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Sunshine In A Cup

April 24, 2018

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Tea cup planters are super cute and a great cottage style accessory.

Grab a plain cup at the thrift store and embellish it with a vinyl decal. Check out the easy DIY!

Scratched cup and saucer on a table

Not too long ago, I found this giant tea cup at the thrift store.

If you're a regular reader, I doubt you've forgotten its despicable condition.

I fell in love immediately.

Its size, shape and price drew me right in, at a dollar fifty, it was a bargain.

Plus it was a matched set, hard to come by at second hand shops...and probably most importantly, it needed a good makeover.

I'm a sucker for a lost cause.

So I brought the pair home and cleaned it up with a little bit of magic.

When I was done (mere minutes later, I kid you not), I was left with a very respectable set.

Now the question was, what to do with it.

Large White Tea Cup and saucer on a table

I thought about those hanging tea cup bird feeders and staked garden ornaments, but it was raining outside and the glue was in the garage, so that was out.

Next I thought about the rooster wallpaper stickers I had leftover from my wooden rooster signs, but then I remembered what the whole decoupage process entails and the fact that I'm not very good at it.

Would it stick on ceramic?

Would the roosters wrinkle on a round surface...ah, too much to consider. So I vetoed that idea, too.

Finally, I remembered the sweet vinyl decals that I had left in my craft closet and the jackpot bells went off in my head.

Perfect.

Tea Cup Planter DIY

 Several months ago, I used the same decals to embellish a glass vase.

The process was quick and painless and I had great results.

Flour Vinyl Transfer being applied To Glass

It was just as simple this time around.

I removed the backing from decal and positioned it on the tea cup.

I was able to move around with ease to get the proper placement.

Tea Cup with tea transfer being applied

Next, I smoothed my hand over the top of the letters and then applied pressure with a credit card straight edge.

I used even strokes and concentrated on the edges of each letter. I gently pulled the front piece away when I was sure the letters were affixed.

Applying A Vinyl Transfer On A Tea Cup with a credit card

Super simple and totally fabulous.

We're talking ugly duckling to swan here people. Am I wrong?

I had contemplated keeping it this way and actually using it for tea, but I get the heebie-jeebies about thrift store food items sometimes.

I know, I know...but warranted or not, I just can't. So I planted instead.

Tea Cup With A Black Vinyl Transfer

The pansies look great, they smile at me every morning and add a little more cottage flair to my tiny home.

Spring has started to make an appearance here now, but for a few weeks it was rather dicey and these bright yellow flowers made all the difference.

Sunshine in a cup.

Pretty Tea Cup planter with pansies inside and tea on cup su

Since it's getting warmer, I'm thinking about releasing my pansies into the wild.

But for now, they look very appetizing in my new tea cup and saucer.

Proof that there's no such thing as a lost cause.

How would you have used this cup?

More Upcycled Planter Ideas?

Thrift Store Planter Ideas

Frog soap holder as a planter

Tea Tin Planters

Tea Tin Planters with pansies inside

Kim Signature


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  1. LorriApril 24, 2018 at 8:03 PM

    Just darling. It was meant to be a planter.

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    Replies
    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 11:45 AM

      Thanks so much, Lorri! I tend to agree. But wow, that would be a heck of a cup of coffee!! 🤔

      Delete
  2. AnonymousApril 24, 2018 at 8:24 PM

    I love the transformation of your teacup! I also love your blog. I have been going through similar things that you have with my own mother and it is so hard.

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    Replies
    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 11:49 AM

      Thank you so much for the kind tea cup and blog comment. It really made me smile. I am so sorry to hear that you and your mom are going through anything remotely similar to what we went through. It was very, very hard, and heartbreaking. I really do feel for you both. I wish you both the best...and urge you to take care of yourself. It's not an easy road... ❤️

      Delete
  3. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaApril 24, 2018 at 9:11 PM

    I love teacup planters! The Tea decal and the pansies are a great fit. I have a huge cup like that too but I drink coffee out of it :-)

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    Replies
    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 11:50 AM

      I am tempted to get a big mug for my hot water now...it looks like a fun way to drink!!

      Delete
  4. MariApril 24, 2018 at 10:29 PM

    Perfect! It is so cute!

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  5. AnonymousApril 24, 2018 at 10:43 PM

    is everything you do adorable?
    yes!
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  6. Karen thisoldhouse2.comApril 25, 2018 at 6:15 AM

    What a great idea! And I have the same issue with thrift store food container finds, lol.

    You asked on my blog - our little seaside cottage is in Guilford, CT.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 11:52 AM

      I know I'm a little OCD about it, but I find other things to do with them! And your cottage is super charming!!

      Delete
  7. Maria ElenaApril 25, 2018 at 6:42 AM

    Your post just put a smile on my face. :) I love, love your tea cup planter. Beautiful idea, Kim!

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    Replies
    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 11:55 AM

      Thanks again for the pretty decals, Maria Elena. They truly are the gift that keeps on giving!

      Delete
  8. LynneApril 25, 2018 at 8:27 AM

    You’ve inspired me to go dig out a giant tea (coffee) cup and saucer
    I received back in the early seventies . . .
    Stay tuned for my creating . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 11:57 AM

      I can't wait to see what you come up with, Lynne...I am staying tuned for sure!

      Delete
  9. UnknownApril 25, 2018 at 11:22 AM

    Love it!!!! So very simple and yet fabulous. I would have used it as a planter also.

