In my last post, I showed you the floral monograms and cards I made for my sister and mother for Christmas. For the past several days, I’ve been putting together a tutorial for you about the process I used to create the monograms and print the cards at home. I’ve taken pictures, scanned images, edited photos, researched printers, paper, and software, and wrote paragraph after paragraph about the card-making process. As I got into it, I realized that the subject was more complex than I had realized, and I had way too much material for a single blog post.
So…..I’m going to give you just a brief overview here today, and I’ll compile all the detailed information into a downloadable tutorial which will be available on my Leslie Fehling Studio website.
Creating the Design
There are lots of different styles of watercolor monograms, some based on a line drawing, others more freeform, so the first thing I had to decide was what type of monogram I wanted to make. I decided to use a base structure for my L, so I could have a defined edge with flowers spilling out over it. (In the tutorial, I’ll have complete alphabets for you to use as a base for your monograms.)
I copied the L shape onto tracing paper (I’ll share my favorite brand in the upcoming lesson) then started blocking in the flowers. I like using tracing paper when designing something like this, because it’s so easy to erase and make changes along the way.
Next I did a more refined pencil drawing using reference photos of flowers from my own images and online sources. (I’ll be sharing some great resources for copyright-free images in the tutorial.)
Next, I transferred the design to my sketchbook page and inked it.
Now it was ready to paint!
Painting the Monogram
I began the painting process by applying base washes to the largest flowers and some of the leaves then decided to make a few additions: a rabbit, a ladybug, and a busy little honeybee.
After painting base washes on the rest of the elements, I added darker values, texture, and details to complete the floral portion of the painting.
Here’s the final monogram, after the background letter was painted…
(My upcoming tutorial will have more step-by-step photos and instructions for designing and painting your own monograms.)
Scanning and Editing the Monogram
Once the artwork was completed, it needed to be scanned to get a digital file that I could work with on my computer. I find that I get much better results when I scan my artwork, rather than trying to photograph it with my phone or camera. (In the lesson, I’ll share info on the scanner I use and what to look for when buying a scanner for artwork.)
The scan ended up looking a little dull and dark…
…so the next step was to clean up the image and make it look just like the original artwork. That requires editing, using a program like Photoshop. (I personally use Photoshop, but I know not everyone wants to invest in a monthly subscription program for it, so I’ve done some research and found some good alternatives that I’ll share with you in the lesson.)
After editing, my scanned image looked just like the original!
(I’m not a Photoshop expert, but I’ll show you the easy steps I use to edit photos in Photoshop. If a non-expert like me can do it, you can too!)
Printing
I print all of my cards at home. My Brother all-in-one printer does a great job of printing beautiful inkjet reproductions of my artwork that I can use to make greeting cards. (In the tutorial, I’ll tell you what printer I use and give you some guidance as to what to look for in a photo printer.)
Paper
Before printing, I had to decide which type of paper I would use for the prints. Using high-quality paper is of critical importance when printing artwork at home.
Regular card stock or copy paper give disappointing results, but I’ve had success using matte photo paper and art papers made specifically for inkjet printing.
(I’ll share specific brands and links to products in the new lesson. You’ll also learn how to select the perfect paper for printing different types of artwork.)
Software
In order to print the monograms, I had to first create a document and decide what size I wanted the images to be. I needed a software program that would enable me to arrange images on a page, resize, and flip them. I was using 8-1/2″ x 11″ paper, so my layout had to correspond to that size.
I created several different layouts for the various types and sizes of cards I planned to make.
(In the new tutorial, I’ll tell you about the program I use and offer some suggestions for free alternatives that will enable you to create great-looking cards for yourself.)
Card Construction
After the images were printed, they were ready to be trimmed to size and made into cards.
I used a combination of scrapbooking papers, washi tape, ribbon, gel pens, and watercolor to create a batch of cards that will probably last me all year. I enjoyed making each card a little different, using a variety of paper colors to emphasize the pinks of the rose on one and bring out the warm tones of the daylily on others.
(In the new lesson, I’ll show you how to select color schemes and accent colors that will enhance your paintings, and I’ll give you some great suggestions for card-making supplies that complement your artwork without stealing the spotlight away from your beautiful images. You’ll also learn some simple ways to add lettering to your cards.)
Personalized monogram cards make wonderful gifts, but they’re also a fun project to do just for you! I love having my “L” cards available when I want to send a quick note to a friend. And what’s nice is that, after the artwork is done, you can continue to print and make cards with your monogram for years to come.
My new lesson, How to Make Watercolor Monograms and Cards, will be released in a few weeks. It will include a detailed step-by-step tutorial on creating floral monograms using ink and watercolor and will also tell you everything you need to know about how to scan, edit, print, and construct greeting cards using your own artwork.
Armed with my thorough instructions and your own individual style and creativity, you’ll be making beautiful cards in no time!
12 Comments
How beautiful Leslie! I’m looking forward to your lesson. Stay warm out there!
These are simply beautiful, Leslie. Your instructions here give us enough to work with but I love the sneak peek of what’s in your tutorial that will make it a really complete lesson from start to finish, especially with the computer/printing/formatting, etc.
Leslie: As usual, your work is absolutely stunning and beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing! Will look forward to seeing how this year progresses with your lovely work.
Most Sincerely, Nancy & Maurice
So pretty!
I can’t wait to try making these. I’ve written list of friends for whom I want to make a monogram and their favorite places to go, activities, flowers and colors.
This will be fun. Your generous teaching style will make it a real treat to explore. THANK YOU FOR CREATING THE LESSONS.
Joyce
I’d love to see what you come up with, Joyce.
I love this idea, Leslie. It has given me a way to redesign the flower cards I already make. I purchased several beautiful books that explore the lore and meaning of flowers. The flowers I will incorporate in the monogram can stand for the characteristics I adore about the person. That will help me narrow down the choices of flowers. I would include an explanation as well.
Great idea, Judy!
These are truly beautiful!!
What a lovely idea and as always your instructions are detailed enough to make the process doable. Many thanks for sharing.
I’m very excited about this latest project. You are so talented and creative, I admire your ideas and appreciate all the work that goes into sharing the ideas. I only wish I had the energy that you have so I could master all the projects that you show. It make me happy to read and look at your beautiful website and all of your ideas. Looking forward to the dowmloadable tutorial.
Lovely idea, Leslie and definitely worth to try. I made illuminated letters for (almost) everyone in my family myself included. I did a tutorial on my blog too (http://sierysuje.pl/iluminowany-inicjal/) and I was inspired by Lesley Bugbee as well😂
Greetings from Warsaw/Poland