While I catch up after weeks of travel, I invited the talented Kersey of Ardor to share one of her crafty tutorials. She’s wonderful, and this DIY is too. Enjoy!
Hello! I’m Kersey from Ardor and I’m excited to be here to share a simple, fun DIY for Kelly. These watercolor monogram straw toppers are easy to make and great for parties. They’re quick, customizable, and add a personal touch to any gathering.
Supplies:
Watercolor paper
Watercolor paints
Reversed alphabet template (printable)
X-Acto knife or sharp craft knife
Cutting mat
Straws
Start by downloading and printing the reversed letters you need. They’re reversed so that when you print directly onto the painted side of the watercolor paper, the finished topper will read correctly. Next, paint the paper using your favorite colors and patterns. Watercolor is very forgiving—mix colors, layer washes, and have fun with it.
Once the paint is completely dry, the paper may be slightly warped. Flatten it under a heavy book for a few minutes to smooth it out. Then place the printed template on the painted paper and carefully cut the letters out. An X-Acto knife on a cutting mat gives the most control and clean edges, though scissors will work if you prefer.
After cutting each letter, make a small slit near the top and another near the bottom of the monogram so the straw can slide through. Aim for neat, centered slits so the topper sits straight on the straw.
Slip the straw through the slits and adjust the topper so it sits nicely. These little monograms are perfect for identifying drinks at parties, adding color to table settings, or making favors for guests. They’re lightweight, reusable for a single event, and quick to produce in batches.
All photos by Ardor for Studio DIY
Thanks so much, Kersey! These toppers are perfect for summer parties and make it easy to keep track of drinks. They’re a simple, beautiful DIY you can customize for any occasion.
For more DIY ideas, check out the project gallery on Studio DIY.