Have you ever walked down the aisle of a craft store and those beautiful unfinished wood pieces caught your eye? But you walked on by because you weren't aware of what to do with them or that you could actually paint with watercolor on them?

You've come to the right place! In this class, I show you exactly how to create a unique art piece that's a perfect gift or a special keepsake for yourself.

Class details:

All levels are welcome
You'll learn every step of how to prep, paint, and seal a 24 piece wooden puzzle, in real time
Many tips and techniques are shared along the way from lessons I've learned previously about applying and using Transparent watercolor ground
See past projects I've used watercolor ground on, including other wood pieces, metal, etc
Tips for how to choose the subject you'll paint on your puzzle, or, any future art piece
A limited color palette is used with minimal color mixing
You paint some of my very common wedge brush florals and leaves. However, the class is yours and feel free to paint whatever subject you choose
I use a wedge brush but any preferred brush can be substituted
Prepare yourself to have a ton of creative fun! I strongly suspect you'll want to make more of these puzzles and find other surfaces to paint on. These make beautiful, thoughtful, and highly personalized gifts that will be cherished for a very long time

Class supplies: (Please note: Products listed or used in class are not sponsored, endorsed, nor are they an ad. I have no affiliation with any brand or company listed here. I am, however, compensated for eligible products via my Amazon Storefront)

Unfinished wood puzzle from any craft store or online - I purchased mine from Hobby Lobby. It's a 24 piece puzzle, 11.77" by 7.87" and is around $5.00 USA currency
Watercolors. Your choice of colors and brand. I use Daniel Smith, unless otherwise noted. I recommend using your favorite floral colors.
- Yellow Ochre, Quinacridone Gold, Van Dyke Brown, Undersea Green, Payne's Blue Gray, Pyrrole Rubin (by Holbein)
Gouache: I use Toffee gouache by Arteza. A tan or beige watercolor can be substituted. I also use a very small amount of white gouache (Holbein). No worries if you don't have any.
Wedge brush (size 8 or 10) or any brush you like to use to make flowers
Small round brushes are recommended for detail work. Suggested sizes: 0, 1, 2 or 4.
Sandpaper - "fine" sandpaper to lightly sand your puzzle; not gritty or coarse
- Note: a very small piece of sandpaper does come with the puzzle, at least with my past purchases it did
Transparent Watercolor Ground by Daniel Smith. Can be found online
Foam brush to apply the watercolor ground (or, a large old brush). I use a 1 inch foam brush
Painter's tape
I'm using Dorland's wax to seal my puzzle. Or, you may choose to use a varnish spray (please remember to use protective gear and to obviously spray outside if choosing to use a varnish spray)
The usual watercolor supplies: water jars, tissues, paper towels, scrap paper, wet sponge, towel, etc.

Note: This class is an introduction to transparent watercolor ground. Not all tips and techniques can be shared for each and every surface. I highly recommend reading specific instructions for each individual brand of watercolor ground you use. There are some differences.

Soeurette Chambreau

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