Update Your Old Backpack With This SUPER Pretty Watercolor Technique

Kelly Bryden
Aug 14, 2015

As much as we hate to admit it, summer is coming to a close and school is right around the corner. Here at Brit HQ, we feel like we had a great summer, so we are ready for cooler fall weather, stockings and booties. Oh wait — that is San Francisco weather always. Well, for all of you who are heading back to school, we have a great way to update your old backpack — with gorgeous watercolors! We think anything watercolored is an ultimate win, so this backpack takes the cake.

Materials:

– canvas backpack (we bought ours here)

– fabric paint

– iron-on gold foil

– foil adhesive

Tools:

– iron

– sponge brushes

– parchment paper

– mason jar

Instructions:

1. Use your largest foam brush to dampen all the areas that you want to watercolor.

2. Dip your smaller paint brush into water and then your first color of paint. Dab it onto the canvas and watch the paint spread.

3. Clean your paintbrush and continue dabbing other colors onto your backpack. If you want to make the colors merge more, dab a watered foam brush on top of the area where the colors meet. This will make them blend together.

4. Once dry, apply foil adhesive to the bag and spread using a paint brush. Lay the foil on top of the adhesive, cover in parchment paper and iron.

5. Let the gold foil cool and then peel it off. Repeat that process until you have gold foiled to your heart’s content.

Lather on that water. Your backpack needs to be pretty wet so that the colors can spread and create beautiful watercolored patterns.

Wet your paintbrush, and dip it into your favorite color. Dab it onto the wet canvas and watch the colors spread.

Use a clean wet paintbrush to help blend the colors together. Dab the water onto the colors rather than moving the brush over them to blend them together.

Keep adding colors until your backpack is a watercolored masterpiece.

Of course we made a backpack with gold foil :) Apply the gold foil adhesive, lay the foil on top, then cover with parchment paper and iron. Once the foil has cooled, peel it back to reveal the shiny addition.

Gold foil for you, and bright watercolor for me!

Go crazy and foil everything! Need some inspiration for interesting ways to add your foil? Check out our tutorial on how to gold foil a tote bag.

Gold foil will always win over our hearts, but this cool toned backpack is pure beauty.

These girls are ready to go back to school. It was an honor to have Andrea, a new face to Brit + Co, join us for this shoot!

“OMG no way! You got his number!”

Get the look!

Here are all of the goodies that you can buy in our shop that we used in the shoot.

1. Stay Focused Pouch – $12

Master the Art of Watercolor with This 3-Class Bundle

Want to learn watercolor on your schedule? In this three-class bundle, you’ll get access to on-demand classes that you can take at your own pace. In our new Watercolor Lover Bundle, you’ll start with an introduction class, and work your way up to digitization to create all kinds of watercolor artwork.

You’ll get access to these three watercolor classes for just $61 (originally $87):

  • Intro To Watercolor Painting
  • Watercolor Lettering + Illustration
  • Watercolor Painting + Digitization

You’ll start with the basics by learning how to work with watercolors to paint florals. Then, in the second class, you learn how to incorporate lettering into your watercolor skills. And lastly, our third class will show you how to create watercolor fruit slices, but you’ll take it to the next level by digitizing them to create colorful patterns in Adobe Photoshop.

Here are a few more details about each class:

INTRO TO WATERCOLOR PAINTING: In this class, you’ll start with a basic introduction to watercolor supplies, brush up on color theory, and then put it all into action by creating your own flower arrangement one petal at a time. Your awesome instructor, Jenna Rainey, will be guiding you every step of the way. After taking this class, you’ll know how to:

  • Build a custom watercolor palette using the principles of color theory
  • Properly hold your paint brush and create the outline of florals using different brush strokes
  • Fill-in and use shading techniques to bring your florals to life on paper
  • Use Rainey’s tips for bleeding watercolor together and a simple way to fix mistakes

WATERCOLOR LETTERING AND ILLUSTRATION: Let’s combine some of our favorite things. In this class, you’ll learn how to use watercolors to combine illustrations and florals with lettering. Yes, please! Plus, your instructor, Valerie McKeehan, will be teaching you all of her techniques and tips to create beautiful watercolor designs. By the end of this course, you’ll know how to :

