1. Home
  2. /
  3. Projects /
  4. Fine Art /
  5. Painting
  6. / Watercolour Bookmark
Time Required :
About an hour
Intermediate
Intermediate
You're somewhat experienced with the skills necessary to complete this project, but you haven't mastered all the elements, yet.

watercolour bookmark

Picking up your favourite book just got more personal. Spark even more joy to your reading time by creating this vibrant bookmark featuring Winsor & Newton® Professional Water Colour™ and Winsor & Newton® Art Masking Fluid. It makes a great gift as well!
Share your project photos with #MakeItWithMichaels

Print Project

Step 1

Cut (or tear for a raw edge look) a 2" x 6" [5.08 cm x 15.24cm] rectangle piece of watercolour paper. For a different size bookmark, just be sure to leave ¼" [0.64 cm] in the total size for a crisp white border.
TIP: If you do not have access to watercolour paper, cardstock can be substituted but may not yield the best results.

Step 2

Measure in ¼" [0.64 cm] on all four sides of the bookmark and apply tape border.

Step 3

Apply the masking fluid with the brush to your paper, creating a tulip shape. Use a thinner brush to create the outlines and a thicker brush on areas that will be filled in. Use a generous amount of masking fluid, as this will make it easier to pull up in a later step. Allow approximately 30 minutes to dry or until the fluid is no longer tacky to the touch.
TIP: To avoid damaging your brush bristles, coat it with some soap and water before using the masking fluid; then immediately after use, clean brush with water.

Step 4

To achieve the colours shown in the example picture, mix the watercolours on a disposable palette in the ratios below.
- Yellow Colour = Winsor Yellow; No Mixing
- Violet Colour = Quinacridone Violet; No Mixing
- Red Colour = 1-part Titanium White to 3 parts Winsor Red
- Aqua Colour = 1-part Titanium White to 3 parts Cobalt Green Deep
- Blue Colour = 1-part Titanium White to 3 parts Winsor Green (Blue Shade)

Step 5

Ensure the masking fluid is dry, then dab some clean water all over the front of the bookmark to create a wet surface. This will allow the watercolours to flow and blend together.

Step 6

Using a brush, apply the watercolours one at a time to the wet surface on the paper until desired effect is achieved. Let dry; approximately 15-20 minutes.
TIP: The Aqua and Blue colours (Step 4) were mixed to achieve the flower background shade. The Violet and Red colours (Step 4) were mixed to achieve the petal shade and the Yellow colour used as an accent as shown. Be sure to clean your brush in between colours that you do not want to blend.

Step 7

Once everything is dry, you can peel up the masking fluid to reveal a clean, white surface.
TIP: Use the back of a brush to initially lift the dried masking fluid to avoid disturbing any watercolour with fingers.

Step 8

Remove tape border, punch a hole at the top of the bookmark, approximately ½" [1.27 cm] from the top and tie your ribbon of choice through the hole!

Share your project photos with #MakeItWithMichaels

Supplies
Materials
Materials
 
  • img
    845161172
    You’ll Need: 1

    Winsor & Newton® Artists' Water Colour

    Item # 10155389 
    Save 30% off One Regular Price Item with code 20230202. Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program; clearance; buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; craft technology machines; Cricut, Silhouette. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for details.
    $13.99
    • Color: Winsor Green (Blue Shade)
    • Color: Winsor Green (Blue Shade)
    +More Colors
    • Color: Winsor Green (Blue Shade)
    +More Colors
    +More Options
  • img
    845166072
    You’ll Need: 1

    Level 2 Watercolor Pad by Artist's Loft™

    Item # 10189610 
    Save 30% off One Regular Price Item with code 20230202. Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program; clearance; buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; craft technology machines; Cricut, Silhouette. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for details.
    $12.99
    • Color: White
    • Size: 9" x 12"
    • Color: White
    • Size: 9" x 12"
    +More Sizes
    • Color: White
    • Size: 9" x 12"
    +More Sizes
    +More Options
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Scotch® General Purpose Masking Tape

    Item # 10219905 
    Save 30% off One Regular Price Item with code 20230202. Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program; clearance; buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; craft technology machines; Cricut, Silhouette. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for details.
    $5.99
  • img
    845161172
    You’ll Need: 1

    Winsor & Newton® Artists' Water Colour

    Item # 10237069 
    Save 30% off One Regular Price Item with code 20230202. Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program; clearance; buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; craft technology machines; Cricut, Silhouette. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for details.
    $13.99
    • Color: Titanium White
    • Color: Titanium White
    +More Colors
    • Color: Titanium White
    +More Colors
    +More Options
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Paper Palette Pad by Artist's Loft®, 9" x 12"

