Lemon Thistle

Rad DIY, Lettering and Design for Real People

DIY Watercolour Party Cups!

I have a really quick party DIY for you guys today! These watercolour cups were so much fun to make and cost next to nothing. You can make them to match any party theme and are so much cuter than plain old coloured paper cups. Most people don’t have 30+ glasses to give everyone at the party their own, and it’s not in our budget most of the time to rent glasses. I usually pull out mason jars for cups, because they’re so much cuter than paper or plastic BUT for this party, they were all being used for an ice cream station (so much fun!). So we were left with paper or plastic. And I love them so much, I’ll probably opt for these paper cups at parties in the future even when mason jars are available!

DIY Watercolour Party Cups - lemonthistle.com

I have so few pictures of this process, guys. We made these for a baby shower when I was just getting my ear infection. And then I missed the party (the one I made the chalkboard for), so I didn’t even get any shots of them set up pretty, or in use. I was planning some shots with straws to make them all cute, but I’m sure you can picture it… and it’s really cute, right? Maybe someone with a perfect manicure is taking a sip? Work with me here.

DIY Watercolour Party Cups - lemonthistle.com

DIY Watercolour Party Cups - lemonthistle.com

So here’s the two stupid-simple steps to make these yourself.

1. Use one of the cups to mix some paint with a little bit of water. We used acrylic craft paint and watered it down to get the watercolour effect. Depending on the colour, you’ll need more or less water before it’s too sheer. The turquoise took more water than the blue before hitting the pretty watercolour look we were going for. Keep in mind if you don’t like the look of drips (I like that kind of thing) then you want to make sure to go easy on the water.

2. Lay out print paper to protect your countertop and get painting! I used this paint brush instead of a craft one, because we’re mid renos and all my craft supplies are packed away, but paint supplies are abundant. I’m sure you could use any kind- but I like how the bigger brush made it really quick to cover the bottom half of the cup.

DIY Watercolour Party Cups - lemonthistle.com

That’s it! I had fun playing around with different designs- crosses and plaids and swooshes and such. You could do them all the same too… but I think you’ll have too much fun and get creative.

DIY Watercolour Party Cups - lemonthistle.com

What do you use for party cups? Do you go all out and rent glassware or do you make do with what you have?

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Comments

  3. Shelby

    I have a housewarming party in two weeks and this DIY couldn’t have been more perfect timing! Such a great, easy DIY!

    Reply

  5. Alexis @ Persia Lou

    These are so pretty, Colleen! I love them. And I’m totally picturing the manicured model sipping away – looks great! ;) Thanks so much for sharing with us at The Makers.

    Reply

  6. jennifer prod

    what a fun idea- i’m always left wishing i could come to one of your parties and see all these awesome crafty details come together :)

    Reply

  9. Corey @ Tinysidekick

    This is such a fun and simple way to make unique party decorations! Love it. Just discovering your blog and can’t wait to click around. Love what I see so far. Thanks for joining us at The Makers! Pinned!

    Reply

  12. [email protected] Made. Interest.

    Great idea! I really like the watercolor look. Perfect way to match the color theme of a party without having to go out and buy all new cups (in colors you’ll probably never need again…isn’t that always the way?). Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  13. Corinna

    Aww these are too cute and won’t break the budget! We just celebrated my youngest’s first birthday last weekend and they would’ve been perfect for the pool party we had. I’ll have to keep them in mind for future gatherings this summer.

    Reply

    • Colleen Pastoor

      First birthdays are so exciting! I’m already dreaming of what we can do for E and A’s… too bad it wont be warm enough for a pool party in September, that sounds like a blast! They love the pool.

      Reply

  17. Emily

    Love this idea and want to recreate it for a baby shower I’m helping throw. Just curious – does condensation from cold drinks cause the watercolor to then come off onto people’s hands or clothes?

    Reply

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