DIY Affirmation Cards – Someplace Wilder

A few weeks ago in the midst of quarantine I was inspired to make my own watercolour affirmation cards. I had been looking for ways to incorporate more mindfulness into my day and I was also looking to deepen my spirituality and faith. Isolation can get tough and I was feeling a pull to turn inward and surrender to the Universe. You can buy a deck of affirmation cards online and in book stores, but I knew that ordering them online would take far too long in the current circumstances and would also be unreasonably expensive. So I decided to just make them myself!

I have to admit, this little creative activity was super therapeutic and what I loved about it was that I got to choose which affirmations to put on my cards – something you just can’t do if you buy them already made. I googled, scoured Pinterest and also made up some of my own. I tried to choose ones that I felt resonated with me and that were affirmations that I needed to be reminded of. I’ve listed the affirmations I used at the end of the blog post if you’re needing some ideas.

How do I use these affirmation cards? I generally shuffle my deck in the morning when I sit down with my coffee, close my eyes and intuitively pick one. I believe whatever affirmation I pick is the one that’s meant for me that day, and then I put it somewhere I can see it often. It usually strikes a chord in me and re-centers me for the day. You could also pick an affirmation to focus on for the week, or just use them when you feel the need for some spiritual support.So let’s get to the how.

What You Need

If you’re going to paint yours with watercolours like I did you’ll need a few things before you get started:

Paper: As you use quite a bit of water when painting with watercolour paint, you need the right paper to prevent it getting soggy and breaking. Watercolour paper is available at most art stores and is thicker than most other paper at around 300g/m. This will let you paint to your heart’s content and still leave you with a firm card when you’re done.
Watercolour Paint: There are alot of options out there and these can get quite expensive. I’m still using the same palette that I bought in South Africa last year when I was just starting to experiment with watercolours. It was R179 from CNA and it’s perfect for me. There’s no need to spend hundreds on paint but just buy whatever works for you!
Paint Brushes: I have quite a few brushes but tend to use the same 3 or 4 all the time. I would definitely recommend buying some good quality brushes at the art shop – they make a huge difference to your painting. I prefer a rounded tip brush as I find them easier to work with. Also, depending on how detailed you want your paintings to be I’d recommend getting a few different sizes. I use my tiny little brush a lot and I’d highly recommend getting one for little details.
Pen/Marker: You’ll need this to write your affirmations on the cards once they’ve dried. I find a fine tip marker or gel pen works best. I used the Pilot Fineliner for mine.

Step 1: Cut Your Cards

Measure out your cards on your watercolour paper and cut them out. My paper was A3 size and I chose to make my cards 8cm x 9xm so I got 15 cards per page.

Step 2: Paint Your Cards

I chose to make mine quite colourful and pastel toned, but you can really do whatever you want. You can stick to a specific colour scheme, make them all different or keep them all the same. Be as creative as you want! Once you’ve painted them let them dry properly so that they’re ready for step 3. I find they usually need about 10 minutes to dry.

Step 3: Write Your Affirmations

I found it easier to first write down all my affirmations on a piece of paper before I wrote them down on the cards. I’ve included mine below as inspiration but you can get ideas on Instagram (by searching #affirmationcards), Pinterest, and also by just tapping into your own inner knowing. Make sure your affirmations resonate with YOU specifically to make them most effective.

Here are the affirmations that I used:

I embrace uncertainty, knowing I am being guided at all times
I honour and embrace my emotions
I prioritize doing the things that fill my soul and re-energize me
I release control and expectations and let the universe show me what to do
When I’m patient I let the universe do for me what I cannot do for myself
I am exactly where I need to be
The universe loves me and is guiding me
Everything is unfolding the way it is meant to in the universe’s perfect timing
When I focus on what I have I receive more of what I want
To begin the practice of allowing I must get out the way and let spirit give me direction
I embrace the constant changes in life. I will adapt and continue to thrive
I release the need to do and be more, and bring awareness and intention to slower mindful living
I am free to make the choices that feel right for me and I have the power to create the life I want
I am patient knowing that whatever is of the highest good is coming to me
My future needs me – my past doesn’t
There is no shame in my struggles. The entirety of me is welcome
I allow my insecurities to teach me about my desires
Believing in spiritual guidance gives me certainty and freedom to keep dreaming, even when I can’t yet see the result
Today I choose to focus on and enjoy where I am right now
I am deeply connected to my inner guides who help me every day, as long as I make time to listen
I am enough
My energy creates my reality. What I focus on is what I manifest.
My body knows best
Feeling good will bring me far more than what I thought I needed
I trust that what is meant for me is already mine regardless of how and when I receive it
I release all doubts and insecurities about myself today, choosing instead to love and appreciate all that I am
My ability to receive is measured by how much I practice good-feeling thoughts
I trust myself and know that all my decisions are being guided by the universe
Today I choose to live mindfully and with awareness of the internal AND external