Today, I’m sharing the pair of wedding champagne flutes I made as a personalized gift for my niece’s recent party. It was a fun craft that could easily be applied to any hand painted glass project.
Since the happy occasion of my niece’s wedding in Charleston several weekends ago, I’ve been on a longer than planned blogging break. As in a Tale of Two Cities, it’s been both the best and worst of times.
After the wedding, I returned with my mom to Florida to help transfer dad from a rehab center to long term care. Mom and I knew the minute we saw him that something was wrong. Immediately after the transfer, it became clear his pain from a previous injury and fall had escalated significantly. Within hours, dad was back in the hospital with a severe sepsis infection.
Moving him to hospice care was a blessing. Several long days later, he passed peacefully, and I am very grateful his suffering has ended.
Creating this post is a happy distraction. It also provides an opportunity to remember the fun weekend, celebrated with family and friends. Here’s how I created the wedding champagne flutes and how to make your own.
I use affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission that helps to offset website operating costs with no additional cost to you. Your support is appreciated! Disclosure Policy.
Toasting the Happy Couple
My beautiful niece is unconventional, and has very particular, unique tastes. A talented photographer, crafter and artist, she has a Master in Fine Arts. So, I stuck with the bridal registry in selecting a wedding gift. Plate addict that I am, I was delighted to buy the fabulous, colorful dishes they wished for.
But, I was kinda bummed there wasn’t a bridal shower to host, party decorations to craft, or invitations to make. That’s when sistah B suggested I could paint wedding champagne flutes as a surprise. I was both thrilled and anxious for the opportunity to create a personalized gift.
Would they like them? Think they looked tacky? In the end, the toasting glasses were a big hit — whew!
Step 1: Find Wedding Champagne Flutes
Champagne glasses, like the ones used to create My Favorite Things Party favors for a Breakfast at Tiffany’s Brunch, were too squat for wedding toasts.
Step 2: Create Design Template
Sistah B sent me a picture of the tropical bird, wedding cake topper my niece had found on Etsy. Aren’t they adorable? Both she and her spouse love birds. In fact, during their honeymoon in Puerto Rico they spotted a very rare and endangered parrot.
But, they weren’t the simple white doves or lovebirds I was expecting LOL! They also weren’t in the tall, narrow shape of wedding champagne flutes.
To create the design template, I downloaded the picture and placed it into a Word document. Then I closely cropped one of the bird images.
Step 3: Size Template to Fit
Next, I measured the height and width of the flute’s painting surface. Based on that, I resized the bird image so that the head and main body would fit on one side of the glass. The tail would wrap around the side.
Then I printed out the template in several sizes in order to get the correct fit. It took only two tries.
Additionally, I used my photo editing tool to wash out most of the color in the bird, which made it appeared more like a drawing. Lastly, I incorporated tropical foliage into the template.
Almost forgot! After I had the right fit, I removed the template from the glass. Then I traced over the main outlines of the imagery with a black felt-tip marker. Finally, I reinserted the template into the glass; securing it with a small piece of tape.
For the second glass, I simply flipped the design to its mirror image.
Step 4: Paint the Basic Design
As explained in DIY Hand Painted Glasses, you need to use specialty paints and pens designed for use on glass surfaces.
Because this was my fourth glass-painting project, I had all but two of the colors already on hand. Several different greens were previously used for Casual St. Patrick’s Day Table & DIY Shamrock Glasses.
First, I painted a very basic color blocking of the bird on both wedding champagne flutes. A paper towel roll makes a good “easel” for painting.
After letting the glasses dry overnight, I painted a second coat with more defined edges and texture.
Step 5: Add the Details
Earlier, I had printed out a large color copy of the original cake topper photograph. I propped it up on my iPad stand to use as a color and detail guide.
During the third phase of painting details were added. For the white of the eyes I used a paint pen.
Holding the glasses up to the light, revealed small areas that need a bit more paint.
