Silk-Screen a Tumbler for a Singular Designer Look
Turn a cheap thrift store piece into a rich-looking, personalized decor accessory in this unbelievably easy DIY project
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor based out of Hershey, PA. Come visit me at 'A Nest for All Seasons' where I write about design, photography and modern garden living!
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor... More »
It is not every day that you stumble upon perfect decor in your local thrift store. Once in while, though, it happens — and sometimes it happens in bulk. I was shopping in a run-down thrift store, really not anticipating any great finds, when I stumbled upon a beautiful new Thomas O'Brien tumbler. I flipped it over and saw the price: 50 cents. I was sold.
I looked on the next shelf, and guess what? Two more of the exact same, brand-new tumblers. I had stumbled upon a Target overstock, and I was as happy as a lark! For the new few minutes, I rummaged amidst the shelves, pulling out tumbler after tumbler until I had a set of 13 (12 for guests and one to make it a grouping of odd numbers).
All in all, I spent $6.50 and went home a happy thrifter.
I looked on the next shelf, and guess what? Two more of the exact same, brand-new tumblers. I had stumbled upon a Target overstock, and I was as happy as a lark! For the new few minutes, I rummaged amidst the shelves, pulling out tumbler after tumbler until I had a set of 13 (12 for guests and one to make it a grouping of odd numbers).
All in all, I spent $6.50 and went home a happy thrifter.
Once I unpacked the tumblers and washed them up a little, I wanted to give them an update for fall. A single, simple leaf seemed to be the exact touch they needed.
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| I decided to use a mixture of metallic gold and hematite glass paints to give the tumblers individuality in each piece and a little depth of color. Materials:
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| The Process Attach the silkscreen to the tumbler. The silkscreens I used have a light adhesive backing and are fully flexible, making the job much easier. Make sure the silkscreen is fully adhered from top to bottom to avoid errors in the finished product. Load up a small sponge with just a small amount of paint. Too much paint with slop through the silkscreen and make a mess. |
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| Gently daub the paint onto the silkscreen, covering the entire surface. Wipe the sponge from top to bottom to create a smooth finish. |
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| Immediately and gently life the silkscreen to remove it. |
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| If you wait too long, the paint will dry, and little bits of the silkscreen will adhere to the tumbler. |
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| If you accidentally go outside the edges of the silkscreen while painting, it is no big deal. |
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| Simply wipe the excess off with your finger while it is still wet. |
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| Voilà! |
After the paint dries completely, the finish will become duller and a little more subdued. Finish the process by allowing the piece to air cure for several days before using the tumblers.
After the paint sets, the tumblers are washable, but they can still be damaged. I went ahead and washed them in the dishwasher, but hand wash to be safe.
After the paint sets, the tumblers are washable, but they can still be damaged. I went ahead and washed them in the dishwasher, but hand wash to be safe.
So from thrift store score to trendy home decor, these tumblers are one of a kind.
What will you create this fall? Tell us in the Comments section below and make sure to share your photos!
What will you create this fall? Tell us in the Comments section below and make sure to share your photos!
Ideabook published on Sept. 3, 2012.
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PS - Thanks for being the #1 Houzz commenter ever ;)
What do you mean about #1 Houzz commenter? Do I talk too much???? LOL!
You could also use isopropyl or denatured alcohol and a lint free cloth to clean the glass, also.
Awesome DIY for fall. Thanks!