I hate the rain. I know, most everyone hates it. But I despise rainy days so much that my moods correspond directly to the weather. Just ask my boyfriend. And I’ve always wanted one of those clear bubble umbrellas (they seem less apt to flip inside out in the wind). The clear plastic seemed like a blank canvas just calling out for a DIY project… so I painted bright geometric shapes on the inside.
What do you think? More fun than clear, right? It was super easy, and didn’t take more than an hour to make. When I was finished, of course I felt compelled to take a selfie:
As you can see from the photo above, the paint does not create an opaque finish… it’s more of a painterly, artistic sort of look. I like that you can see the brushstrokes, and the fact that some light shines through as well. So… here are the materials that you’ll need for this super fun umbrella:
- A clear bubble umbrella
- Acrylic craft paint in 4 or 5 colors
- Paintbrushes
1) Begin by painting a guideline in your first color on the inside of the umbrella, creating a triangular shape. Use the “spokes” (is that what they’re called?) as the edges of your shapes. Fill in your first triangle using a fairly thick coat of paint. Get it as even as possible, because adding a second coat doesn’t work very well. Trust me.
2) Next, paint a second triangle next to your first one. The corners don’t have to line up (unless you prefer a more symmetrical, even type of design). Make sure to get your brush up under that little plastic flap that surrounds the handle….
3) ….or else you’ll end up with something that looks like the picture above.
4. Continue working your way out until you have a design that you’re happy with. Don’t go all the way down to the bottom of the plastic though, or else you won’t be able to see through it which is the whole point of the bubble umbrella. Let it dry thoroughly for a couple of hours.
And that’s all, you’re finished! Cute, right? My pup Charlie approves. I can’t wait for it to pour so I can really test out my new umbrella. Just kidding.
And the best part is that you could do any design you like – an abstract mess of colorful brushstrokes could be cool too. Or polka dots. Or splattered paint. The possibilities are endless!
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