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Even if you’ve never painted you can create these painted whimsical flower envelopes. All you need is some watercolor, junk envelopes, a stencil with any shape that resembles a flower or just try doing them freehand. To finish with extra detail after they are dry just grab some pens, gel pens, markers, acrylic markers or medium of your choice.

Brush the glue seam on your envelope with water and wait a minute or two before prying apart from the upper triangle. Too much water will make the paper too fragile. Some envelopes have a sturdier seal than others. 

Choose some whimsical hand drawn flower inspiration pieces, choose a couple you think you can draw. Also choose two or three colors. Circles are usually the easiest shape to master so begin with those and just cover small areas at a time. In between large shapes add smaller shapes. Once you’ve mastered circles try different shapes, X’s or V’s. Add some leaves or other patterns in gaps. 

You can also find any stencil with a shape that resembles a flower or an actual flower. Brush watercolor with just enough water to work with right through your stencil. You will still see enough of the design to add detail later. Loose is better so don’t worry about perfection. Proceed in the same fashion working on small areas at a time from large shapes to small adding complexity as you feel confident. Let some wet areas blend together. If even a stencil seems daunting just try foam stamping a few flowers and filling in the gaps. Just try abstract or another pattern if flowers aren’t for you.

After drying add more detail with another watercolor layer. 

As a final step take your second medium and begin adding more detail like centers, outlines, stems, leaves, berries, dots and whatever else you can think of. Add black and white to make your flowers appear more different. Add an extra complementary color or try a metallic. Fill in gaps making sure to repeat across the envelope.

Reseal your envelope and cover any markings with a handmade postage stamp.

These painty envelopes can be your beginner canvas if art journaling is something you’d like to try but just don’t feel confident about tackling an entire book or page. They add your own artistic touch to journals or other paper craft projects. Try a few to give your cards some extra flair. Just begin, you will gain confidence with each envelope.

Happy paper crafting!