Birthday Balloons and Watercolor Cupcakes | A Cricut Birthday Card Making Tutorial

by Robin

Over the last several months, I’ve been challenging myself to try new techniques and to step out of my crafty comfort zone. So I wanted to incorporate some watercolors in this latest birthday card! I’ve always loved the way watercolors look but I’ve learned that they’re not as easy as they might look. Painting with watercolors is like having a cat. They’re fun to play with, but they have a mind of their own and just do what they want. They’ve definitely tested the perfectionist in me.

When I was making this Birthday Balloons and Watercolor Cupcakes greeting card, I chose to use my Cricut machine to outline out the initial design. After the design template was created, I used watercolors to paint the intricate details of the card. I would consider this card to be a bit more advanced than some of the cards I’ve posted in the past, but it’s still worth giving it a try if you’re looking for a challenge of your own. Keep reading this card making tutorial to find out exactly how I did it!

One more thing… if you’re new to cardmaking, then welcome!! This project may be a little more advanced then what you’re looking for. But, if you’re looking for some tips to get you started I recommend checking out the Tips for Beginner Card Makers post. Happy crafting!

 

Materials Used:

  • 05 Micron Blister Card Ink Pen Set – Sakura Pigma  [Amazon]
  • Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine [Cricut] [Amazon]
  • Adhesive Cricut Cutting Mat, Standard Grip [Scrapbook.com] [Cricut] [Amazon]
  • Basic Tool Set – Cricut [Amazon]
  • Cricut Marker Converter [Amazon] [Amazon]
  • 12×12 Scoring Board – EK Tools [Amazon]
  • Fiskars Recycled Bypass Trimmer, 12 Inch [Amazon
  • Canson XL Series Mixed Media Pad [Amazon]
  • Essentials 20 Colors Cardstock Paper – Recollections [Amazon]
  • Scor-Pal Scor-Tape – 1/8″X27 Yards [Amazon]
  • Sakura Koi Watercolor Field 48 Color Sketch Set [Amazon]
  • Size 8 Black Velvet Round Brush Silver Brush Limited 3000S8 [Amazon] [Blick]
  • Size 12 Black Velvet Round Brush Silver Brush Limited 3000S8 [Amazon] [Blick]
  • ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape – 1.88-Inch by 60-Yard [Amazon]
  • A Cloth or Rag (to wipe your brush on)
  • 2 Jars of Water 

 

 

Birthday Balloons and Watercolor Cupcakes Walkthrough:

Step 1: Choose your paper and a waterproof pen.

I started this birthday card by using my Cricut Explore Air 2 machine to draw the design on some watercolor paper. If you’re new to watercolors, Don’t try to use regular cardstock with this paint. The paper will be too thin and will warp as you add the paint.

I placed a Micron waterproof pen inside cartridge A of my Cricut Explore Air 2. Currently, Cricut doesn’t sell waterproof markers. so read Mastering Your Cricut Machine to learn how to use other markers with a Cricut.

 

Step 2. Use your Cricut to draw out the design you want.

I ran my paper through the Cricut drawing process, but I didn’t trim my paper down to size quite yet. Instead, I wanted to wait until after I had painted the design.

Step 3. Tape your paper down to a flat surface and begin to paint.

I used the extra edges of the design that I haven’t trimmed off to adhere my paper to a flat surface with painters tape. A table or a small pallet would work just fine, just use anything that is flat and can be painted on.  This next step is really important. I let my design dry fully dry before peeling the design off of the table that I was working on. If I peeled it off too soon, the edges would curl up off the card.

If you have the time, I recommend just letting it sit overnight.

Step 4. Prep your card base.

I prepped my card base next by scoring a sheet of  8.5×5.5 blue cardstock and folding it in half to make an A2 card. I also trimmed a white interior insert to be 3.75×5 in size.

Step 5. Create your sentiment.

I wanted to create a birthday sentiment that could pop off the page in some way, so I used a matching birthday stamp and banner die from Sizzix to make the sentiment. I stamped the sentiment in pigment ink so that I could emboss it as well.

Step 6. Combine all the pieces!

For the last step, I peeled the watercolor design off of that surface and applied scor-tape to the back of it.
I used scor-tape because it is super sticky. There is no chance that the watercolor painting will curl up with this adhesive. I then added the banner to the card using 3d foam tape to allow it to pop off the page, and added the interior insert to the card as well.

 

In closing, I would say that this card definitely took some time to create. But even though it ended up being slightly more advanced than most of the cards I’ve shared so far, I really enjoyed making it. I’m learning that stretching my wings and trying new things and new techniques can bring you out of your comfort zone, but can also be very rewarding!

Are there any new techniques that you’ve tried lately? if so, let me know! I’d love to hear about them!

 

 

You may also like

Leave a Comment