How to Make Homemade Watercolor Cards

This post is for Paul, for next Mother's Day, with full permission to crack into my watercolors, that no tears shall ever be shed over pencil scratched Mother's Day cards.

Here's the collection we made for Paul's birthday - they were both colorful and authentic.  The kids stayed up way past their bedtime to complete them.

First step: 

Cut watercolor paper to desired size and fold card in half.  You can use regular paper but the paint will be more runny.

Next, allow each child to draw their design in pencil.

At this point they can trace the drawings with a fine tip sharpie.  Then carefully dig into the watercolor paints, keep in mind a little goes a long way.  Don't really let the kids "dig" into the paints, instead they will dip into the watery mixtures in the middle of the paint tray.

You may have noticed a naked baby in the background.  There's been a lot of that lately since I've been experimenting with elimination control with George.  Here's a strategic photo of what kept George busy while we painted.

And here are the cards, first from me, very simple but I got impatient and did not allow the sharpie adequate time to dry before applying watercolors.  The cartoon of us two turned out a blurry gray.

James opted for Prisma colored pencils for his, it tells the story of their favorite activities together.

Here is William's, an imaginary game of Michigan vs. Ohio State, Notre Dame and Michigan State.

Peter's made everyone laugh, Paul bare foot holding a billion dollar bill to purchase a 1,000,000 acre farm with a 2,483 sq ft home.

Maryanna's card tells the story of our first date, I don't think she knows the story but she made up a good one.

And Clara's card shows Paul buying me a quadruple ice cream cone on one side and the other side is of her going to a Michigan football game with him and George. 

I forgot to photograph Henry's but is was a nice stick figure drawing with blobs of paint.  These are the treasures that are worth saving.