  • Layout a cohesive design using anchor points, margin lines, and more
  • Use a Micon pen to add in details to your watercolor illustrations
  • Work with watercolor to add embellishments and quotes into your final design

WATERCOLOR PAINTING AND DIGITIZATION: This painting class is great for both beginner and intermediate watercolor artists! In it, you’ll learn how to paint a variety of colorful fruits, including vibrant blood oranges, lemons, and strawberries. But you’re not done there! Your instructor, Susan Chiang, will also be showing you how to digitize your watercolor artwork in Adobe Photoshop. By the end of this course, you’ll know how to :

  • Use the three most popular watercolor techniques
  • Paint colorful fruit slices with intricate details
  • Import your artwork for digitization in Adobe Photoshop
  • Create digital elements from your paintings to arrange your artwork the way you want it

And don’t forget to scoop up your class supplies. For all the classes, you’ll need the following:

For the full supply lists, make sure you take a glance at the Materials section for each class.

Loving on bundles? Good news — There’s more! Check out our curated collection of bundles hand-picked with you in mind. They have our top performing classes bundled up so you can save big!

Ready to enroll in this bundle? Make sure to share your final projects by tagging us on Instagram and using the hashtag #bcclasses. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

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Your Favorite 'Only Murders' Star Is Hosting SNL Season 50

SNL season 49 had some seriously memorable moments (the unhinged Scooby Doo sketch with Jake Gyllenhaal and Sabrina Carpenter lives rent free in my mind). And this year, we're coming up on a huge moment for the series: its 50th season. SNL season 50 is sure to be memorable, and if you ask me, there's one person that would make the perfect host and musical guest: Taylor Swift. And it's not too late!

Here's everything you need to know about the SNL season 50 hosts & musical guests for 2024 and 2025.

Who is hosting the SNL premiere?

Jake Giles Netter/Max

SNL Season 50 Hosts & Musical Guests

It's no surprise that SNL season 50 picked some incredible hosts. Hacks star Jean Smart hosted the SNL season 50 premiere alongside musical guest Jelly Roll. They were followed by Nate Bargatze on October 5 with musical guest Coldplay, Ariana Grande on October 12 with musical guest Stevie Nicks.

Check the full list of the hosts and musical guests for SNL season 50 below:

  • Jean Smart & Jelly Roll on September 28, 2024
  • Nate Bargatze & Coldplay on October 5, 2024
  • Ariana Grande & Stevie Nicks on October 12, 2024
  • Michael Keaton & Billie Eilish on October 19, 2024
  • John Mulaney & Chappell Roan on November 2, 2024
  • Bill Burr & Mk.gee on November 7, 2024
  • Charlie XCX as both host and musical guest on November 16, 2024
  • Paul Mescal & Shaboozy on December 7, 2024
  • Chris Rock & Gracie Abrams on December 14, 2024
  • Martin Short & Hozier on December 21, 2024

How can I get SNL season 50 tickets?

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Brit + Co entertainment editor Chloe Williams has seen SNL multiple times — and it all comes down to mastering the lottery. Reservations for each week's Saturday Night Live virtual standby lineopen at 10 am EST the Thursday before a show. We recommend getting on the page at least five minutes beforehand because as soon as the reservation opens up, you have to move quickly. Check out our SNL ticket guide for more info!

Who is Domingo from SNL?

Will Heath/NBC

Domingo became SNL season 50's hit sketch, and features fan favorite Marcello Hernández as a flirty, musical man who's ready to serenade you at any moment. He crashed a Bridesmaid's speech, a baby moon, and even Sabrina Carpenter's Short 'N Sweet tour! "Came all this way, had to explain, direct from Domingo!"

When is SNL season 50 premiering?

Will Heath/NBC

SNL Season 50 Release Date

SNL season 50 premiered on NBC Saturday September 28, 2024. This is the first time since 2020 that Saturday Night Live has premiered in September instead of October, and we're not mad about it! The final episode of 2024 is coming on December 21, 2024.

