Want to make your besties feel extra loved this Galentine’s Day? Grab your watercolours because we’re whipping up the cutest DIY card! In this step-by-step watercolour tutorial, we’ll paint two adorable teacups — covered with hearts and topped off with dreamy rose-gold details. And to tie it all together? The perfect pun: “BES-TEAS” at the bottom.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Round watercolour brushes (size 6 and 2)
- 20/0 liner brush
- 100% cotton watercolour paper
- Blank card & envelope
- A glass of water
- Paper towel (for blotting)
- Glue stick or tape
Watercolour Paint Colours:
- Cadmium Red Deep (Orangey Red)
- Alizarin Crimson (Deep Cool Red)
- Permanent Rose (Bright Pink)
- Quinacridone Magenta (Magenta)
- Permanent Violet (Dark Purple)
- Rose Gold metallic
Related: Galentine’s DIY: Make Custom Candles to Celebrate Love
Step 1: Base Layer – The Red Teacup
Using the number 6 brush, sketch out a round teacup shape with a light wash of cadmium red deep, and fill it in completely. Don’t forget to add a cute little handle and a base to match. Let it dry completely before moving on.
Step 2: Base Layer – The Pink Teacup
Beside the red cup, sketch out a second teacup in a different style with a light wash of permanent rose. I added a scalloped top and matching base, along with a swirly handle to add some extra character. Allow it to dry fully before adding more paint on top.
Step 3: Adding Depth to the Red Teacup
Once the base layer is dry, use a slightly more saturated mixture of water and alizarin crimson to add shading along the edges and bottom of the teacup. Let it dry completely.
Step 4: Adding Depth to the Pink Teacup
Deepen the shadows of the pink teacup by layering a slightly more saturated mix of water and quinacridone magenta at the base and edges. Let it dry.
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Step 5: Painting the Hearts
Using your size 2 round brush, mix alizarin crimson with a little bit of water for a very saturated, vibrant red. Carefully paint the small heart designs on each cup. Let it dry.
Step 6: Adding the darkest Shadows and Details
Using quinacridone magenta, add in the darkest details to the shadowy areas of the red cup. Do the same with permanent violet for the pink cup. This third layer of shading creates even more depth to your painting.
Step 7: Metallic Rose-Gold Details
With a clean liner brush, use rose gold metallic paint to add some heart-shaped steam, some tea bags, and then carefully paint the word “BES-TEAS” at the bottom of the card. Let it dry completely.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once everything is dry, tape or glue your painting to the front of your blank card. Using the rose gold metallic paint, write “I’ll always spill to you first” on the inside of your card. Don’t forget to sign your name and to write a heartfelt message to your bestie letting them know how much you love them!
