Behind the Brush: Painting the 2026 Cupcake Celebration Card

Welcome to the first installment of Behind The Brush, a series where I share a peek behind the scenes of my creative process. Today, we’re diving into the creation of Cupcake Celebration, my newest addition to the Adventurine Art Studio designs, from beginning to end. We’ll explore the starting reference image, my application and creative styling, a WIP shot (the famously “ugly” stage of a painting!), the final result, and the newest limited‑edition 2026 notecards.

I started this project with the intention of creating the 2026 birthday celebration card design, so I chose a smaller 5” x 8” blank canvas and got to searching. Leveraging copyright‑free images, I was tickled purple when I saw this one, courtesy of Isabella Fischer (Instagram, #fischertwinsphotography). With its vibrant purple frosting, multi‑colored fluffy cake batter, and striped pink‑and‑white candle, it felt like looking at a warm birthday hug.

One key element I wanted to change when my brush hit the paper was to light this baby up! Without the flame, the cupcake felt cooler and less alive, contradicting the celebratory glow I wanted to imbue in a special‑occasion card design. With that adjustment in mind, I started with a loose, atmospheric base that would sparkle without any glitter.

I wanted to create a deeper score of color in the background so the paler cupcake base would stand out more strongly against the white backdrop. The addition of green, blue, and the yellow flame—plus pink and purple splatters—sealed the deal.

As is famously the case with the “ugly stage” of many watercolor paintings, I worried the piece wouldn’t come together after hitting this point. I’ve faced this moment many times and always have to remember the vision, reminding myself to embrace the ugly before reaching the beauty. It felt messy, and I almost started over. I’m so glad I didn’t.

There is a world of magic to be discovered in the finishing touches of a painting—so much so that you might not even believe the final product after seeing the piece mid‑way. And so it was with Cupcake Celebration. The warm, fiery glow of the flickering candle, paired with another layer of color, highlights, and shadows, baked this design to completion.

My favorite element of this occasion card design is how the glowing birthday candle brings warmth and life to the cupcake. It transforms it from a delightful treat into a singular celebration of life—just for you and me.

And now, it’s waiting to fulfill its purpose: to bring joy to you or to someone you love in the new year. As the 2026 Limited Edition Celebration Design, only a select number of cards will go to print. Once sold out, this exact design will not be reprinted.

Finished on smooth matte white cardstock in a 3.5” x 5” size, you can find this 2026 Limited Edition Design in my Etsy store in packs of 5, 10, 25, or 50 (for my social butterflies). Perfect for birthday greetings, party invitations, or sweet notes to loved ones, each card is printed from my original watercolor design and comes with a matching envelope. Whether you're gifting it or framing it, this card adds a playful touch to any occasion.

I hope you enjoyed the first installment of Behind The Brush. I’m curious—what detail in the Cupcake Celebration card caught your eye first?

If you could design your dream birthday card, what would be on it? It’s never too early for me to start thinking about the 2027 Design of the Year ;)

Chat me down below or on Instagram to share your thoughts. Until next time,