Who is playing Kamala Harris on SNL season 50?

NBC/Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Maya Rudolph returned to SNL season 50 as Vice President Kamala Harris following the announcement that Harris is running for President. This role, which won Rudolph the 2020 Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, has already led to plenty of viral moments — especially when VP Harris showed up on the show.

Is Taylor Swift hosting Saturday Night Live season 50?

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

While we haven't gotten an official update on whether Taylor Swift will join this season's SNL hosts, I'm hoping she will! She's already appeared on the show a number of times in a number of roles. She's hosted, made guest appearances, and been musical guest. And if you ask me, after a record-breaking Eras Tour, a special season like SNL50 is the perfect time for Taylor to reappear.

Pairing up Sabrina Carpenter (an Eras Tour opener) and Jake Gyllenhaal (one of Taylor Swift's ex-boyfriends) for the SNL49 finale feels like the kind of Easter egg Taylor herself would orchestrate!

Will there be an SNL 50th anniversary?

Will Heath/NBC

Yes, in addition to SNL season 50, we're getting an anniversary special! The 3-hour special will premiere February 16, 2025.

Who has hosted SNL the most?

Will Heath/NBC

Actor Alec Baldwin has hosted Saturday Night Live a total of 17 times.

What year was season 45 of SNL?

Will Heath/NBC

SNL season 45 ran from 2019 to 2020. Host Woody Harrelson and musical guest Billie Eilish opened the season, while host Kristen Wiig and musical guest Boyz II Men were apart of the finale.

Who do you want to see during SNL season 50? Let us know in the comments and check out How To Get SNL Tickets to get ready for the new season.

This post has been updated.

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Peggy Dean Is Back To Teach You How To Create A Quaint Illustration of Your Home

Capture your home or apartment building in a unique way by learning how to illustrate with line drawing techniques. In our Line Drawing: Illustrating Your Home online class, you’ll use loose, playful lines to sketch out the structure and details of your home. Then, you’ll add a pop of color to your illustration by learning how to apply a watercolor wash to your design.

Taught by student favorite, Peggy Dean, in her second line drawing course she’s going to teach you how to create an illustration of the place you call home. Your new skills will help you create a unique art piece to use as decor or as a gift to family and friends.

ENROLL IN THIS CLASS TODAY!

But hurry! For a limited time, you can get this class for 25% off. This offer ends on 12/16. Enroll in Line Drawing: Illustrating Your Home online class today.

Your final project will have you sketching out your home, looking something like this:

And then you’ll add a watercolor, to make your design look like this:

After taking this class, you’ll know how to:

  • Let loose and start drawing without things looking perfect
  • Use shapes to sketch out the structure of your home or building
  • Find the small details of your house and add them to your illustration
  • Add a watercolor wash to your house, bushes, a sidewalk, and more!

You’ll be able to use your skills to illustrate all kinds of things, including interiors, landscapes, cityscapes, and more!

So what are you waiting for? Enroll in our Line Drawing: Illustrating Your Home online course today!

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I'm Obsessed With Jason & Kylie Kelce's Tinder Love Story: "Thank Goodness You Swiped Right Too"

After learning that Kylie Kelce's pregnant with baby no. 4, we couldn't wait to revisit her relationship with Jason! From meeting on Tinder (can you imagine matching with an NFL star like that?!) to having three adorable daughters, this is one couple whose love feels truly genuine. All we can say is maybe there's hope for single people who haven't completely ditched their dating apps yet? If you're not convinced, keep scrolling to lean more about Jason and Kylie Kelce's sweet marriage!

Let's take a look at Jason & Kylie Kelce's relationship timeline from the beginning!

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

2014

Apparently Jason and Kylie Kelce were one of the lucky few who found true love on Tinder because that's how their relationship began (via PEOPLE). The news was shared in the documentary Kelce on Amazon Prime and featured Kylie saying, "Jason won't let me lie about this. We met on Tinder."

Funny enough, she didn't know Jason was a football player until she and her friends said, "Hold my mule" so they could do some deep diving about his background. It didn't take long for the dots to connect even though Kylie didn't want to believe what she was seeing. "It can't be him; it's a catfish."

