Hand-Lettered Watercolor Galaxy Card

Hand-Lettered Watercolor Galaxy Card. Learn how to make this stunning watercolor galaxy with watercolor resist and a few simple supplies!

Hand-Lettered Watercolor Galaxy Card

We’ve been using this “Love you” design I lettered the last few weeks here on the blog. First, for a trio of lettering practice sheets. Then, as a free SVG cut file. And today, I’m going to show you how to use it (or your own hand-lettering!) to create this gorgeous watercolor galaxy card.

I’m no watercolor pro, so if I can make this, so can you! Watercolor galaxies are not only fun but so much easier to paint than you might think!

Let’s get started!

Watercolor Galaxy Card Supplies

Watercolor Card. I used these Strathmore Watercolor Cards, but you can use a pad of watercolor paper to make your card if you already have that on hand.
Watercolors in 5-6 Galaxy inspired colors. I used the Dr. Ph Martin’s Bombay India Inks in shades of blue, teal, pink, purple, and magenta. I also used black in the final step.
Light Pad. I use this Portable Huion Light Pad. I’ve had it for several years and use it a lot more than I thought I would!
Watercolor Brushes. I’m using this Silver set, but any brushes will do.
Masking Fluid Pen. This Fineline watercolor resist with a 20 gauge tip is crucial when you’re doing lettering and calligraphy work with watercolors.
White Acrylic Paint. I used the Liquitex Basics brand.
Toothbrush. For painting, not the one you use for your teeth. ?
White Gel Pen. I highly recommend the White Uniball Signo Pen. It rocks for adding white detail work over dark colors.
“Love You” Template. Or your own lettering/calligraphy. You can download the template here. It has the phrase in three sizes so you can cut out and use the one that fits your card best.

Masking Fluid Tip

Once you try this masking fluid pen, you’ll never use anything else. Be sure to clean the tip right after use, so it doesn’t get clogged. Store the bottle with the cap on, not the tip. I’ve been using this same bottle for over a year and a half!

Ok, let’s get creative…

Step One

Tape the “Love you” template to your light pad and turn the brightness all the way up.
Position the watercolor card over lettering as desired and tape in place. I used washi tape I had in my stash.
Use the Fineline Masking Fluid Pen to trace the lettering. Squeeze a little onto scrap paper before you use it the first time to get any air bubbles out. Go slowly and try not to use too much of the masking fluid when filling in larger areas. I like to outline it and then use the tip to fill the area. Kind of like you see people do in those popular cookie decorating videos. If you get any air bubbles as you work, use a pin to pop them.

Step Two

Allow the masking fluid to dry thoroughly. This can take a while so leave it be and go doing something else for a bit! You can see in the photo above how the edges are dry and larger areas are still wet. You’ll be able to tell when it’s ready.

You don’t want to let it sit for days or anything, but it may take up to an hour to dry thoroughly.

Step Three

Tape your card to a surface you can get messy.
Prep your watercolors and start painting. I just randomly blob colors around the card without a plan. As I said, I’m no watercolor pro, but what is essential is that you want to keep each layer light and build as you go, letting each layer dry in between. I did 4-5 layers of colors for this card. For the 3-5 layers, I didn’t cover the whole card, just areas where I wanted the colors to be deeper.
I took a video and sped it up for the first layer to show you an example. Let the colors bleed into each other as you go. I just repeated the method I used for the first layer several times.

I find that is it pretty hard to mess up basic watercolors! They’re easy to work with and easy to fix any mistakes you make by adding more water, dabbing areas with a paper towel when you add too much water, and by adding more layers.

Step Four

After your card is dry, carefully peel off the washi tape. I opted to paint the edges with more colors since mine bled under the tape a bit. Leave the watercolor resist on.
Now, grab your white paint and toothbrush. I like to put my card in a box and wear disposable gloves for this step because it’s extra messy.
Put a dab of white paint on scrap paper and dip the paintbrush in it. Less paint is more, or you’ll get blobs instead of “stars.” Flick the toothbrushes to add the “stars” over your galaxy.
If you get a blob, use a damp cotton swab to dab it off.
Allow your card to dry completely.

Step Five

Gently peel the watercolor resist off. I take my finger and gently push at it until it all comes up. If your card is completely dry and you’re patient with this step, you shouldn’t have any tearing of the watercolor paper. Just nice clean lines!

Step Six

I added black watercolor around just the edges of the card to create more depth to the galaxy.
Finally, I used the White Uniball Signo to add some bigger stars and dots to my galaxy.

You’re done! Add a sweet note inside and gift it to someone you love. ?