20 Watercolor DIY Projects

Watercolor and ombre are the new trend. It’s light, dreamy, brings a splash of color onto a blank canvas, and unique – no two homemade watercolor items will be the exact same. What I love is you don’t have to be an art-guru to create a watercolor masterpiece – there’s really no right or wrong way to do it! Here are some ideas to get you started.

Bottled Nebula – All you need is a jar, and a bit of water, glitter, cotton balls, and food coloring!

Scarf – Head on over to your local craft store, get some white fabric, and make your own one-of-a-kind watercolor scarf! You could probably copy this for things like swim suits as well.

Nails – Watercolor nails are the perfect way to stay in-trend without having to redecorate your entire house, or putting a bunch of money into anything.

Garland – If you’re looking for an easy DIY project for a bridal shower, baby shower, or birthday party – watercolor garlands are the way to go.

Cake – To go along with your watercolor garland. You could also try similar techniques with cake pops.

Guest Book – A minimalist, yet colorful and unique idea. Perfect for a vibrant wedding.

Fabric – This lady created beautiful watercolor pillows with simply some fabric, water, and watercolor paint.

Note Cards – Watercolor notecards bring a modern and personalized feel back the lost-art of letter writing.

Note Cards with Designs – To add a little more touch of DIY, add some designs to your watercolor notecards. If you don’t have any liquid frisket, you can also make designed notecards with white crayon. Some also use Elmer’s glue or an embosser.

Gift Tags – Homemade watercolor gift tags are an easy way to personalize a gift.

Mugs – Similar to nail marbling, you need water, a bowl, and finger-nail polish (the non quick-dry type – just regular nail polish.) You can get some mugs at your local Goodwill or a garage sale. Hello, frugal graduation/wedding gift! (You can also do this with flower pots.)

Phone Case – Buy a nice solid phone case, and add your own splotches of color.

Shower Curtain – Making your own shower curtain is definitely a fun project.

Coffee Filter Wreath – If you’re really crafty, create this beautiful wreath – made out of coffee filters. This lady did a fantastic and beautiful job.

Wood Clock – Try your hand at this DIY watercolor clock.

Wood Letters – Combine rustic chic with modern color. Perfect for a child’s room!

Wall Art – The possibilities are endless with this one. You can make flowers, animals, random scribbles, a favorite quote, beloved lyrics – you name it! Or try State Art. Living long-distance? In college thousands of miles from home? Create this loving watercolor tribute to your hometown!

Watercolor Portrait – Whether it is a picture of a flower, your dog, or an outline of your wedding day kiss – turning a special moment into a watercolor portrait is a genius and surprisingly easy craft.

Tissue Painted Canvas – Fiskars recommends getting the kiddos involved with this watercolor tissue canvas.

Homemade Bathtub/Watercolor Crayons – For the younger kids, create watercolor crayons for bathtime!

The ideas for watercolors are almost endless. You can also try the same techniques for binder clips, clothing, phone charger cords, Halloween costumes, mirrors, and so much more!