What I Did with the Perfect Pearls Trees

Before Christmas I made a bunch of TREE-mendous colorful diecuts, inspired by THIS POST on my favorite watercolor guru, Andrea Nelson's, Instagram.* Instead of using regular watercolors, I decided to get out my Ranger Perfect Pearls, figuring that the only thing better than watercolor trees would be SHIMMERY watercolor trees. I didn't show my finished items at that point, because they were intended as surprises for Christmas. But now, they've all been bestowed, so I can show them!

Project 1: Fancy Gift Bags

It's no secret that I love giftwrapping and I like to be extra fancy at Christmas. Sometimes folks say, "The wrapping is a gift in itself!" which is quite handy because, I'm not great at choosing actual presents; so 99% of the gifts I give contain some combination of:

1. Money or a giftcard

2. Something that I knitted or crocheted (often amigurumi food, lol!)

3. A silly novelty gift from Five Below or the Target Dollar Spot

4. A book I loved, with a bookmark I made

(Ta-daaaa!)

I used to feel a bit guilty about this, but I've stopped. I'm not good at everything, so I play to my strengths. It's efficient.

♥♥♥

Project 2: Framed Holiday Decor

These are inexpensive balsa wood frames from the big box craft store, painted white, adorned with diecut and blingy snowflakes, topped with the aforesaid trees. Not to brag, but I love how these turned out and if I ever do any kind of craft fair or holiday market, this will be one of the ideas I use.

♥♥♥

*If you like to watercolor at all... or even if you've previously been frustrated by watercolor and would like some easy/inspiring beginner project ideas, Andrea Nelson's Instagram is a fun, funny, fabulous destination, imo; my whole family loves her videos!