DIY Christmas Cards with Watercolors: A Fun Kid-Friendly Tutorial

Updated at: 23/03/2025

Christmas is a time for joy, family, and spreading festive cheer. What better way to share that spirit than with personalized, handmade Christmas cards? Forget mass-produced greetings; this year, unleash your creativity and create stunning DIY Christmas cards with watercolors! This fun and engaging tutorial is perfect for kids of all ages, making it a wonderful holiday activity the whole family can enjoy together. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to transform simple watercolor paints into beautiful, unique designs that capture the magic of the season.

Watercolor painting provides a wonderfully flexible medium, allowing for both delicate details and bold, vibrant splashes of color – perfect for capturing the spirit of Christmas. Whether you're aiming for a classic Santa scene, whimsical snowmen, or abstract winter landscapes, this tutorial will guide you through the process step-by-step. Let's dive into the simple instructions and get started on creating your own memorable Christmas cards!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Strathmore watercolor cards
  • Koi watercolors
  • Clean water
  • Gouache (white and red)
  • Size 8 (or 10) round brush
  • Pencil
  • Paper towels
  • Toothbrush
  • Gold and silver paint markers
  • Hair dryer
  • Tape
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required at all times, especially when handling water and paint.
  • Use child-safe, non-toxic watercolors and paints.
  • Ensure the workspace is well-ventilated and covered to prevent spills and staining.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare for Painting

    • Prepare your workspace and materials.

  2. Sketch the Design

    • Draw a light line for the snow and a triangle for the Christmas tree.

  3. Paint the Sky

    • Paint the sky using a mixture of cobalt blue and water.
    Paint the sky using a mixture of cobalt blue and water.
    Paint the Sky

  4. Paint the Christmas Tree

    • Paint the Christmas tree using a mixture of Viridian, Prussian blue, and lampblack. Use a sideways motion to create the effect of fir tree branches.
    Paint the Christmas tree using a mixture of Viridian, Prussian blue, and lampblack. Use a sideways motion to create the effect of fir tree branches.
    Paint the Christmas Tree

  5. First Drying Phase

    • Let the paint dry for about 10 minutes.
    Let the paint dry for about 10 minutes.
    First Drying Phase

  6. Add Snow (First Layer)

    • Add snow using a toothbrush and white gouache. Wet the toothbrush, dab it in the paint, and splatter onto the card by pulling your thumb across the bristles.
    Add snow using a toothbrush and white gouache. Wet the toothbrush, dab it in the paint, and splatter onto the card by pulling your thumb across the bristles.
    Add Snow (First Layer)

  7. Add Ornaments

    • Add red gouache ornaments using a small brush.
    Add red gouache ornaments using a small brush.
    Add Ornaments

  8. Add Snow (Second Layer)

    • Add more snow using the toothbrush and white gouache, focusing on the center of the tree for a rounded effect.
    Add more snow using the toothbrush and white gouache, focusing on the center of the tree for a rounded effect.
    Add Snow (Second Layer)

  9. Dry the Card

    • Dry the card with a hairdryer.
    Dry the card with a hairdryer.
    Dry the Card

  10. Add Shimmery Details

    • Add gold and silver details using paint markers.
    Add gold and silver details using paint markers.
    Add Shimmery Details

  11. Finish and Admire

    • Remove the tape and admire your finished Christmas card!
    Remove the tape and admire your finished Christmas card!
    Finish and Admire

Read more: Reverse Silhouette Painting: Underwater Scene Masterclass

Tips

  • Don't paint the snow area when painting the sky.
  • Use less water and more paint for a brighter color.
  • Use a sideways motion when painting the tree to create the effect of branches.
  • Add snow to the center of the tree to make it look rounded.
  • Use a wet brush for the gouache paint.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Too much water

Reason: Using too much water dilutes the paint, leading to muddy colors and bleeding.
Solution: Use less water and apply paint in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before adding more.

2. Pressing too hard with the brush

Reason: Applying too much pressure creates harsh lines and can damage the paper, resulting in uneven color distribution.
Solution: Use light, gentle strokes and vary the pressure for different effects.

FAQs

What kind of watercolor paints are best for kids?
For kids, watercolors in pan or tube form are both great options. Pan sets are convenient and less messy, while tube paints offer more control over color mixing and intensity. Look for non-toxic paints specifically designed for children.