DIY ENVELOPE ART WITH WHITE GOAUCHE

 Oh fabulous hot pink ! How I wish everything could be this color sometimes. It’s loud, flirty and definitely fun. And when I saw these I knew I had to grab them .In today’s tutorial, learn how to create DIY envelope art using white gouache.

So my husband is leaving to Dubai for a few days for a conference. And my parents live there. I initially thought I would mail a card to my mom on Mother’s day. But since the OH will be visiting them, I decided to send it across with him. That’s why you’ll notice that there are stamps on the envelope but they’re drawn.I love how sticking a couple of stamps complete an envelope.

But since I was taking the effort to do art on it, I thought it would be great to share on the blog. So get your calligraphy pens out and try today’s easy DIY envelope art tutorial.

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Materials you’ll need for DIY envelope art using gouache:-

1. Calligraphy pen holder- I recommend Rodger Mayeda of “Rodger’s Pen Box’s” oblique pens hand carved from wood. You can also use a straight holder you can purchase from Paper and Ink arts.
2. Calligraphy nibs- Nikko G is good beginner nib. Check out my tutorial on Calligraphy for beginners to know more.
3. White gouache- I love Winsor and Newton.
4. T square or regular ruler for guidelines
5. Paint brush
6. Pencil

The first thing you need to do is draw guidelines so that it’s easier to write on. I use a T-square and it makes it so easy to get straight lines. 

Step 1 and 2: With gouache, I like to squeeze out a small amount on a palette. Then, I use a spray bottle to spritz the amount of water required. You can read more about using and working with gouache in  my “A detailed gouache tutorial” post.

I spaced my calligraphy on the right side on purpose so that I have enough space for a vine pattern on the left.

Step 3: Draw a vine,leaf and flower pattern in such a way that the entire artwork is diagonal on the envelope. I like to keep some space clear so that it doesn’t look confusing.

Step 4: Do a similar pattern on the right.

Step 5 and 6:To tie the calligraphy and artwork together, draw horizontal lines at the top and bottom of the address. To keep things less boring, make it look like a string of pearls.

Step 7 and 8: This step for the DIY envelope art is completely optional. I just wanted to be a little quirky and draw stamps because I wasn’t sticking one. Draw two rectangles and add a crimped border around it.Draw any pattern inside. Keeping in mind the floral theme, I drew a similar pattern as that.

What do you think?

Have questions about this post? Ask me all about it in the comment section below. As always thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. If you give this a shot, tag with #makeinkstruck on Instagram. Cheers and have a lovely rest of the week.

x

About zakkiya @ inkstruck studio

Zakkiya is the creative blogger and founder of Inkstruck Studio. She’s a self taught artist who let go of her architecture profession to pursue her passion in art. Zakkiya likes to write detailed tutorials in watercolor, calligraphy, and hand lettering. She also teaches watercolor workshops occasionally in Doha where she’s based currently. Other passions include traveling, photography, and basketball.When she’s not working, you can find her cuddling and running around with her toddler boy.