Neon Masked Heart Watercolor Card for Valentine’s Day

Hello and welcome to another tutorial! Today we are focusing on something super simple that anyone with basic supplies should be able to replicate to create a special hand-made card for a loved one on Valentine’s Day.

Starting with Astrobright card stock in Plasma Pink trimmed to A2 size, I use some pebeo masking fluid to illustrate a heart with a nice thick brush. Once the masking fluid is dry, I apply various inks to my work surface with water and pounce the card into the pools of ink to create random watercolor effects.

Be sure to check out the video tutorial here:

First, I use Distress Oxides in Seedless Preserves. Making sure to dry the paper between applications. Next, I use two Tombow Dual Brushes in red and blue to make purple. The darker dye ink helps to bright definition to the design, as the Oxides are creamier/chalkier in finish.

Once dried, I can remove the masking with my finger or a rubber cement eraser for extra help. It helps to remove any excess ink that may have dried on top of the masking fluid, to avoid smearing it when you remove.

For the sentiment I mix some Dr PH Martin’s Bleed Proof White with water and use a number 3 round brush to write “love you” in bold brush calligraphy.

To make the lettering pop off the page a bit more, I use a light gray Tombow Dual Brush marker to create a shadowing effect on the letters. You want to imagine a light source coming from the top left, for example .. to remember that the shadowing should only belong on the right and bottom of the letter forms.

Once I’m happy, I trim the card front down a tiny bit so that it will fit on a Cougar White card stock base. I also use a Corner Rounder, as it brings a cute finishing aspect to the design. I used a Bazzill Marathon adhesive runner to stick everything down.

And that completes the project! I hope this inspires you to make something to give a loved one this season. See you next time!

- Haley

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