clean water to shape a rough outline of the butterfly wings.
Then, I drop the violet mix into that wet shape.
I let the color bleed slightly into the water. With my brush, I slightly move the color around to shape the wings. It doesn’t need to be perfect. I even add a few paint sprinkles to give it more interest.
Later, I’ll add more details, so I don’t worry about precision just yet.
Step 2: Paint the Butterfly’s Body and Second Wing
I want some sprinkles on my butterfly.
Next, I use black to paint the butterfly’s body and add tiny details. Then, I also add sprinkles.
Step 3: Add Ink Details to the First Butterfly
While the second card dries, I return to the first one. I grab my Etchr ink pen, which has a fine tip. I start adding sketchy lines—nothing too perfect. I draw the outline of the wings and a few wing patterns.
Instead of one solid line, I make broken, sketch-style strokes. I follow the butterfly shape and add more detail where I feel it’s needed.
Then I splatter some black ink and a bit of the violet paint mix.
I also use a very light wash of brown and yellow on top to make it less flat. The violet feels boring, so the extra color adds interest.
Then, I add some splatters.
Step 4: Add a Personal Touch with Text
To finish, I write a short text on the card. You can write anything you like. It can be a greeting, a quote, or even a name. This butterfly card works for many occasions and feels special.
Card 2: Watercolor Dragonfly Design
Now, let’s move on to the second card. This one is a lovely dragonfly, and I keep the style loose and playful. It’s light, dreamy, and full of charm.
Step 1: Prepare the Base
I start with a sprinkle of clean water. Then I add a mix of orange, Quinacridone Gold, and a touch of brown. I let the paint fall into the wet paper and bleed on its own. This creates natural shapes and movement.
I leave this card to dry completely before doing more.
Step 2: Paint the Dragonfly Body
I begin with the dragonfly’s body. I paint a slightly thicker shape at the top and thinner at the bottom—just a simple form. I don’t worry about details yet—I’m just getting the shape down.
Step 3: Add the Wings with a Light Wash
Next, I use Phthalo Blue mixed with a bit of green. I make a very light wash to paint the wings. I want them to feel soft and transparent.
Then, I go over the wings with more pigment to make the color darker.
I do the same thing for the second wing, but this one is a bit smaller. I also add a hint of yellow on top. That little bit of yellow gives it more color and makes it feel brighter and more magical.
Then, I sprinkle some blue over my dragonfly.
Step 4: Add Splashes and Fine Details
Now, I sprinkle in a few black splatters.
I also add some small black details to give the dragonfly more texture. But I keep it loose. I don’t want anything to look too perfect. That’s part of the charm—it’s free and creative.
Step 5: Use Ink to Define Shapes
After the paint dries, I bring in my ink pen. I draw some sketchy, broken lines to outline the body and wings. I don’t make solid lines. I want the lines to feel light and relaxed. That sketchy style fits perfectly with the wash.
Step 6: Finish with Text and Final Touches
I finish with some text. You can add any words you like—or leave it blank for now and write something later when you give the card.
Then, I add a few more black splatters and ink details.
This dragonfly card is great for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special day. It feels fresh and joyful, and I enjoy how it turns out.
Now I have both cards ready — the delicate butterfly and the dreamy dragonfly side by side.
Final Thoughts
I enjoy painting these simple watercolor cards. They’re quick to make, but they feel personal and special. The butterfly and dragonfly designs are light, loose, and charming.
You can use them for any occasion or as a fun, creative break. I hope you try them, too, and enjoy the process as much as I do!