Time to Raise the Glasses
Since both my niece and her spouse have names starting with the same initial, I had to find two different style “K” charms. Thin ribbon in two different shades were used to simple tie the charms onto the stem of the flutes. They also help to differentiate who’s glass is who’s.
Here’s a look of the wedding champagne flutes after they were oven-cured and just before I gift wrapped them.
What do you think?
Make Your Own
Before you begin a project of your own, please refer to DIY Hand Painted Glasses & Champagne Flutes.
There you’ll find more detailed instructions on how to select and prep glassware, create and attach a template, painting techniques, and curing the finished glass.
Game to give it a try?
Wishing you all a most happy Mother’s Day weekend!
Related Post Picks
Pin Me
Featured Post
Link Parties
I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Turn About Tuesday, Centerpiece Wednesday, Whimsical Home Projects, In Link Party, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Crafty Creators, Fabulous Friday, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
Well first I have to say I am so sorry for the loss of your father. That must have been a tough time for his remaining days.
You are so talented! I never would have thought to insert the image as a guide to painting the birds- brilliant! I didn’t know you had painted all of those other glasses you’ve shown in the past too! I’m sure they were received with great joy!
Liz, thank you for condolences. It was certainly a difficult time, but I’m grateful I was able to be in Florida with my parents and sisters.
You are always so generous in your comments — thank you! Yes, I started with the peacock feather glasses for the second MFT party and did ones as favors for the next two. The happy couple seemed thrilled with the gift, which meant the world to me.
Debbee, my sincerest sympathy goes out to you and your family on your Dad’s passing. I hope your mother is adjusting well, and I know you are playing a significant role in her transition. {{Hugs}}.
The champagne flutes are adorably unique. I can certainly appreciate your niece’s tastes. My daughter #1 also has an MFA, and she is beautifully quirky in all that she does. I’m glad you could enjoy the fun with family.
Thank you, Rita, for your kind words. Mom is doing pretty well, all things considered. Sistah B drove her back to Charleston with her for some rest and TLC. Meanwhile, my youngest sister in Florida is taking care of cleaning out the apartment. Unfortunately, my parents dog has been boarded since mom left for the wedding. But, we know she’s being well taken care of. Later this summer, mom will come to Pittsburgh where we have lots of family.
I like the term “beautifully quirky”! It was a fun and unconventional wedding that was exactly what the happy couple wanted. Writing the post was good therapy for me. We are all very grateful, dad’s illness and passing did not happen until after the wedding.
I’m sorry to hear about your father, your family will be in my prayers.
Of course your niece would love the glasses, they are a gift of love created by you.
Awww thanks Leanne, I appreciate the sentiments.
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Thank you so much for your delightful post’s. I look forward to more!
Thanks Teresa. I may be a little erratic in my posting schedule over the next month or two, and appreciate your patience as I address personal matters.
I am sorry to hear the news about your father. I am sure your niece loved her one of a kind gift.
Barbara, how very kind of you — thank you. I do think she liked them; when they returned from their honeymoon it was the first thing she asked my sister where she had put them.
Tonight I will light a candle in memory of your Father.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Thanks dear buddy for the lovely gesture. Lighting candles is a tradition in our church. Over Easter my hubby and I lit one for his deceased parents.
I’m Sorry to hear about your father! I definitely want to use this technique to paint some tumblers in the future. I still want to make that mesh wreath too! Your directions are really good!
Thank you Kristie. I’d love to hear/see how your tumblers turn out, as well as the wreath.
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your dad. May God grant you and your family comfort and peace.
The flutes are so pretty. You are so talented and I try not to be jealous.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Thanks Bobbie for your comforting words.
So sorry for the loss of your father. Seems like as we age ‘events’ pick up speed.
The glasses are so unique and such a personalize gift for your niece.
You are part of our family and we will be here whenever you decide to return full time. Family is first. Happy Mother’s Day.
Very kind of you to say, Myrna — thank you.
Debbee, my sincere sympathy on the loss of your dad, and my prayers for healing to all the family. I’m glad to hear your mom has the love and care of family members–that goes a long way. The art templates are a great creation–especially for myself, one who can’t draw very well. Hugs!
