Chinese New Year envelopes

Step 1
Start by painting your card all over with your darker shade of red. Before this base colour dries, paint over it with your lighter shade of red. Fleur used Resene Red Berry and Resene Red Hot to make the pattern. You can make eclipse shapes or you could try swirls, circles, stipes, spots – whatever you like!

Step 2
Once the paint is dry, cut out the shape of an envelope. You can find an envelope template online to help with the shape or create your own.

Step 3
Use a thin craft paintbrush and your chosen colour to paint on the words ‘Happy new year’ and ‘2023’. Fleur used Resene Gold Dust metallic paint. Also, paint on a stylised rabbit (2023 is the year of the rabbit).

Step 4
Fold the envelope into shape and glue the flaps down. Insert some money or a special message and give to a lucky person!