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Art Card #2 - Houses on Patterned Hill

  • Rachel Allen Dillon
  • Oct 7, 2023
  • 2 min read

Imagine walking down a fabric aisle at Joann Fabrics or the scrapbook paper aisle at Michaels. The colors and patterns they choose are often brilliant. They pair questionable colors, yet when they interact in the design, it just works. These are the patterns and colors I like to think about when I design folk art cards.

When you create art cards, I encourage you to experiment with mediums - crayons, colored pencils, fine-tip markers, dual-tipped watercolor markers, oil pastels, etc. It's a good rule of thumb that if you are drawing a design with small spaces, you'll need a medium with a tip so you can reach them. Having a variety of tools offers you more creative freedom.

SUPPLIES: You'll need a 4.25" x 5.5" piece of white cardstock, a pencil with an eraser, and dual-tip watercolor markers, then outline with a fine-tip black marker. If you don't have watercolor markers, I recommend going over the pencil lines with a black marker first and then filling in the spaces with colored pencils.

Now, let's get started on the art project. Remind yourself this time is for you to breathe, experiment, and leave self-judgment at the door. To scroll between steps, look for these symbols (>, <).


Here are my completed art cards. I usually play around and create a couple of versions for fun. As you can tell, I try new things, even after following a basic outline. A couple of days later, I'll find a few minutes of quiet time, write a letter on the back of the card, and mail it to someone I care about. I hope you had fun with this project, and look for another one soon!




Click on this link if you'd like to download the PDF of this step-by-step Houses on a Patterned Hill project.

3 Comments


Saif Ali
Saif Ali
Mar 30

Beautiful composition and use of patterns—this piece really brings a unique charm to the hillside houses. The detailing and color balance make it visually engaging and calming at the same time. Truly inspiring work!

If anyone is interested in creative tools and editing apps, you can also check out Wink Mod APK for more features and possibilities


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Muhammad Rashid Al
Muhammad Rashid Al
Mar 25

Love seeing platforms and communities that encourage innovation and give space to creative minds! Initiatives like these play a huge role in bringing fresh perspectives and unique talent into the spotlight. Supporting underground creators not only inspires others but also helps new ideas grow and reach a wider audience. I also recently came across instander, which is quite useful for people who enjoy managing and exploring Instagram from their computer. It offers a smoother experience and some helpful features that make browsing and content interaction more convenient. Keep inspiring and empowering creative thinkers!

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jawad ali
jawad ali
Dec 29, 2025

I love how Rachel emphasizes experimentation and creativity in making art cards! The idea of mixing different mediums and letting go of self-judgment really makes the process enjoyable and personal. Plus, adding a handwritten note on the back turns a simple art project into a heartfelt gift. For those who also enjoy digital creativity alongside hands-on projects, using tools like the PhotoDirector app can help enhance and share your designs in unique ways.

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