**See attachment for images & template.

Thank you for joining this fun and creative watercolor class to celebrate Father's Day with a handmade card. We hope you enjoyed expressing yourself artistically while learning simple watercolor techniques.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Prepare Your Supplies

Make sure you have watercolor paper (or the heaviest paper you have), a pencil, eraser, ruler, waterproof black pen or marker, two water cups (clean and rinse), paper towels, and your watercolor paints. Spray water on watercolor pans ahead of time to "charge" them for vibrant color.

Draw Simple Tie Designs

Start by lightly sketching ties in pencil. Use straight lines to plan size and layout, and vary widths and lengths to make your designs more dynamic. You can also include bow ties. A simple knot and tapering shape form the basic tie.

Explore Techniques with Color

Try "wet on wet" for beautiful color blooms and blending. You can also use salt or a toothpick to add texture and patterns. Start with light washes and build up color, or use vibrant paint directly from your palette.

Reuse Painted Paper

Don’t throw away watercolor scraps! Cut them into tie shapes to create colorful, eco-friendly card elements. Grandkids can also contribute painted paper for collaborative cards.

Add Personal Details

Outline ties with marker after they dry, and decorate with patterns like stripes, hearts, or geometric designs. You can also tape off areas for text like “Happy Father’s Day” or turn your art into bookmarks.

Feel free to revisit these techniques for birthdays or any occasion. Handmade gifts always add a heartfelt touch. Keep practicing, and keep creating!