What Is World Watercolor Month and How to Celebrate It as a Cardmaker?

World Watercolor Month is a time to celebrate the beauty and versatility of watercolors in art and creativity. For cardmakers, scrapbookers, and paper crafters, it's an opportunity to explore new techniques, experiment with color, and create stunning works of art.

In this blog post, we'll curate a collection of watercolor-themed prompts and ideas to kickstart your creativity, encourage you to experiment with watercolors, and share your creations with the world. Find more World Watercolor Month ideas here.

What Is World Watercolor Month?

Every July, watercolorists around the world come together to celebrate World Watercolor Month. This international celebration was started in 2016 by Charlie O’Shields, the creator of Doodlewash®, and continues to grow in popularity each year. Doodlewash is a social community for artists of all skill levels who are into watercolor painting and sketching. The growing watercolor community features artists all over the world.

Whether you're just a beginner in watercoloring or an experienced watercolor artist who’s in love with this beautiful coloring medium, there are plenty of ways to get involved and join the fun!

Watercolor Prompts for Beginners

1. “Summer Blooms”

Use watercolors to paint a vibrant bouquet of summer flowers on a card or scrapbook page. Experiment with different brush strokes and blending techniques to capture the beauty of nature.

2. “Under the Sea”

Create an underwater scene using watercolors, featuring colorful fish, coral reefs, and ocean waves. Let your imagination run wild as you explore the depths of the sea with your paintbrush.

3. “Sunset Silhouette”

Paint a stunning sunset silhouette using watercolors, incorporating bold and vibrant hues to capture the beauty of the evening sky. Experiment with layering colors to create a sense of depth and warmth.

4. “Whimsical Woodland”

Use watercolors to bring a whimsical woodland scene to life, featuring cute critters, towering trees, and dappled sunlight. Play with different shades of green and brown to add depth and texture to your creation.

5. “Celestial Dreams”

Explore the cosmos with watercolors by painting a dreamy celestial scene, featuring stars, planets, and galaxies. Experiment with blending techniques to create a sense of depth and mystery in your artwork.

How to Celebrate World Watercolor Month as a Cardmaker

1. Experiment with Different Techniques. Take this month as an opportunity to explore new watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, splattering, and lifting. Each technique offers a unique way to create texture and depth in your artwork.

2. Create a Watercolor Swatch Book. Keep track of your favorite watercolor combinations by creating a swatch book. This will help you quickly reference and choose the perfect colors for your projects. Check out Altenew's FREE downloadable watercolor swatches.

3. Share Your Creations. Use the prompts provided or create your own watercolor-inspired designs and share them on social media using the hashtag #WorldWatercolorMonth. Connect with other artists and crafters to exchange ideas and inspiration.

4. Host or Join a Watercolor Workshop. Gather your friends or fellow crafters for a fun watercolor workshop. Share tips, techniques, and creative ideas while enjoying each other's company. Here are a few online watercolor workshops for card makers.

5. Give Handmade Watercolor Cards. Spread joy and creativity by gifting handmade watercolor cards to friends and loved ones. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or just because, a personalized watercolor card will surely brighten someone's day.

One of the most exciting aspects of working with watercolors is their versatility. The same prompt can be interpreted in diverse ways, showcasing your unique style and creativity. For example, the prompt “Summer Blooms” could inspire a realistic floral painting, a whimsical abstract design, or a delicate floral wreath.

What is YOUR favorite watercolor medium? Pans, tubes, gouache…? Comment below! We'd love to hear from you!

Whether you're a seasoned watercolor enthusiast or just starting out, World Watercolor Month is the perfect time to embrace this beautiful medium and let your creativity flow. Grab your brushes, pick up your palette, and dive into the wonderful world of watercolors!

Let's celebrate World Watercolor Month together and spread the joy of creativity through our colorful creations!