I can't tell you to do this project.  It's crazy messy, not entirely kid-friendly, and it takes an eternity to dry.  But I had the idea for this project and I became obsessed when it started not working the way I envisioned.  Then it turned out cool.  And maybe you are as crazy as I am?

I started with water based paint, water balloons, and a gang of willing kids to throw balloons at a tablecloth.  But it didn't work.  

So I tried a tennis ball dipped in paint.  

And food coloring.

Finally, I broke down and bought oil paint.  I did not want to use oil paint because I did not want my children anywhere near oil paint.  And if I don't, I'm sure you don't either.  After doing this project so many times with every other kind of paint, I knew it would get messy.  And it did.  My hands looked awful and it took forever to wash off.  

But I finally got it to look the way I wanted and it's incredibly therapeutic to throw water balloons at a hard surface.

If you want to take the leap and create your own Firework Tablecloth for the Fourth of July, here's how to do it.

You'll need

1 white tablecloth

water balloons

water balloon filler

oil paint

plastic syringe {available at the drug store}

Step 1  ::  Fill water balloons with ½ teaspoon paint and top off with water.

Step 2  ::  Set tablecloth on a hard surface outside.

Step 3  ::  Throw water balloons at the tablecloth until it looks the way you like. 

Step 4  ::  Let dry {takes about 72 hours}

This project is a part of 

Endless Summer Projects

, a collaboration between Alexandra Hedin, 

Classic Play

, 

Pars Caeli,

Lulu the Baker

, and 

This Heart of Mine 

to bring you fabulous summer projects for the whole family for the whole summer. 

We took pictures of the first failed attempt, click through the jump to see them.  It was really fun.

With Father's Day fast approaching, the struggle for what to get for Mr. Hedin wages on.  The dads in my life tend to buy themselves the things they need and aren't interested in excess stuff - thus making gift giving nearly impossible.  Luckily, there is always room at the bar for a new glass - especially when their kids made them.  

Lars helped me make these and they were incredibly simple.  And he is incredibly proud of them.  Which makes this a win win.  Plus, it's a great excuse for a crazy good cocktail {try this one}.  

You'll need

Adhesive Stencil Film

Glass Barware

Q-tips

Glass Paint

Step 1 :: 

Clean glass surface completely

Step 2 ::  

Cut out letter or shape from the adhesive stencil material and adhere to the glass

Step 3  ::  

Lightly apply paint using the q-tip.  Don't add too much!

Step 4  :: 

 Immediately remove the stencil and allow paint to dry.  Follow paint instructions to set paint.  

Simon Pearce decanter

 ::  

custom napkins

 ::  

Mikasa swizzle sticks