I’m thrilled the DIY beach ball garland I shared last year remains a favorite — it’s one of mine too. This year I expanded the idea with matching beach ball drink stirrers. The secret: ping pong balls. They’re inexpensive, easy to find, and perfect for dressing up cocktails for a pool party.
Supplies:
Ping pong balls
Fine sandpaper
Wooden skewers or paper straws
Red, yellow and blue acrylic paint
Small paintbrushes
Awl or sharp point
Start by sanding each ping pong ball gently with fine sandpaper. Scuffing the surface helps the paint adhere smoothly. Use small circular motions to sand evenly, then brush off any dust. Make a small hole with an awl and push the ball onto a skewer or straw so it’s easy to paint and dry without rolling away.
To plan your color sections, use an extra ball as a guide. Divide it into six even panels with a marker so you can copy the pattern on the rest. Paint one panel at a time: start with a narrow point at the top, widen the stroke in the middle, and finish with a point at the bottom to mimic a beach ball stripe. If you prefer, tape the skewer or straw to prevent paint marks.
Repeat with the remaining colors so each ball shows three distinct colored panels. Allow the paint to dry completely before handling to avoid smudges. Depending on the paint, a second thin coat may improve coverage and color saturation.
Once dry, your beach ball drink stirrers are ready. They’re perfect for brightening cocktails, mocktails, or punch at any summer gathering.
These also work well as food picks for appetizers or desserts — a playful touch for any poolside spread. Mix and match colors to complement your party palette and create a festive display.
All photos by Studio DIY
Want to go further with the theme? Pair these stirrers with a beach ball garland or other summer DIY decorations to complete the look and spread the summer cheer.