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    Replies
    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 11:59 AM

      Thanks Sue! I really like it now. I hope it is a real harbinger of spring. She's still hiding...

      Delete
  10. Carla from The RiverApril 25, 2018 at 12:26 PM

    Lovely idea my friend. I think should come help me this summer at the Farmer Market with ideas. :-)
    Love, Carla

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    Replies
    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 12:00 PM

      If only...I would love to! Think about all I could learn with you... ☺️

      Delete
  11. Debbie - Mountain MamaApril 25, 2018 at 1:41 PM

    Too cute, my friend!! I would have probably used it as a planter also...although I wouldn't have given it a second look in the condition it was in! :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 12:01 PM

      I bet your green thumb would work all sorts of magic on this little cup!!

      Delete
  12. Julie's Creative LifestyleApril 25, 2018 at 2:05 PM

    that looks so pretty and I love how you put the word tea on the cup!!! It's the perfect way to cheer up the house. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 12:02 PM

      Thanks Julie! The flowers really do make it cheery in the kitchen...c'mon spring!!

      Delete
  13. Betty April 25, 2018 at 2:32 PM

    I love love love it. I have seen some big cup planters at the store and always wanted one. You made something sad into something beautiful.

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    Replies
    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 12:03 PM

      Thanks Betty! It really was kind of sad. I just had to fix it!

      Delete
  14. Judy at GoldCountryCottageApril 25, 2018 at 3:05 PM

    No, you are not wrong, Kim. That is so simple and so sweet. I love it..xxoJudy

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    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 12:04 PM

      Thanks so much, Judy!! it actually is very sweet. xo

      Delete
  15. Kristi@Chatfield CourtApril 25, 2018 at 4:27 PM

    Ah, so stinkin' cute! Love it! :)

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    Replies
    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 12:05 PM

      Thanks Kristi! Very worth the dollar fifty… ☺️

      Delete
  16. Mary K.April 25, 2018 at 4:38 PM

    It certainly has turned into a swan Kim. I love that you are using it as a planter.

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    Replies
    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 12:06 PM

      Thanks Mary! I just hope my pansies live. Did I water them today? 🤔

      Delete
  17. Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage BlogApril 25, 2018 at 8:27 PM

    So cute!

    ReplyDelete
  18. An Oasis in the DesertApril 26, 2018 at 12:46 PM

    That is just adorable, Kim! Hope you continue to get some good weather!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 1:03 PM

      Thanks so much, Carol. It's sunny today, that's a start!!

      Delete
  19. Victor S E MoubarakApril 27, 2018 at 4:22 AM

    What a great transformation. Well done.

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lisa @ Texas DecorApril 27, 2018 at 4:34 PM

    Sunshine in a cup, indeed! It's perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  21. KarenApril 27, 2018 at 9:07 PM

    Your vinyl really dressed up that plain cup and the bright yellow pansy is perfect. Simply lovely!
    By the way...I’m totally with you on the heebie-jeebies. Upcycling handles that in a snap!

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    Replies
    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 1:11 PM

      Thanks so much, Karen! I am really happy with the way this turned out...and yes, upcycling is the perfect cure!

      Delete
  22. Doreen@foxdenrdApril 28, 2018 at 12:36 AM

    What would I have used it for? Nothing. I’m not creative enough to have even noticed it and it’s potential!

    I’m pretty sure that cup is glad you found it and turned it into a cutie ;).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim April 28, 2018 at 1:12 PM

      I have a thing for lost causes...growing up my poor mom had to deal with the all the furry lost causes I brought home. This was a lot easier! 😉

      Delete
  23. https://www.vintagesouthernpicks.comApril 28, 2018 at 1:32 PM

    Love the repurpose of the teacup Kim! You nailed it!

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    Replies
    1. Kim May 4, 2018 at 9:28 PM

      Thanks Florence! It's a cute little kitchen addition.

      Delete
  24. VanessaMay 1, 2018 at 10:17 AM

    I love the shape of these teacups. What a lovely idea.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowMay 4, 2018 at 7:33 PM

    I doubt that I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF IT MYSELF but as soon as I saw the beginning of your post I thought that I'd see you using it as a planter :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim May 4, 2018 at 9:29 PM

      It's that time of year, Deb...everything looks like a planter to me! 😉

      Delete
  26. handmade by amaliaMay 5, 2018 at 12:25 AM

    Oh, the tea cup looks fantastic Kim, professional! I'm so behind with my blog reading. I'm going to the South of France in a couple of days and with all the holidays we've had recently and many other things I've hardly had any time to visit. But I'm excited about the trip. And I did find a little white table near the skip. It wasn't at all white when I found it but cleaned up beautifully. I painted the top with the pink color I had left from my chair make-over so now have a set. Yet to photograph it :-) A big hug.
    Amalia
    xo

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    Replies
    1. Kim May 12, 2018 at 6:09 PM

      I am still behind on my reading and commenting, but I am sending big hugs back to you, Amalia. I hope that you are enjoying your trip. The South of France sounds just dreamy. I can't wait to see your pictures. I know they'll be divine.

      Delete
  27. A Crafty MixAugust 27, 2019 at 4:33 AM

    Awwwwwww pansies are one of my favorite flowers. They have such happy, smiley, sunshine faces. Love your teacup planter Kim

    ReplyDelete