A Last-Minute Father’s Day Card Tutorial

In our house, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day have taken on birthday-like statuses. For almost three years, Hernán and I have been parents — and it’s simultaneously the most difficult and rewarding thing we’ve ever done! These holidays give us a chance to remind each other that we’re doing a good job. For this year’s Father’s Day card, I wanted to be specific about why we adore Hernán as a dad. Today, I’ll show you how to make a card similar to the one pictured above … just in time for Father’s Day on Sunday!

To get started, you’ll need a few basic tools. You can find a list with links below the photo:

• Pencil
• Ruler
• Small (size 000) paintbrush
• Gold watercolor
• Waterproof black ink
• Straight pen with Nikko G nib
• Blank watercolor card

1. Draw a Border

First, you’ll begin by using your pencil to draw a border 1/2″ (~1.25 cm) around the card’s edges. It’s important not to draw or letter anything beyond this border, which will help give the card a clean look.

2. Draw Your First Line of Lettering

Next, use your pencil to draw six wavy guidelines lines like the ones below. Try to draw the lines in the approximate middle of the card.

Then, use Lasso Lettering to write “You’re an Awesome Dad … the Very Best”.

Now, trace over your lettering with ink. (It’s best to use waterproof ink for this step since you’ll be adding gold watercolor to the card shortly.)

3. Fill Up the Rest of the Father’s Day Card with Lettering

Now, use George Style lettering (or a similar style) to write “WE LOVE YOU BECAUSE” at the top of the card. Trace over your lettering with ink, then use your pencil to write reasons between the two inked lines of lettering. Those reasons should be written in all sorts of different lettering and calligraphy styles! Use your creativity to have fun and play.

Once you’ve finished adding reasons to the top of the card, ink over your pencil lettering. Then, use your pencil to make a draft of reasons at the bottom of the card. If you want to, you can draw in various sizes of stars to fill in negative space.

Add ink to that pencil draft, too.

Then, wait for a couple of minutes until you can’t see any spots of shiny ink on your lettering. That means that everything is dry, and it’s safe to erase any pencil draft lines!

4. Add Gold Watercolor to Finish Your Father’s Day Card

This card has so much flourish and pizazz in the lettering that it really only needs one accent color to bring it to life! I’ve chosen to use gold watercolor as my accent; but you can use any watercolor that you like. First, moisten your watercolor pan, then use your size 000 paintbrush to stir the water into the paint. Then, fill in the downstrokes of any George Style lettering on your card with the paint. If you drew stars, fill those in with gold, too.

Continue to add gold watercolor until all of the downstrokes and stars have been colored in.

And voilà! A Father’s Day card that is playful, personal, and eye-catching. I can’t wait to give this to Hernán, especially after he tried his best to make me a beautiful card on Mother’s Day, too:

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I hope that this tutorial comes in handy when it comes to making this weekend special for the dad(s) in your life. Thanks so much for reading, and Happy Father’s Day!

Warmly,