How to Decorate Paper Cups

Get your child involved in designing and making their own party cups.

It seems that almost everyday there is some reason to celebrate: a birthday, a new job, an anniversary or even just a happy day. If you want to throw a party, but your budget is limited, don't give up. You only need to think of creative ways to cut a few corners. Decorated paper plates, napkins and especially cups can cost a fortune compared to their plain-Jane counterparts. Choose plain white paper cups and decorate them yourself for festive dishes on a dime.

Things You'll Need

• Paper cups
• Water-based markers
• Ribbon
• Glue
• Scissors
• Construction paper
• Rubber stamps
• Vegetable-based ink

Instructions

1. Color paper cups with water-based markers. Draw lines, circles or other simple designs that are easy to do well. Do not use ink or pencil that may seep through the paper or poke holes.

2. Attach ribbon to the outside of paper cups with glue. You can make cups look like candy canes or zebras by choosing the right color of cotton ribbon.

3. Cut designs from construction paper and attach them to the cups with glue. Get creative with dimensional "pop-up" figures that can stick out from the side of the cup.

4. Stamp designs on the paper cups with rubber stamps and vegetable-based inks. Turn plain white cups elegant with a classic repeating design, such as a fleur-de-lis or a harlequin pattern.

References

• Dummies: Decorate Paper Tableware for a Budget