Contributor post by Caitlin of The Merrythought
Lately, I've felt like someone could come in and splash some watercolor patterns all over everything I own and I wouldn't mind it one bit. Unfortunately, in a few months, I'm sure I would be a bit annoyed with that decision. So I've been trying to come up with a few ways to add some faux watercolor splashes around my house. Last week, I was watching my cousin give herself a "watercolor" manicure and I thought, that would be a great technique to use on a mug! So I tried it… and it works!
What you need:
-White Ceramic Mug
-Old or Disposable Bowl/Container
-Nail Polish
How to make it:
-Fill the bowl with warm water.
-Add a drop of nail polish to the water and let it spread out. You can also use a skewer to swirl the color around a bit to give it the effect you'd like.
-Dip your mug in the water.
-You can use nail polish remover to remove any excess nail polish on the bottom and inside of the mug or sections that got messed up.
-Carefully pat mug dry with paper towel.
-You can repeat with additional colors if you want.
-Once you've achieved the look you want, let it sit for at least two hours.
I would recommend hand washing these mugs. (Although I haven't tried mine in the dishwasher yet!) Durability will also depend on quality of the nail polish a bit - just as it would on your nails. I let mine sit for about 5 hours then scrubbed them and they were fine. If you run into problems, try coating the outside with a clear coat of nail polish or a non toxic finishing spray.
About the Contributor
Caitlin
McGrath lives in a small town in Western New York. When her face
isn't hidden behind her camera, she's usually crafting and daydreaming
for The Merrythought, where she is a part of the three lady team sharing DIY projects, recipes, fashion, home décor & and bits of daily life.
Lately, I've felt like someone could come in and splash some watercolor patterns all over everything I own and I wouldn't mind it one bit. Unfortunately, in a few months, I'm sure I would be a bit annoyed with that decision. So I've been trying to come up with a few ways to add some faux watercolor splashes around my house. Last week, I was watching my cousin give herself a "watercolor" manicure and I thought, that would be a great technique to use on a mug! So I tried it… and it works!
What you need:
-White Ceramic Mug
-Old or Disposable Bowl/Container
-Nail Polish
How to make it:
-Fill the bowl with warm water.
-Add a drop of nail polish to the water and let it spread out. You can also use a skewer to swirl the color around a bit to give it the effect you'd like.
-Dip your mug in the water.
-You can use nail polish remover to remove any excess nail polish on the bottom and inside of the mug or sections that got messed up.
-Carefully pat mug dry with paper towel.
-You can repeat with additional colors if you want.
-Once you've achieved the look you want, let it sit for at least two hours.
I would recommend hand washing these mugs. (Although I haven't tried mine in the dishwasher yet!) Durability will also depend on quality of the nail polish a bit - just as it would on your nails. I let mine sit for about 5 hours then scrubbed them and they were fine. If you run into problems, try coating the outside with a clear coat of nail polish or a non toxic finishing spray.
About the Contributor
Comments
Do you know if you can use the watercolor-ed mug in the microwave without it cracking or melting off or I'm not even sure?
http://www.specificallysouthern.com/
Thanks for sharing.
the little lion girl
Carolyn | BLOG
I love this idea so much! I've tried it a few times with less than desirable results. It seems like the nail polish is dissipating into a clear film. Should I just add more until I start to see color? Also, do you have any tips on exactly how to dip the cup in to the water in order to get those beautiful edges?
This is so pretty ~ Thanks in advance!
Is there a special kind of nail polish I need to use?
As far as dipping... I dipped mine straight down towards one side of the nail polish blob and then rolled it to the opposite side to pick up the rest of the polish floating on the water.
Hopefully that helps!
Caitlin recommends hand washing only. Microwaving is not recommended.
-the size of the container youre dipping into counts: i found using a smaller, shallow-ish dish worked better. the polish spreads out if the dish is too large (and dries too fast) making it harder to create a design or "random" effect. The dipping dish should be small but large enough for you to dip your desired piece in.
-double up on the colour: I liked the example in this blog of one color and sort of a minimalist effect. Double (triple or more) the drops of polish for a more intense effect/coloring. this also serves to keep the polish from drying on the top and forming a skin too soon.
-work fast: again, the polish dries quick. if youre having a hard time, work faster.
-drip close: dripping the polish too high up causes it to sink to the bottom in a ball. drip close to the surface and the polish should disperse beautifully.
and last: (and what I was most grateful for!) if you decide you do not like the turn out, I found you can start again(ish). The polish seemed to wipe of fairly easy if done right away. on the flip side, if you happen to achieve the desired look,set aside to dry thoroughly so as to ensure the print stays.
Good luck, folks!!:)
www.lifemeetme.blogspot.com
Any suggestions or tips will be appreciated :)
thanks.
- Mina
Prints & Acessories
http://www.minamiyaki.com
- Mina
Prints & Acessories
http://www.minamiyaki.com
http://luvyahome.wix.com/blog
Cheers,
Natalia
The image is posted on their Facebook group.
Sending you a link - https://www.facebook.com/HobbyIdeasIndia/photos/a.1607096492835113.1073741828.1574111372800292/1629651680579594
https://www.twekr.com
Isn't the nail polish toxic though for a mug, even though it's outside?
http://www.aboutfoood.com
the manufacturer! Let it cool completely and then personalized with my friends' name using vinyl on my Cricut!! Love this idea!!
Thanks for the idea!