DIY Holiday Photo Gifts.

When it comes to gift giving, nothing beats a homemade gift. Am I right? I think I’m right. Except when you can make something that has a homemade vibe, with a professional look and feel to it. That’s even better. This year, my sister and I decided to try something a little different for our family holiday gifts. In collaboration with Shutterfly, we worked to translate a few of her watercolor illustrations into gifts for my mom, dad, and our other sister. We started with a simple watercolor pattern (instructions below!) uploaded her designs, and transposed them into beautiful gifts (mugs, ornaments, dishes… even dog bowls) that our family will be able to enjoy for years to come. I’m in love with how everything turned out!

PS – There are so many other ways to create cool photos! For more inspiration, check out Justin + Erica‘s posts. They each took more of a home decor angle, but I loved what they did.

My sister is particular, so I asked her about supplies. For watercolors, my sister really loves these paints… and she used a flat brush. For paper, she loves these sketchbooks as they’re thick enough to take paint but not as thick as standard watercolor paper.

In her palette, she mixed up a few different shades of blue, ranging from aqua to cobalt blue.

Then, using the long side of the flat brush, she made an even dash pattern. This is really fun and easy… the brush acts like a stamp so anyone can do it (even me – you don’t need to have Becca’s talents!)

Once the pattern was complete, we took a picture of it and uploaded the JPEG into Shutterfly.

We made the most gorgeous glass trays that double as a catch-all for keys, etc. at the front door.

And candles! (The grapefruit scent smells so good.)

…and water bottles! My mom and sister are both never without theirs, so they are going to love this.

…and pretty glass ornaments. These are really beautiful – the glass is translucent, so you could hang it in a window after the holidays.

And dog bowls. Both my mom + dad and sister and her husband are dog owners so they are going to love these!

Last but not least… mugs! I love that these are oversized (15 oz.) We’re all big coffee drinkers and tend to fight over the big mugs on Christmas morning.

This post is sponsored by Shutterfly. Share and celebrate your family update. Shop Shutterfly for personalized holiday cards that are unique, meaningful and that are just the way you want.

Final product shots by Lydia Hudgens.