If you’ve ever opened a watercolor workbook and thought, “Okay… now what?”—you’re not alone.
The good news is, watercolor workbooks are designed to make things simple. You don’t need to be artistic, and you don’t need any prior experience.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to use a watercolor workbook step by step, so you can actually enjoy the process instead of overthinking it.
What You Need to Get Started
Before you begin, gather a few simple supplies:
- A watercolor workbook (we love Emily Lex Studio for beginners)
- A watercolor paint set
- A paintbrush (often included in sets)
- A small cup of water
- A paper towel or cloth
That’s it. No complicated setup required.
👉 Browse watercolor workbooks and paint sets here:
https://littleflowersoap.com/collections/emily-lex-studio-collection
Step 1: Set Up a Simple, Comfortable Space
You don’t need a studio—just a small, clean surface near natural light.
A kitchen table, coffee table, or even a quiet corner works perfectly.
Keep it simple:
- Workbook open
- Paint set nearby
- Water within reach
The goal is to make it easy to sit down and start.
Step 2: Start with a Light Wash of Color
Most Emily Lex Studio watercolor workbooks include pre-sketched designs, so you can jump straight into painting.
Dip your brush in water, then lightly into your paint.
Start with a soft, diluted color and gently fill in part of the design.
Watercolor works best when you build slowly—light layers first.
Step 3: Let the Water Do the Work
One of the best parts of watercolor is that it’s not about control—it’s about flow.
As you paint:
- Let colors blend naturally
- Don’t worry about perfect edges
- Allow small variations to happen
This is what gives watercolor its soft, organic look.
Step 4: Layer for Depth
Once your first layer dries (usually just a minute or two), you can go back in and add more color.
This is how you create dimension:
- Add slightly darker tones
- Layer color in certain areas
- Build contrast slowly
There’s no rush—this is meant to feel relaxed.
Step 5: Keep It Imperfect
This might be the most important step.
Watercolor is not about perfection. In fact, the beauty of a watercolor workbook is that it gives you structure while still allowing room for imperfection.
Some pages will turn out beautifully. Some will feel a little messy.
Both are part of the process.
Step 6: Paint for 5 Minutes or 50
You don’t need a big block of time.
One of the reasons people love watercolor books is that you can:
- Paint a small section in 5–10 minutes
- Come back later and continue
- Or spend a slow afternoon working through a full page
It fits into real life.
Common Beginner Questions
Do I need to know how to draw?
No. That’s the beauty of a watercolor workbook—the designs are already there.
What if I mess up?
You will—and that’s okay. Watercolor is very forgiving, and small imperfections often look beautiful.
What’s the best watercolor workbook for beginners?
We consistently recommend Emily Lex Studio watercolor workbooks because they’re simple, calming, and easy to follow.
👉 Explore them here:
https://littleflowersoap.com/collections/emily-lex-studio-collection
Why This Works So Well as a Gift
When you give someone a watercolor workbook and paint set, you’re not just giving them a product—you’re giving them something to do.
It’s:
- Relaxing
- Screen-free
- Creative without pressure
- Easy to start
That’s why it’s become such a popular experience gift for women.
A Simple Way to Slow Down
You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy watercolor.
You just need a few minutes, a brush, and a page to begin.
That’s what makes Emily Lex Studio watercolor books so special—they make it easy to start, and even easier to come back.
Shop Watercolor Workbooks & Paint Sets
If you’re ready to try it for yourself—or give it as a thoughtful gift—you can browse the full collection here:
👉 https://littleflowersoap.com/collections/emily-lex-studio-collection