Cheers to Customization: Craft Handmade Glasses This Holiday Season

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Madeline Beavis
Three hand painted martini glasses in red, yellow, and blue.

Gift giving is tough! It’s so difficult to find that perfect gift every year around the holidays for those that are important in your life. Personally, I love receiving handmade gifts, and why not add a personalized touch for those that are most important in your life?

Not only is crafting your own glassware super easy, but it allows you to create a thoughtful one-of-a-kind gift that can be used all year round! Get ready to raise a toast to craftsmanship and creativity this holiday season!

Materials:

  • Glassware of your choice (ex. mug, cup, wine glass, etc.)
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Glass paint (non-toxic and oven safe, there are so many options on Amazon or in stores!)
  • Paintbrushes
  • Oven

Step 1: Clean the Glassware

  • Wash the glasses thoroughly with soap and water, and then dry completely
  • Rub the surface you will be painting with rubbing alcohol to remove any fingerprints or remaining residue

Step 2: Pick Your Design and Start Painting

  • Tip: Research and sketch out the design you want to make! Try to think of something meaningful to the person you are gifting your glasses to!
  • Tip: Try to leave about 1 inch of empty space around the rim of your glass for more comfortable drinking!

Step 3: Let It Dry

  • Allow the paint to dry completely! I recommend allowing 24-48 hours for the paint to dry and cure.
  • Tip: Check out the box that your paint came in to see if there are any special instructions!

Step 4: Cure the Paint in the Oven

  • Place the glasses in a cold oven
  • Then set the oven temperature according to the paint’s instructions (usually around 350°- 400°F)
  • Leave your glasses in the oven for about 30 minutes and then let the glasses cool inside of the oven

Step 5: Gift Away!

  • Your glasses are now ready for use!
  • Tip: Wrap up your glass set in a cute gift box and add a note that they are handmade and personalized! And don’t forget to remind the recipient that if they want them to last, don’t put them in the dishwasher!

Happy crafting and Happy Holidays!

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About the author

The blog author, Madeline, has long, wavy dark hair, and she is wearing a red top with white flowers and a silver necklace.

Madeline Beavis

Madeline (Maddy) Beavis earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics in May 2025 and currently attends Rutgers’ Graduate School of Education in a Five-Year Master’s Program in Education. Her goal is to teach middle or high school math after earning her master's degree in May 2026. Maddy is a Pearson Campus Ambassador (PCA) and the East Regional Coordinator in the PCA program. She is also an Ignite Fellowship tutor and a Campus Ambassador for Teach for America. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, spending time with friends and family, and reading a good book.