Thank you Bobbi. Although I’d like to have mom here, it’s really nice she’s at my sister’s for Mother’s Day. My niece is back from her honeymoon and spent the night, so that they could make breakfast for Sistah B and my mom today. Yesterday, they all went off in the boat to Bird Island, where she saw many pelicans and dolphins. Very peaceful. She and my dad loved nature, birds and animals. That’s why one of the two memorial donations designations for dad is the World Wildlife Fund.
Those are beautiful!! So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing.
Thank you Joanne — on both counts.
Hope your Mom is doing well. I know you and your sisters will be great comfort for her.
So glad your post can ‘distract ‘ you for a while, your flutes were so pretty.
Sending you love dear SIL ??
Love you too, can’t wait to hear and see pictures from Italy!
I’m working on a memorial service/celebration of life to be held in Pittsburgh. Trying to bring all the family together from across the country is a challenge. She’s still in Charleston for a few more days, and then my sister will take her back to Florida and help with legal, banking, etc. stuff.
Those are so pretty and I love how you walked me thru it. You made it look so easy!
If you’ve never painted glasses before, you might want to start on cheaper glasses, like the large wine goblets from Dollar Tree. But, they just take a steady hand and patience over a few days. Doing four at a time is good way to go.
I look at your beautiful tables, parties and projects, but seldom comment. I don’t have a blog so I am not a recognizable name. That said, you and all the wonderful bloggers who join Tablescape Thursdays are well known to me. It has amazed me how quickly I identified with so many of you I can only imagine that those who have met, or blog often and communicate have quickly become friends. That said, I look forward to each week’s posting and when I read a post like yours today, I genuinely feel a kinship. It is with this background that I send my sincere sympathy. I am sorry. Grief and adjustment and finding peace are so personal. It appears that preparing this blog has given you an outlet and a way to share. Please know that even with those of “us” who are strangers, are hearts are touched and healing wishes are sent. MM
Marie, thank you for your kind words — they are very much appreciated. I’m in a brief pause right now, as all the out-of-towners have left today, with the exception of my mom. On Saturday we had a celebration of life and yesterday was a memorial service for dad.
I so, so love receiving comments!”Meeting” and getting to know followers and other bloggers has been and continues to bee the best part of Debbee’s Buzz! Truely. Few of my friends or family members are into crafting, tablesetting, hosting parties, etc. and it’s wonderful finding and engaging with a whole community of like minds.
I am so sorry for your loss, it is good that you have your mom and sisters to comfort one another.
I love your glasses, the parrots turned out great, what a great surprise. Thank you for taking a few minutes of your time for sharing on Friday Features Party. Have a blessed week.
Thank you Karren. I’m intermittently checking in on the blog as I am on a hiatus for awhile. I hope to be back with new posts in July. Crafting is good therapy for me!
Your hand painted champagne flutes turned out just perfect ~ very unique!
Thanks so much Allyson! Unique describes my niece’s tastes, so I was thrilled she was so delighted by them.
What a cute idea! I love this for parties or gifts!
I enjoy painting glasses because you can pick a subject or design to fit any occasion, season or holiday. It’s also an inexpensive and straightforward craft to undertake.
Sorry for the loss of your father. It is so hard to lose our parents. The painted wedding champagne flutes turned out great. Such a nice talent you have with painting and decorating.
Thank you Judy, and for your kind words of support. It’s been a few years now since dad passed and fortunately my elderly mother is thriving. She’s now living in Charleston near family (including my sister, niece, nephew and their spouses), friends in a senior community, is pursuing hobbies and interests. It’s a blessing, as years caring for dad had really taken a heavy toll on her. While my mom was here for a month, I introduced her to acrylic painting on canvas. As I suspected, she’s loaded with natural talent! I think I got some artsy genes from her!
Hi Debbee, I’m dropping in to let you know I’ve chosen your hand painted flutes as a feature on Sunday at Happiness is Homemade.
Allyson, such a huge compliment to be selected — thank you!