    Item # 10552994 
    Save 30% off One Regular Price Item with code 20230202. Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program; clearance; buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; craft technology machines; Cricut, Silhouette. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for details.
    $7.99
  • img
    845161172
    You’ll Need: 1

    Winsor & Newton® Professional Water Colour™ Paint Tube, 14mL

    Item # 10569164 
    Save 30% off One Regular Price Item with code 20230202. Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program; clearance; buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; craft technology machines; Cricut, Silhouette. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for details.
    $28.99
    • Color: Winsor Red
    • Size:
    • Color: Winsor Red
    • Size:
    +More Colors
    • Color: Winsor Red
    • Size:
    +More Colors
    +More Options
  • img
    845161172
    You’ll Need: 1

    Winsor & Newton® Professional Water Colour™ Paint Tube, 14mL

    Item # 10569165 
    Save 30% off One Regular Price Item with code 20230202. Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program; clearance; buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; craft technology machines; Cricut, Silhouette. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for details.
    $28.99
    • Color: Winsor Yellow
    • Size:
    • Color: Winsor Yellow
    • Size:
    +More Colors
    • Color: Winsor Yellow
    • Size:
    +More Colors
    +More Options
  • img
    845161172
    You’ll Need: 1

    Winsor & Newton® Professional Water Colour™ Paint, 5mL

    Item # 10598227 
    Save 30% off One Regular Price Item with code 20230202. Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program; clearance; buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; craft technology machines; Cricut, Silhouette. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for details.
    $17.99
    • Color: Quinacridone Violet
    • Color: Quinacridone Violet
    +More Colors
    • Color: Quinacridone Violet
    +More Colors
    +More Options
  • img
    845161172
    You’ll Need: 1

    Winsor & Newton® Professional Water Colour™ Paint, 5mL

    Item # 10598230 
    Save 30% off One Regular Price Item with code 20230202. Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program; clearance; buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; craft technology machines; Cricut, Silhouette. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for details.
    $17.99
    • Color: Cobalt Green Deep
    • Color: Cobalt Green Deep
    +More Colors
    • Color: Cobalt Green Deep
    +More Colors
    +More Options
 
Tools
Tools
 
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Recollections™ Hand Punch

    Item # 10282477 
    Save 30% off One Regular Price Item with code 20230202. Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program; clearance; buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; craft technology machines; Cricut, Silhouette. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for details.
    $8.49
 
You’ll Also Need
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Cup of Water
  • Ribbon of Choice
Instructions
Step 1

Cut (or tear for a raw edge look) a 2" x 6" [5.08 cm x 15.24cm] rectangle piece of watercolour paper. For a different size bookmark, just be sure to leave ¼" [0.64 cm] in the total size for a crisp white border.
TIP: If you do not have access to watercolour paper, cardstock can be substituted but may not yield the best results.

Step 2

Measure in ¼" [0.64 cm] on all four sides of the bookmark and apply tape border.

Step 3

Apply the masking fluid with the brush to your paper, creating a tulip shape. Use a thinner brush to create the outlines and a thicker brush on areas that will be filled in. Use a generous amount of masking fluid, as this will make it easier to pull up in a later step. Allow approximately 30 minutes to dry or until the fluid is no longer tacky to the touch.
TIP: To avoid damaging your brush bristles, coat it with some soap and water before using the masking fluid; then immediately after use, clean brush with water.

Step 4

To achieve the colours shown in the example picture, mix the watercolours on a disposable palette in the ratios below.
- Yellow Colour = Winsor Yellow; No Mixing
- Violet Colour = Quinacridone Violet; No Mixing
- Red Colour = 1-part Titanium White to 3 parts Winsor Red
- Aqua Colour = 1-part Titanium White to 3 parts Cobalt Green Deep
- Blue Colour = 1-part Titanium White to 3 parts Winsor Green (Blue Shade)

Step 5

Ensure the masking fluid is dry, then dab some clean water all over the front of the bookmark to create a wet surface. This will allow the watercolours to flow and blend together.

Step 6

Using a brush, apply the watercolours one at a time to the wet surface on the paper until desired effect is achieved. Let dry; approximately 15-20 minutes.
TIP: The Aqua and Blue colours (Step 4) were mixed to achieve the flower background shade. The Violet and Red colours (Step 4) were mixed to achieve the petal shade and the Yellow colour used as an accent as shown. Be sure to clean your brush in between colours that you do not want to blend.

Step 7

Once everything is dry, you can peel up the masking fluid to reveal a clean, white surface.
TIP: Use the back of a brush to initially lift the dried masking fluid to avoid disturbing any watercolour with fingers.

Step 8

Remove tape border, punch a hole at the top of the bookmark, approximately ½" [1.27 cm] from the top and tie your ribbon of choice through the hole!

Share your project photos with #MakeItWithMichaels

Project Reviews