Watercolor Coffee Cups

Zest it Up
by Zest it Up
This project is so easy that it could be criminal. Something just does not seem right when you can create something beautiful and handmade in seconds. I guess that is coming from a girl who is willing to spend countless hours knitting, crocheting, and painting in order to craft something unique and special. However, this project will give you immediate satisfaction…and could even be whipped up as a gorgeous last minute gift.
My supplies were simple: some mugs I found at the thrift store (yes, I squealed a bit when I found a matching set), some nail polish in pretty hues, a Tupperware I did not care a fig for, water and some toothpicks.
Fill your Tupperware (that you are happy to sacrifice) with regular old tap water.
Pick out what colored nail polishes that you want to play with first. Then, simply drop a few drops into the water and watch them float back up to the surface.


Here you can play with the toothpick and swirl the colors if you want...or just let the water do the work.
Now simply give your cup a gentle dunk. The nail polish will immediately cling to the mug in a cool, organic design. I kept my designs on the bottom half of the cup, so as to keep it away from my kisser when it is time to sip my cup o' joe :)
I dare you not to get addicted to this magic! Playing with color is so much fun!!
Just turn them upside down to dry and cure for about an hour. When all said and done, the cups are even top shelf dishwasher survivors!!
The result is definitely worth cheering over!
Hope this project becomes a handy, in-your-back-pocket type of trick for you! I can imagine hostess gifts, teacher’s gifts, wedding gifts, or just plain gotta make for myself gifts!!


Happy crafting!
Zest it Up
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  1 question
  • Lucy Lucy on Feb 27, 2019

    It’s a great idea that looks easy enough to try... although why aren’t the questions about the cure time to set the polish answered?????

    Do u oven set them?

    Do you spray set them?

    Incredibly disappointing that these questions have been asked on multiple occasions within your post only to be totally ignored... it’s uninspired me to even attempt it!!!!

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  • Suzanne Crowther Suzanne Crowther on Nov 04, 2015
    looks amazing xo
  • Terry Terry on Nov 06, 2015
    I've done this twice now and once it turned out okay, the other not so much. The problem I experience is that my nail polish rolls into a ball and sinks to the bottom of the container. I read that you have to be careful not to hold the nail polish too high over the water. I didn't think I was, but maybe....I'll try once more with my white thrift store find.
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