Make Gorgeous (Cheater) Watercolor Prints Using Markers + Water

This technique is easy enough for both kids and complete art incompetents like me! 

Pair the cheater watercolor technique with some printable quotes, and you have a really simple project that yields really beautiful results.

Printable Watercolor Quotes

Download my printable quotes by clicking on the links below (remember, the PDF files will just have the quote on a plain white background – you get to add your own watercolor background!):

What You'll Need:

Watercolor paper Printer Markers Plastic Spray bottle Paper towels

How To Make A Watercolor Print Using Markers

First, print whatever quote you’d like to use on one of the papers I mentioned. Next, lay a gallon zip bag over the quote.

Scribble on the bag with markers. I like to use two different colors that I know will blend well together, maybe three. Do not use colors that will make brown when combined together.

Next, use your spray bottle to spritz water on the scribbles. You’ll see the marker ink bead up when it gets wet.

Pick up the zip bag and quickly flip it over, then place it back down, centering it over your quote. Depending on how much water you used, some of the ink may run off the bag as you flip it. Rub your fingers over the bag, blending the colors beneath it.

When you’re done blending, slowly peel the bag off your print. At this point you may have some pooling colored water. You can either leave it to dry (it will dry darker in those areas) or you can use a paper towel to blot some of it up.

I actually recommend experimenting with colors and techniques using plain paper to see what you like best before you start working on the actual prints. It’s tons of fun!

Swipe up to get the printable quotes!