Monday, November 29, 2010

Easy Christmas Cards with Masking Fluid

Hi Susie,
Help! I want to paint my own Christmas cards this year and I'm running out of time!
I am not totally new to watercolor but I am new to the use of masking fluids. What tips can you give me to to create a card using masking fluid to reserve the whites for the snow. I need ideas to get me going. Thanks. EJ

Hello EJ -- Good for you! Hand made holiday cards are always welcome and appreciated!

Here are a few tips:

  • If you are using the packaged blank cards (precut with envelopes) be sure the paper will support a wet application.
  • When shopping for blank cards look for cards made for watercolor or use standard watercolor paper cut to the size you need to fit your envelopes.

Masking fluids are a great way to reserve whites when painting Christmas cards. There are several brands of masking fluid available in many art stores, some are clear and some are tinted. They are similar in how they are applied and how they work. Use what works best for you.

As for ideas and inspiration, I have a new Winter Landscape card lesson using masking fluid on my website. It's free to print for your personal use.

Let me know what you think!

Happy painting!

SUSIE