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I am so excited to share this tutorial with you all because not only do I get to show you how to create a gorgeous tumbler using a really fun technique, but I get to do it with one of my favorite people – my mom!
We had so much fun creating this tutorial for you, so grab a seat, settle in, and get ready to craft with Mom!
Today we’re going to be walking you through how to create a cellophane tumbler with an art resin overlay using a really fun technique that adds so much depth and texture to your finished cup.
Ready to get started? Let’s do this, sis!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Stainless Steel Tumbler
- Matte White Spray Paint
- Spray Paint in 3 or 4 Colors of Your Choice
- Mother of Pearl Cellophane
- Counter Culture Fast Set Epoxy
- Counter Culture Quick Coat
Step 1: Prep + Paint The Tumbler
Start with a stainless steel tumbler spray painted matte white. Note: You want to make sure you’re using a *matte* spray paint for this step. The matte paint really makes the other colors pop.
ext add you’re going to add the other colors to your tumbler by spraying in quick, random bursts all over the cup. There is no real pattern or design here, you are simply adding small bursts of color all over the tumbler.
Pro Tip: I always recommend a less is more approach when you spray the bursts so that you avoid creating any runs or drips in your paint.
Allow to fully dry.
Step 2: Prep the Cellophane
Begin by cutting the cellophane into strips with scissors. The strips should be at least a couple of inches wide, but do not worry about making them all perfect or uniform. It does not matter if the strips aren’t completely straight or if some are wider than others.
Next, you want to crinkle each strip into a ball.
This is what adds depth and texture to your finished tumbler. Have some fun here! Make it as crinkly – or not crinkly – as you want! The more crinkled you go, the deeper the texture your tumbler will have.
Step 3: Apply the Cellophane
Use a paintbrush to apply Quick Coat over a section of your tumbler just slightly wider than the strip of cellophane yore are going to apply. Place the cellophane, then apply a second layer of Quick Coat over top.
You will continue to repeat this process until you’ve covered your entire cup with cellophane strips. At this point, you can trim away any excess cellophane from the top or the bottom of the cup.
Pro Tip: You can use a heat gun to help with the placement of your cellophane.
Once you’re completely finished applying your cellophane strips, apply one layer of Quick Set all over your cup then use your hands to gently squish everything down and get it as smooth as possible.
Step 4: Clean up your Cellophane + Prep for Epoxy
Once you’re completely finished applying your cellophane strips, use your hands to squish everything down and get it as smooth as possible, then allow it to dry.
Once dry (it will no longer feel wet of tacky to the touch), gently trim away any excess cellophane from the top and the bottom of the cup using your scissors.
Don’t worry if you get any Quick Coat inside of the cup during this process – you can clean all of that up at the end. Head over here to see how I clean up my tumblers once I’m finished.
Step 4: Epoxy
Once the Quick Coat has dried completely, it is time to add the epoxy. You’ll know the Quick Coat has dried when it’s no longer sticky or tacky to the touch.
The only epoxy I use is Counter Culture DIY. Today I’m using I am using their Counter Culture Ultra Clear Fast Set epoxy and they recommend you finish this off with a layer of Artist Resin.
Mix your epoxy and stir to combine until the mixture is clear.
Pro tip: When working with epoxy for tumblers, it really doesn’t matter how many bubbles you see in the epoxy mixture while stirring – you just want to make sure your mixture is clear and not at all cloudy when you’ve finished.
Now you’re ready to apply the epoxy! Your cup should be on your turner at this point – my turner, which I love, is from Deno’s Tumbler Tuners. If you’re looking for a really good tumbler turner, I cannot recommend them enough!
Pro tip: Always take protective measures when working with epoxy. Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
Step 5: Apply Armor Art
Now it’s time to apply the Armor Art (I’m using white), which will give a little peekaboo effect to the tumbler. You want to do this step while the epoxy is still wet.
I like to use the epoxy in the cup that I’ve already mixed and add the Armor Art directly to it – you do not need to use very much. You want to make sure you have enough epoxy in the mixture that it is thin enough to easily drizzle it over your cup.
Use a popsicle stick to drizzle the mixture over the cup until you’re satisfied with the final look. Remember to get the bottom too!
Pro Tip: Use a heat gun to give a little movement to the lines you created.
And that’s it! You’re done!
The final step is to allow your tumbler to dry for about 2 hours. At this point, you can lightly sand if you have any spots that are a little rough and apply one more coat of epoxy.
I hope you enjoyed learning to make this fun tumbler while hanging out with us! Click below to see this entire tutorial in action:
If you’d like even more inspiration, head over to YouTube to see tons of other projects in action! And while you’re there be sure to subscribe to my channel for lots of crafting tips, tricks, and tutorials!
What would you like to see me create? I’d love for you to comment below and tell me what you want to see next!
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