Start by making your own watercolors with five simple ingredients.
If you don't already have a set of watercolors, you can easily DIY your own with food coloring, baking soda, corn starch, corn syrup, and vinegar. Instructions here.
THEN MAKE...
1. Minimalist Thank You Cards
Find instructions and lettering tips here. (Also: With this and most other items on this list, you'll want to use to use a thicker paper — ideally watercolor paper, but cardstock works too — for the best results.)
2. Watercolor Gift Tags
This blogger used tiny alphabet stamps to dress up each tag, but writing notes by hand is an even more personal touch. More here.
3. Chevron Wall Print
One of the best things about painting with watercolors? Mistakes don't really matter. The end result usually looks best after you 1) decide on some complementary colors, and 2) blend and match everything. But other than that, there aren't a ton of rules to follow. (And this canvas print is a great starter project.)
4. Watercolor Mug
This version actually uses nail polish for an easy, watercolor-inspired look. Instructions here. (Alternatively, you can also find paint-specific instructions here.)
5. Watercolor Desk Calendar
Completely fool-proof: Just add a streak of color, and you're good to go. Find the free calendar printable here.
6. Fall-Inspired Watercolor Resist Art
An activity for the whole family: Outlines of shapes are traced with a hot glue gun (thanks to mom or dad!), then kids get creative and color everything in. Instructions here.
7. Or Resist Art: Crayola Edition
This one swaps the hot glue gun for a white crayon — which you can use to trace a favorite quote, lyric, or design. Instructions here.
8. Watercolor Clock
Quite possibly the prettiest way to liven up a plain wooden clockface. (This technique would also work well on just about any sort of wood base.) Instructions here.
9. Geometric Watercolor Painting
Blend the colors + connect the dots = Instant line art. Instructions here.
10. Printable Watercolor Gift Boxes
To start, find the free printables here. Then top them off with...
12. Striped Watercolor Bunting
13. Literary Watercolor Garland
An adorable way to upcycle old books, and simple enough for kids to pitch in too. Instructions here. (Stick with a certain color scheme — like orange and black, or red and green — for easy holiday decor.)
14. Step-by-Step Watercolor Florals
This versatile design would work well on notecards, place-settings, or even as a print on its own. Find detailed instructions on how to create flowers and blend hues here.
15. Ombre Watercolor Shoes
So bright, so right. Just start with plain white canvas sneakers or slip-ons. Instructions here.
16. Watercolor-Inspired Throw Pillow
Just about any design works here: Sharpie ink is smudged with rubbing alcohol and then set with heat for an (insanely simple) watercolor-esque result. Instructions here.
17. DIY Watercolor Paper Flowers
Fair warning that these are pretty involved — you're cutting and painting petal by petal — but the end result is lovely. (And it won't wilt after a day!) Instructions here.
18. Watercolor Sugar Cookies
Because the only thing better than a blank canvas is an edible one. Instructions here.
