Monday, April 14, 2014

life diy: personalized shot glasses for the fraternity man (or any man or woman)

I'm a lover of DIY's and a believer in personalized gifts. Personally, there is just something special about being given a present that was crafted just for you. That's why, for my boyfriend's 21st birthday, I wanted to make him a memorable memento to mark this occasion. Enter in: the personalized shot glasses. My boyfriend is in a fraternity, so DIY crafts and goodies are always in order. I've made him frockets, coolers, wooden letters and frames to mark our own anniversaries and big events in his and his brothers' lives. Coolers are for formals, frockets are for summer and shot glasses, naturally, are for 21st birthdays. So, here it is: the 21st birthday equivalent to a cooler for formal aka personalized shot glasses.


Supplies Needed:
- Shot glasses 
(I got mine from Ross, a box of 6 cost $2.99, can you even?)

-Acrylic Paint for Glass and Ceramics
(I used the glossy Apple Barrel brand from Wal-Mart, about $1 each)

-Brushes
(Preferably thin, fine brushes)

-Sharpie 
(Optional, I used Sharpie to outline prior to painting)

*After you paint them, bake them in the oven for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F. Don't forget to allow 10 minutes of cooling time afterwards so the paint will be more chip resistant. 

**I don't really recommend using them for drinking as they will eventually tarnish. My boyfriend uses them for display purposes on his desk. If you do choose to use them, make sure to bake them to prevent chipping. 

Honestly, this project was an inexpensive gift and he loved them. I incorporated his sport (tennis), his love for socks and bow-ties, his fraternity (Phi Gamma Delta), his state (howdy, y'all) and of course, the standard Vineyard Vines whale. They were a hit and some of his frat brothers have requested I paint some for them as well! It was a quick and easy DIY and is sure to please any guy (or girl) if you personalize it to their likes. Happy painting! 

- Vivian