Why Gouache is Perfect for Handmade Greeting Cards
Handmade greeting cards are a wonderful way to make a personal and unique gesture. Whether it's for a birthday, wedding, or just a sweet message, a hand-painted card always has something special. But which paint should you use? Gouache is the perfect choice! In this blog, you will discover why gouache is ideal for making greeting cards and how to get started with it.
What is gouache?
Gouache is a water-based paint that is somewhere between watercolor and acrylic paint. It has the light, transparent properties of watercolor, but the opacity and intensity of acrylic. This makes gouache perfect for creating vivid, detailed designs on greeting cards.
5 Reasons Why Gouache is Ideal for Greeting Cards
1. Intense and opaque colours
Unlike watercolor, which often remains transparent, gouache is bold and opaque . This means you can create bright, vibrant designs without the paint fading onto the paper. Perfect for cards where you want the colors to really pop!
2. Easy to correct
Made a mistake? No problem! Gouache can be reactivated with a little water, allowing you to make corrections. This makes it a great choice for beginners and perfectionists.
3. Suitable for fine details and large surfaces
Whether you are painting small illustrations or coloring a complete background, gouache can do it all. By playing with the amount of water, you can determine whether you want to create fine lines or broad areas.
4. Dries matte and even
Gouache has a beautiful, matte finish without reflection. This gives your cards a luxurious look and remains clearly visible under different lighting conditions - ideal for photography and sales!
5. Works on different types of paper
Gouache works well on heavy watercolor paper, mixed media paper, and even craft or colored paper. This allows you to experiment with different backgrounds and textures for unique greeting cards.
How to get started with gouache greeting cards?
Want to get started yourself? Follow these simple steps:
- Choose the right paper – Use at least 200 grams paper for the best results.
- Use good quality gouache paint – Brands such as Winsor & Newton, Holbein or Talens will give deep colours and good coverage. My personal favourite: LeFranc & Bourgeois Linel
- Work in layers – Start with light shades and then add details with darker colors.
- Allow the layers to dry thoroughly – This prevents the paint from mixing or damaging the paper.
- Experiment with textures and patterns – Add brush strokes, dots or flowers for a playful effect.
Conclusion
Gouache is a versatile, easy-to-use paint that is ideal for handmade greeting cards. With its intense colours, matte finish and correction possibilities, it is perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. Want to create unique and personal cards? Grab your brushes and discover the magic of gouache!
💡 Tip: Share your creations on Instagram and tag studio Pronckstuk - I'm curious to see your beautiful handmade greeting cards! 🎨✨