Think watercolors are too hard to use on cards? This easy floral masking technique proves that anyone can do it.
In today’s post I’m sharing a very easy way to use watercolors that creates a unique look.
First, let’s take a look at today’s cards.
And you can watch these blooms come to life? Click HERE to watch the video at YouTube.
This post is part of my Take 2 Series with Altenew, which means you get double the inspiration, and if you want to see MORE ideas like this, CLICK HERE.
I use affiliate links, which means if you click on a product and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a lovely way to support my channel and the shops we love 🥰!
Watercolor Floral Masking Technique
Watercolor is a beautiful way to add soft color to your card designs. The loose, slightly unpredictable look works perfectly for florals and backgrounds, and the best part is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a simple wash of color and a few easy steps, you can create a background that looks artistic and unique.
Before we take a closer look at the cards, here are a few tips that can make watercoloring on cards a little easier.
🎨 Watercolor Tips for Cardmaking
- Use watercolor cardstock. It’s designed to handle water without warping and helps the paint blend more smoothly.
- Allow the wash background to dry before splattering. If the paper is still wet, the splatters will soak in and lose their definition.
- Choose colors that work well together. Mixing colors that clash can easily create muddy tones.
- Mix your own colors. If you don’t have the exact shade you want, try mixing paints together. A color wheel can help you see which colors combine to create new ones.
- Let the panel dry before die cutting. This helps keep the edges crisp and prevents the cardstock from tearing.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to do the masking step, you can use this same watercolor technique to create a full background panel instead.
Card #1 – Masked Watercolor Splattered Background
The unique look of the colored splatters makes this card feel fresh and fun, and the best part is that you don’t need to be a colorist to try this technique. I started by adding a soft watercolor wash to the background because I didn’t want the panel to stay plain white, but you could easily leave it white if you prefer.
To create the watercolor floral masking technique, I used die cut flowers from watercolor cardstock to mask the areas where the florals would sit… and you’ll see why in a moment.
Once the splattered background was finished, I added layered die cut flowers and leaves from colored cardstock over some of the masked areas. These simple layers help push the splattered watercolor into the background and give the design more dimension.
BONUS IDEA: Why not try this background using a more monochromatic color palette!
Card #2 – Watercolor Splattered Floral Bouquet
Want to see what happened to those flowers?
For the second card, I used the watercolor splattered flowers themselves to create a simple bouquet. I die cut some watercolor cardstock leaves and loosely painted them with a green mix (this is where a color wheel can help you decide which colors to combine).
I centred the design on a die cut arch panel, which helps frame the flowers and keeps everything feeling balanced. The loose watercolor splatters give the blooms a light, artistic look, while the clean arch shape adds a bit of structure.
I finished both cards with a bold die cut sentiment.
Secret Garden Retreat Update
The Secret Garden Retreat has now sold out – which is incredibly exciting! A huge thank you to everyone who signed up. I can’t wait to spend that creative time together.
If you missed out this time, there is now a waitlist available in case a place becomes available.
Over to You!
I hope these cards inspire you to try this watercolor floral masking technique for your own backgrounds. It’s a simple way to create something unique without needing advanced watercolor skills.
I’d love to hear what color combinations you would try!
Happy papercrafting,
Special thanks to my crafty assistant, Chad (aka ChatGPT), for helping me stay on track with my Gemini brain, grammar, and spelling… well, all the things!
*Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon, this content is provided ‘as is’ and is subject to change or removal at any time. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchase
Other Supplies:
Altenew Inks: Peachy Keen | Pink Diamond | Sagestone | Frosted Seaglass | Warm Linen | Ginger Root.
Altenew Cardstock: Peachy Glow.
 Botanical Waltz ALT | SSS |  Timeless Sentiments ALT | SSS |  Plants & Vases ALT | SSS |  Nesting Arches Die Set ALT | SSS |
 Watercolor Compact – Bold Ember ALT | SSS |  Foundation Brush Set ALT | SSS |  Watercolor Paper Set ALT | SSS |  Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |
 Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |  Obsidian ALT | SSS |  Black Onyx ALT | SSS |
 Large Palette ALT | SSS |  Medium Palette ALT | SSS |  Color Wheel AMZ | SSS |  Bone Folder ALT |
 Perfect Picker ALT | SSS |  Tweezers ALT | SSS |  Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS |  Stampwheel ALT | SSS |
 Score Board ALT | SSS |  Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Platesaver OTH | 9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ |
Precision Glue Press AMZ | SSS | Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS |  1/2″ Ultra Sticky Tape ALT | SSS |
 Foam Tape ALT | SSS |  Satin Masking Tape ALT |
Therese, they are both so pretty! I especially love that you’ve left the centers on your first card ‘open’ so your lovely splatters are peeking through!
=]
…maybe it would have been easier not to mask, but it was in my head lol.
So pretty. It reminds me of Whopper Robin Eggs. Love how easy it is to do too.
I’ve not heard of ‘Whopper’ but I do know what you mean by Robin eggs… I’ll have to check it out!