When they finally met up for the first date, Jason remembers falling for her instantly. "Right away when she walks in the door, the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." However, he revealed a date fail occurred on his part during an episode of New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce. He said he "definitely fell asleep" because he "got a little too inebriated."

Luckily, Kylie didn't think he was a complete loser for turning their first date into a snooze fest.

November 2015

The following year, Kylie shared a cute black and white photo of the couple with the caption, "Thank goodness you swiped right too."

Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

August 2017

The couple continued to date until Jason decided it was time to put a ring on Kylie's finger. She shared another pic of them standing together on Instagram August 7, 2017 where it was clear she was wearing an engagement ring. She wrote, "I'm the luckiest girl in the world 😍." A quick scroll through the comments shows plenty of congratulatory comments which we love to see!

Last year, Jason admitted the way he proposed wasn't something out of a fairytale on his and Travis' New Heights podcast. Not wanting to ruin his plan to surprise her with a proposal, Jason came up with an odd reason to walk back into her parents' house to ask for their permission.

"I couldn’t figure out how to inconspicuously go back into the house…So when we got in the car I said ‘Ky, I’m sorry, I have to take a s–t right now,'" he remembered saying. However, he made her suspicious because his poop sessions don't happen that quickly. She said, "And then he said, ‘This is not the most romantic way to do this, but can you get out of the truck?’ So sweet."

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Dove

February 2018

When the Eagles beat the New England Patriots in 2018's Super Bowl game, Kylie was there to support her fiancé Jason Kelce (via Page Six). She posted a celebratory photo of them standing on the football field and it was clear they were both ecstatic about the victory.

April 2018

According to this photo, Jason & Kylie Kelce got married April 15, 2018. A year later, she posted a few more BTS photos of their big day and it was clear they had a gorgeous outdoor wedding. She wore a pretty A-line dress and chic veil while looked handsome in a tailored suit.

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

October 2019

In 2019, they welcomed their first daughter, Wyatt Elizabeth Kelce October 2, 2019. Jason posted a cute picture of Kylie holding baby Wyatt and wrote, "Chunked up the Deuces on her way out," as part of his caption.

March 2021

Their middle daughter Eliotte Ray Kelce was born a couple of years later in 2021. Kylie posted the sweetest photo of her on Instagram, making sure to note, "Elliotte Ray Kelce has arrived. 🥰 🎀" Little one had the chubbiest cheeks that we're sure Jason & Kylie couldn't stop kissing.

February 2023

And just last year, their third daughter arrived before spring! Kylie also posted her cute baby face on Instagram with the caption, "Yesterday little lady #3 joined us. Bennett Llewellyn Kelce. 8lbs. 5oz. and 21inches long."

Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

March 2024

Earlier this year, Jason Kelce decided to retire from the NFL and had the loving support of Kylie (via Page Six). He'd spent 13 years playing for the Eagles so, naturally, it was an emotional time for the former athlete. First his thanked his younger brother Travis by saying, "There is no chance I would be here without the bond Travis and I share...We did almost everything together — competed, fought, laughed, cried and learned from each other. We invented games, imagine ourselves as star players of that time."

He apparently took the moment after that to reminisce about the funny first date he had with Kylie and how it's led to the family they have now.

Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

November 2024

All of that has led to this moment: Jason and Kylie Kelce's family is growing! Kylie announced that she's pregnant, and they're expecting baby no. 4 and couldn't be more thrilled to add a sixth member to their household! We can't wait to learn more news about the new "little lady" that'll be joining them!

If you can't get enough of Jason & Kylie Kelce, you'll love revisiting Patrick & Brittany Mahomes' timeline. For even more celebrities couples we love, follow us on Facebook!

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Only Rihanna Could Pull Off A Fuzzy Blue Outfit During Date Night With A$AP Rocky

We hear a lot about celebrity breakups, but thankfully this doesn't apply to Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. Their relationship hass blossomed before our eyes like a modern day fairy tale, and we're here for our pop culture king and queen. It seems like just yesterday the loving couple welcomed their second baby while dodging marriage rumors.

