If you’re anything like me – which you probably are if you’re here reading crafty tutorials – then you love giving handmade cards around the holidays.
But also… if you’re anything like me, you quickly realize that making a separate handmade card for your hairstylist, your daycare provider, your mother-in-law, the potluck host, your neighbour, your coworker, your other coworker… It adds up. Fast.
So here’s my solution: Make your holiday cards in bulk.
Fast. Easy. Minimal supplies. And still totally adorable.This tutorial will show you exactly how I make a whole batch of cards at once – using just one paint colour and a few simple steps.
Supplies Used
- Watercolour paper – I used an 11×15 sheet
- Watercolour paint – any colour works!
- Micron pen – size 02 is great, but anything works!
- A flat/square brush – for stripes
- A round brush – for bows
- A small detail brush (optional) – for splatters
- Paper cutter or scissors
Rather watch than read? Check out the full video by clicking the video below!
Let’s Get Started!
Grab your supplies! No watercolour? Use markers instead!
This technique works with almost any art supply – that’s the beauty of it.
Step 1: Paint Loose Watercolour Stripes
Start by mixing your colour with a LOT of water. I used a rusty red that feels festive but a little muted – something people might actually want on display in their house.
Make a big watery puddle of paint, then start brushing loose vertical stripes from top to bottom.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Don’t worry about perfect lines
- Don’t worry about consistent colour
- Variation actually makes it prettier
- Add more paint into wet stripes if you want darker areas
- Paper warping is normal – embrace the chaos
Fill the entire page with stripes and let it dry completely.
Step 2: Add Simple Watercolour Bows
Switch to your round brush and use the same colour, just with a little more pigment this time so the bows pop.
Paint simple, loose bow shapes randomly across the page – one loop on each side, nothing fancy.
Tips:
- Try to keep your bows roughly the same size
- Scatter them in an irregular pattern
- Don’t place them in a perfect grid – imperfection = charm
- If you want variation, intentionally make some huge and some tiny
These should feel intentionally messy and playful.
Step 3: Add Watercolour Splatters
This is my favorite part.
Load your brush with watery paint and tap it gently above your art to create splashes.
They give the whole design that extra handmade, whimsical look that just works.
Let everything dry again.
Step 4: Cut the Sheet Into Cards
Once it’s dry, cut your paper into card-sized pieces. I cut mine into quarters, which gave me four cards total, but you can:
- Cut them smaller for mini cards
- Cut them in half for flat cards
- Cut them into squares
- Make as many as you want
Fold them in half (or don’t – totally optional!).I LOVE the randomness of how the bows land. Sometimes the prettiest one is on the back – and that’s part of the charm.
Step 5: Add Your Greeting
Grab your Micron or any black pen and add a simple holiday greeting right on the front.
A few ideas:
- Merry Christmas
- Happy Holidays
- Joy
- Noel
You can write it in:
- Block letters
- Script/calligraphy
- Your normal handwriting
Seriously – anything goes here. Imperfect lettering actually matches this style perfectly.
(And if you want help writing cute holiday words, I’ve linked my free worksheet for that!)
Step 6: Add a Little Bow Inside (Optional but Adorable)
This is a tiny optional touch I love adding:
Open the card, grab your paint again, and add one tiny bow in the bottom corner of the inside.
It ties the whole design together and makes the card feel intentional and finished.
That’s a Wrap – The Final Card!
And just like that – four (or eight or twelve!) completely unique, handmade, festive cards.
Each one looks a little different, but they all coordinate beautifully.
You can also repeat the whole thing with different colours – I even made a pink version and it’s adorable.
These are perfect to keep on hand during the holidays so you’re never scrambling to make a card last minute.
I’d LOVE to see your creations. Tag me on Instagram: @thehappyevercrafter
Looking for more holiday crafts? Check out this adorable holiday envelope tutorial.
And finally, your dad joke…
What does a gingerbread man put on his bed?
A cookie sheet!
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