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!
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.
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.
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.
What do you use for party cups? Do you go all out and rent glassware or do you make do with what you have?
Sooo cute! What a great idea!
Thanks Megan! You’re so sweet for always showing up :)
Such a great idea!
I have a housewarming party in two weeks and this DIY couldn’t have been more perfect timing! Such a great, easy DIY!
Thanks Shelby! I’d love to see pictures if you do!
So pretty – love these!
Thanks so much Manda! I’m pretty much giddy you’re here- love your blog!
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.
Thanks Alexis! One day I’ll have a party cup model :)
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 :)
I’m wishing you could be at my parties! Everyone would leave 100x happier, I’m sure.
Love the idea! I am also really excited to see what changes you make to your home…
Thanks Megan! We’ve been busy, I just need to get my camera out so I can share it all with you!
These are perfect for spring! Thanks for linking up to They DIY’ers—hope to see you back again next week : ]
Thanks Jennifer! Watercolour is definitely a sign of spring… You could do brighter colours for summer too.
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!
Thanks so much Corey! I’m glad you’re here :)
This is such a fun and creative idea, Colleen! I could even get the kiddos in on this one!
They would be so much fun to do with kids!
Okay, I love the cups and they turned out amazing! Keeping this in mind for my sister’s engagement party for sure. :) Also, congrats because you are featured on this week’s Do Tell Tuesday link party and have been pinned to our features board! Feel free to grab a button and link up this week too. :) http://www.vintagezest.com/2014/06/do-tell-tuesday-28-and-features.html
Diane @ Vintage Zest
Thanks so much Diane! I really appreciate it… you’re the sweetest.
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!
Thanks Kat! It’s so true… I have a closet of mismatched plastic cups and napkins that I try to use up when we’re camping
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.
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.
I just love these!
xoxo,
Victoria
Victoria! I’m so excited you’re here- thanks for stopping by!
I love how pretty these look!
Thanks so much Lila! I had fun experimenting with different designs.
I featured these lovely watercolor cups today on Link it or Lump it, but sure to stop by and grab a feature button!
http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2014/06/link-it-or-lump-it-party-number-43.html
Thanks so much Amy! You’re too kind!
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?
Hi Emily- Nope! Since it’s not actual watercolor paint it doesn’t :)