Rumors have circulated about whether the pair are married or not, but they've been pretty quiet about it. What Rihanna has done is open up about how her relationship with A$AP Rocky began in a new candid interview. Below, she covers everything from that infamous VMA's performance to what's in store for their growing family

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's Relationship Timeline

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

2012

While going down memory lane with Interview's Editori-in-Chief Mel Ottenberg, Rihanna opened up about her and A$AP Rocky's relationship timeline. She revealed the two didn't know each other prior to her 2012 VMA's performance of her single "Cockiness." No one can forget that A$AP Rocky was a part of her set and that he managed to spice things up by grabbing a handful of her bottom onstage.

2013

Although people assumed the two were dating when she appeared in the video for A$AP Rocky's song "Fashion Killa," Rihanna admits they weren't. It's easy to see how people would've assumed that because they've always had chemistry. She told Ottenberg that their friendship throughout the years was due to having similar perspectives. "We saw fashion the same. We saw creative the same. We ended up in the same circles a lot. And past that, when we grew up, we ended up supporting each other’s brands and products and creative all the time. I would wear his shit, he would show up to my launches."

Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

2019

Although it would be juicy if Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's relationship stemmed from a steamy text, she alluded in her conversation with Interview that their love was more organic. She said, "We’ve known each other for a long time. I’ve seen him in relationships. He’s seen me in relationships. We’ve seen each other outside of relationships. We knew what we’re capable of, and the trouble that we could bring to each other’s lives. We can make or break each other’s hearts. And so, we started dating with a lot of caution."

She also said COVID had a huge impact of the solidifying their romantic relationship and that she doesn't regret how things unfolded for them.

2021

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky debuted their love — and style — on the red carpet of the 2021 Met Gala. By then, it was undeniable how they felt about each other.

Image via Rich Fury/Getty Images for Fenty Beauty & Fenty Skin

2022 — 2023

The couple welcomed their sons — Rza and Riot — between 2022 and 2023, something they love gushing about. They're not shy about expressing their adoration for their growing family and have even admitted they're open to having more children if that's in the cards for them. Rihanna specifically told Interview, "I don’t know what god wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl. But of course if it’s another boy, it’s another boy."

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFC

December 2, 2024 — Rihanna & A$AP Rocky Hit The Red Carpet

Mom & dad stepped out for London's 2024 Fashion Awards' red carpet last night looking as stylish as ever. While A$AP Rocky chose to wear a utilitarian outfit that's on par with other looks we've seen him wear, Rihanna pushed the envelope even further with her outfit. She wore a furry light blue dress and matching hat that were accentuated by other black pieces like leather gloves and denier tights.

Just a couple of months ago, she told E! News that she's loving spending time with her family. "Motherhood, wifehood-ish, just being a homebody—I love it," she said. She also admitted, "I love to be a homemaker. I just like to be exciting and celebrate things. I'm trying to build new traditions for our little family that we built."

Did A$AP Rocky call Rihanna his wife?

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Yes! During his performance at the 2023 Cannes Lions Festival, Rihanna was seen grooving to her love's music. Once he reached the second half of his performance, he gave her a huge, shocking shoutout. “I’d like to dedicate this song to my beautiful wife in the motherf–king building!”

Um, are you kidding us right now? His "beautiful wife?" We could hardly contain our excitement when we learned the news, and it seems Rihanna couldn't either because she was seen with a huge grin on her face. Ah, to be in love!

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

We can't help but wonder if their latest Met Gala look was a nod to their nuptials. I mean, a white dress and a tux? At fashion's biggest event? Seems suspicious, if you ask us!

Still, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky haven't issued a statement to the media about their marriage or a wedding ceremony. While we respect their privacy, we would be open to fawning over the beautiful bride and groom if they ever decide to release pictures.

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

As if that wasn't enough, A$AP Rocky released a song last year called "Riot (Rowdy Pipe'n)" that gives a little more relationship insight. In one lyric, he raps, "My wife is erotic, I’m smokin’ exotic."

We think they've been telling the world - "What's understood doesn't have to be explained."

Touché Rihanna and A$AP Rocky.

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This post has been updated.

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