Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Learn how to create your own custom illuminated letter or initial, inspired by illuminated manuscripts! This drawing, inking, and watercolor painting tutorial will take you step by step through my process for creating a one of a kind fleur de lis, complete with background irises.
I collaborated with the St Charles Parish Library's Makerspace to create custom dye sublimation tote bags with beautifully illuminated initials! In this video, I walk you through the process of creating your own illuminated letter or graphic (I'm using a fleur de lis) from the basic sketch to the finish watercolor. Afterwards, you can scan your letter and using a dye sublimation printer, print out a graphic that can be transferred to dye sublimation substrate like tote bags, mouse pads, or banners.
Materials Used:
Canson XL Watercolor Paper: amzn.to/3ToA59J
Mechanical Pencil
White Vinyl Eraser- I like Pentel Hi Polymer or Mono Erasers
Pentel: amzn.to/4xb7AuS
Mono: amzn.to/4xb7AuS
Sakura Pigma FB: amzn.to/4x4A2OL
Blue Painter's Tape- I'm using 3M: amzn.to/4pSf2IH
Masking Fluid- I'm using Winsor & Newton's tinted removable masking fluid in a small jar: amzn.to/4c66gB3
Chipboard or other structure you can tape your illustration to
Favorite Watercolor paints- I recommend Meiliang Pigments!: amzn.to/4c66gB3
Favorite watercolor brushes- I recommend this set from Artify! amzn.to/44SUqX7
White Gouache- I'm using Winsor & Newton: amzn.to/3RYWFVV
Tutorials and lessons like this are made possible thanks to my classes with the St Charles Parish Public Library system and the generosity of my Patrons on Patreon! If you live in South East Louisiana and you would like to take a class with me, feel free to pass my name along to your local library. They pay me so I can offer the classes free of charge to the public- everyone wins! If you don't live in Louisiana and you would like to support my work, I would love it if you
Checked out my (free!) webcomic at 7inchkara.com
Browsed my online shop at nattosoup.com/shop
or
Supported my work on Patreon!
Patrons have access to the class! patreon.com/Nattosoup/posts/backer-exclusive-156134643?collection=21613
They also have access to the printable lineart: patreon.com/Nattosoup/posts/backer-exclusive-165019826
Want to keep painting? I have more Start to Finish easy watercolor tutorials: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_pXBtCqjKy9-JOzBNJgaQS4T8ZdrLk5g
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:17 Drawing Your Letter
02:00 Inking Your Letter
04:36 Taping Down Your Letter
04:50 Masking Out Your Letter
05:53 Painting Your Background
08:49 Removing the Masking Fluid
09:19 Painting the Letter
Music:
Sunny Travel- Nico Staf
Sunset Dream- Cheel
Kevin MacLeod- Master of the Feast
Kevin MacLeod- Folk Round
Kevin MacLeod- Enchanted Valley
#watercolor #watercolorillustration #watercolortutorial
Learn how to create your own custom illuminated letter or initial, inspired by illuminated manuscripts! This drawing, inking, and watercolor painting tutorial will take you step by step through my process for creating a one of a kind fleur de lis, complete with background irises.
I collaborated with the St Charles Parish Library's Makerspace to create custom dye sublimation tote bags with beautifully illuminated initials! In this video, I walk you through the process of creating your own illuminated letter or graphic (I'm using a fleur de lis) from the basic sketch to the finish watercolor. Afterwards, you can scan your letter and using a dye sublimation printer, print out a graphic that can be transferred to dye sublimation substrate like tote bags, mouse pads, or banners.
Materials Used:
Canson XL Watercolor Paper: amzn.to/3ToA59J
Mechanical Pencil
White Vinyl Eraser- I like Pentel Hi Polymer or Mono Erasers
Pentel: amzn.to/4xb7AuS
Mono: amzn.to/4xb7AuS
Sakura Pigma FB: amzn.to/4x4A2OL
Blue Painter's Tape- I'm using 3M: amzn.to/4pSf2IH
Masking Fluid- I'm using Winsor & Newton's tinted removable masking fluid in a small jar: amzn.to/4c66gB3
Chipboard or other structure you can tape your illustration to
Favorite Watercolor paints- I recommend Meiliang Pigments!: amzn.to/4c66gB3
Favorite watercolor brushes- I recommend this set from Artify! amzn.to/44SUqX7
White Gouache- I'm using Winsor & Newton: amzn.to/3RYWFVV
Tutorials and lessons like this are made possible thanks to my classes with the St Charles Parish Public Library system and the generosity of my Patrons on Patreon! If you live in South East Louisiana and you would like to take a class with me, feel free to pass my name along to your local library. They pay me so I can offer the classes free of charge to the public- everyone wins! If you don't live in Louisiana and you would like to support my work, I would love it if you
Checked out my (free!) webcomic at 7inchkara.com
Browsed my online shop at nattosoup.com/shop
or
Supported my work on Patreon!
Patrons have access to the class! patreon.com/Nattosoup/posts/backer-exclusive-156134643?collection=21613
They also have access to the printable lineart: patreon.com/Nattosoup/posts/backer-exclusive-165019826
Want to keep painting? I have more Start to Finish easy watercolor tutorials: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_pXBtCqjKy9-JOzBNJgaQS4T8ZdrLk5g
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:17 Drawing Your Letter
02:00 Inking Your Letter
04:36 Taping Down Your Letter
04:50 Masking Out Your Letter
05:53 Painting Your Background
08:49 Removing the Masking Fluid
09:19 Painting the Letter
Music:
Sunny Travel- Nico Staf
Sunset Dream- Cheel
Kevin MacLeod- Master of the Feast
Kevin MacLeod- Folk Round
Kevin MacLeod- Enchanted Valley
#watercolor #watercolorillustration #watercolortutorial
