DIY watercolor party cups

It's been a little while since I've presented a craft tutorial, so I thought I'd share a project that I'm working on for my 30th birthday party.

Inspiration 

Watercolor patterns are all the rage this season. In creating this project, I was inspired by David Stark's plate designs for West Elm, Anthropologie's dinnerware and this tutorial from Once Wed for Ombre Napkins.

Makes 40 cups, 3 of each color
Instructions:

1. Place the protective covering over your work surface. Paint will flick as you're working, so make sure you're not wearing your favorite shirt either.

2. Squeeze a little paint into a cup. I used about 1/2 a teaspoon for 13 cups. Slowly dilute with water, mixing with your brush.

3. Apply thin strokes to your cup. Feel free to experiment here - it's fun! Just make sure you don't paint the cup to the brim. You don't want your guests putting their lips on dried paint.

4. Line up your cups to dry. I gave mine about an hour, just to make sure there was no bleeding.

The End. Enjoy!