Simple Faceted Watercolor Hearts Anyone Can Make

This post was originally posted over at the fabulous Eighteen25 where I am part of the new creative team. (Still so excited about that!!!) These little hearts are so quick and simple, you still have plenty of time to whip some up for your Valentine.

If you are thinking this project’s not for you because you aren’t an artist and you’ve never tried watercolor, stop thinking that right now! You can make this. You really can. Truly.

All you need to achieve this cool effect is something you all probably have in your kitchen: plastic wrap! Here’s how you do it:

Gather Up Your Supplies:

• Watercolor Paper – I’d recommend 140 lb weight, which doesn’t warp as much as lighter weights
• Watercolors (tubes or pans – I even painted one with my daughter’s dollar section watercolors)
• Brushes
• Water
• Plastic Wrap
• Paper towels
• Plastic palette if using tube paints

Once you are happy with your heart, rip off a piece of plastic wrap about the size of your heart and press it into the wet wash. Stretch and bunch the plastic wrap until you are happy with it.

Then set your pretty little heart aside to dry. When it is completely dry, remove the plastic wrap to reveal your faceted masterpiece.

I made a whole bunch of these little pretties, and even added some gilded details to a couple.

To add gilded details, paint on your design using a brush and the metal leaf adhesive. Allow the adhesive to sit for about 30 minutes (it will get nice and tacky). Apply the metal leaf, and brush off the excess. Easy Peasy.

These are so quick and easy you can paint up a whole collection in no time at all.

You could also do a mini version for the front of a card. Or, I also think these are great for non-Valentine’s Day decor too. But maybe that’s just me.

Linking up at some of my favorite parties.