I love festive party ware and decorations for get-togethers with family and friends. It can quickly get expensive to entertain with the cost of food and drinks alone, so I find ways to dress up simple supplies or make my own party ware. This way I still have unique tableware, cute decorations and fun motifs that make my gatherings special. Of course, I don’t mind a little craft time to make that happen.
This year clear plastic tableware is now patriotic party ware perfect for a 4th of July BBQ. The plate bottoms showcase a quick and easy acrylic paint treatment. The cups are personalized for each guest with their photo using a photo transfer technique. And, the utensils get a quick makeover with Washi tape. Now the tableware is fun explosion of red, white and blue.
This is a fun and easy project to create for a family birthday dinner or when the neighbors come over for a BBQ on the 4th. Grabbing photos from facebook or asking them to text you their fave photo is easy enough.
SUPPLIES YOU NEED:
- Clear Plastic Tableware
- Acrylic paints in colors to fit your theme or that you like best
- old credit card or gift card (or piece of similar plastic)
- Painter’s tape
- Clear Packing Tape
- Photos printed on a laser printer (if you don’t have a laser printer, photocopy’s work, too).
- Tub of water
- Washi Tape
Note: I used shipping tape because my photos are small, but if you have larger cups or want photos wider than 2.5 inches, contact paper is another alternative to the shipping tape that comes in a roll and works the same way. It can be cut to any size you want.
Want to Make Your Own Party Ware?
Make a complete set, or pick just one item to try – they are all easy and don’t take much time.
Watch my how-to video for complete directions on how to make your own set.
TIPS
- The higher the contrast on the photos, the better. Even if using color.
- Once you apply the shipping tape, or place the photo on the contact paper, rub the back of the photos to help transfer them to the sticky surface.
- Leave for a few minutes in the water, fully submerged.
- Once you’ve rubbed the paper backing off, be sure to place sticky side to dry before placing on the cup. Don’t wipe off with anything, let it air dry to avoid getting lint on your photo. As it dries, the tackiness will return.
And check out other ideas for patriotic decorations from this post.
Have fun!
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