🔔 Holiday Ornaments in Watercolor + Gold Ink

LaLa
Dec 9
2 min read

Mixed-Media Sparkle with Elegant Line Work

Holiday ornaments are the perfect subject for festive mixed-media art. With simple watercolor techniques and shimmering gold ink, you can create dazzling, hand-painted designs that are perfect for cards, gifts, or seasonal decor. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to combine delicate washes with metallic accents and fine ink details for a look that’s both playful and refined.

🎨 Materials You'll Need

Watercolor paper
Watercolor paints (traditional reds, greens, blues, or unexpected jewel tones)
Gold ink or metallic watercolor
Dip pen, gold gel pen, or fine liner
Round brush (size 2–6)
Optional: masking fluid or washi tape

🖌️ Step-by-Step: Watercolor + Gold Ornament Design

1. Sketch Lightly

Use a pencil to draw the outlines of classic ornament shapes — spheres, teardrops, stars, or bells.

2. Lay Down Loose Watercolor

Fill in each ornament with soft washes. Try wet-on-wet for dreamy blends or drop in a second color for variation. Let it dry completely.

🎨 Try combos like turquoise + indigo, or rose + gold ochre.

3. Add Ink Details

Use gold ink or a gel pen to draw filigree patterns, swirls, stripes, or snowflakes over the dry watercolor. You can also outline the shapes for extra definition.

4. Add a Hanging Ribbon or Hook

Use metallic ink or a fine liner to draw a string or hook at the top of each ornament. Optional: add a shadow or soft background wash.

💡 Ideas for Use

🎁 Frame your ornaments as a festive mini print
💌 Print your design on cards or tags
🖼️ Use a repeating pattern for holiday wrapping paper
📓 Add to your December sketchbook or mixed-media journal

🧑‍🎨 Bonus Tips

Use masking fluid to preserve white highlights before painting.
For a luxe effect, add gold leaf or metallic foil accents after the ink dries.
Vary your ornament shapes and sizes to create rhythm and interest.

🎄 Final Thoughts

Holiday ornaments are endlessly customizable and such a joy to paint. Combining watercolor with gold ink lets you play with contrast and elegance—perfect for adding a little sparkle to your season. Whether you create a single statement piece or a full pattern collection, this technique adds festive flair to any holiday project.