April Showers Bring May Flowers – Spring Craft Project

By Sara Hynes

Hello, friends! I’m Sara Hynes, and today I’m excited to show you how to make a cute and cheerful spring-themed art project. This fun craft features a duck under an umbrella with a peekaboo flower surprise!

What You’ll Need:

• Dual Brush Pen Art Markers – Cottage 10-Pack

• Paper (two pieces – one large, one small)

• MONO Eraser

• MONO Graph Mechanical Pencil

• MONO Drawing Pen (05)

• MONO Permanent Adhesive

• Water

• Paintbrush

• Ruler

• Fudenoske Pen – Orange

• Scissors or X-Acto Knife

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Sketch the Duck and Umbrella

Begin by lightly sketching the outline of a duck with an umbrella over its head using the MONO Graph Mechanical Pencil. Focus on the basic shapes to keep it simple and cute!

Step 2: Draw the Umbrella Handle

Using your ruler, draw a straight line from the center of the umbrella down to where the duck’s wing or hand would hold it. This line doubles as the umbrella handle and the flower stem later on.

Step 3: Refine Your Drawing

Adjust the outline as needed using the MONO Eraser. Then, add more details to your duck and umbrella—like feathers, raindrops, or texture.

Step 4: Add Color

Use your Dual Brush Pen Art Markers (Cottage 10-Pack) to bring your scene to life!
For softer colors, blend ink on a palette with water and apply using a paintbrush. I kept the duck light and soft with gentle blending.

Step 5: Outline and Define

Once you’re happy with the colors, use your MONO Drawing Pen (05) to outline your artwork and add fine details like the duck’s eye, wing feathers, and umbrella edges.

Step 6: Cut the Peekaboo Window

Carefully cut around the top and right side of the umbrella using an X-Acto knife (or scissors, if preferred). Leave the left side attached—this creates a flap that opens like a little window.

Step 7: Draw the Hidden Flower

Take your smaller piece of paper and place it behind the umbrella window. Lightly trace the window shape so you know where to draw.
Using the same marker set, draw a beautiful flower that fits within that traced shape.

Step 8: Assemble the Layers

Align the flower drawing behind the main image so it shows through the umbrella flap. Use MONO Permanent Adhesive to secure the two pieces together. Press firmly to hold them in place.

Step 9: Add Finishing Touches

Personalize your artwork! I added the phrase “April showers bring May flowers” using the Fudenoske orange pen. You can also decorate the background or add your own message.

And You’re Done! 🌸

You’ve created a charming spring art piece! Display it at home, give it as a handmade card, or gift it to a friend for a little seasonal joy.

Thanks for crafting with me! For more ideas and inspiration, visit the Tombow blog, and don’t forget to share your creations by tagging @sarahynesdesigns and @tombow—I’d love to see what you make!

Happy Crafting!
— Sara Hynes