I've been busy working on the YBC Book, so today Lauren's taking over to share a fun DIY project - DIY Marbled Mugs. Hope you love!
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I’ve always been in touch with my artsy side (if you guys haven't already noticed) and I credit that to my grandfather. If you asked him, he was an artist with a day job and if you were to ask anyone else, he was a traveling salesman that had a painting hobby he just happened to be good at. Either way, all of my memories from visiting my grandparents as a child involved my grandfather's at-home “art studio”.
DIY Marbled Dishes
He was so proud of it - just a small dark space in the basement - but everything about it was him; the way it smelled, the way it felt... it was my favorite space in the whole house. He could make anything come to life in that space, it was true magic in my eyes. He’d always make us feel special by giving us small reminders of what he could create in that very space - whether it was painting our portrait or all the different animals we’d spot while gazing out his large livingroom bay window. My favorite gifts, hands down, are a series of birthday books he’d written and would give to me on every year on my birthday up until the year he passed away. I was young - maybe 10.
Nothing he did was perfect, but rather the perfect amount of imperfect. Just beautiful enough to catch your eye but messy enough to keep you staring and wondering. I always admired that about his work. So, it should come as no surprise when I came across a set of beautiful coffee mugs adorned with a simple delicate marble design a few months back while shopping online that my inner artsy spirit was reawakened. I loved these mugs and needed to have them but they were SO expensive. I honestly couldn’t justify spending that much on a single coffee mug so I stepped into my artsy boots *thanks gramps!* and got to googling. What I found was that the same messy marbled look can be mimicked with nail polish. Oh, and the best part about this entire project, you ask?! There is no right or wrong way to do it! The most complicated part of this project is trying to decide on what colors you want to use - not a bad issue to have!
Pin now and make later - DIY Marbled Mugs
What you’ll need:
- White coffee mugs
Nail polish, assorted colors if desired (avoid quick dry brands)
Large tupperware/disposable bowl
Toothpick or straw (for stirring)
Sealant (optional)
First, you’re going to want to fill the tupperware or disposable bowl with very warm water then set that to the side. Choose your desired color of nail polish and pour that over the surface of the warm water. Try to pour the nail polish as close to the water’s surface as possible to avoid splatter and the paint sinking. You’re going to want to move quickly so the nail polish doesn’t dry before you’re ready to dip the mug.
Once you’ve finished pouring, take a straw or toothpick and quickly swirl the freshly poured polish around a few times - this is what’s going to give you that marbled look. As quickly as possible, take your mug and dip it into the water about half way. Remove the mug from the water after just a second or two and set aside to dry.
DIY Marbled Mugs
Now you’re left with gorgeous hand-dipped marble mugs that make the perfect housewarming gift, shower gift, birthday gift or could make for just the right DIY project during a chilly winter afternoon!
I think a huge part of who I am today is a direct result of my grandfather sharing his hobby with me. He taught me how to truly appreciate a handcrafted/homemade gift, to always be in touch with your inner creative side and that art has no rules. I believe he passed down the gene that is single handedly responsible for becoming the master pinterest DIY’er I am today. I only hope I can share some of his light with you guys through my on going DIY series <3
With that said, we’d love to see your DIYs! Share them with us and the rest of the YBC Community on twitter or instagram with the hashtag #ybcDIY!