Turn A Coffee Cup Into A Cartoon
Transform a used coffee cup into a cartoon character using paint, markers, paper, and googly eyes while practicing shape, color, and symmetry.
Step-by-step guide to turn a coffee cup into a cartoon
Step 1
Rinse the used cup inside and out and set it upside down to dry.
Step 2
Lay newspaper or a table cover on your work area to protect the surface.
Step 3
Think of a simple cartoon character and pick two or three main colors to use.
Step 4
Paint the outside of the cup with your base color using a paintbrush.
Step 5
Wait until the painted base is completely dry before touching it.
Step 6
Lightly sketch where the eyes nose and mouth will go on the cup with a pencil.
Step 7
Fold a piece of construction paper in half to make a symmetrical accessory like ears or a bow.
Step 8
Draw half of the accessory shape on the folded paper with your pencil.
Step 9
Cut along your pencil line while the paper is folded to make matching halves.
Step 10
Glue the googly eyes onto the cup where you sketched the eyes and press gently to stick.
Step 11
Glue the paper accessory to the cup in the right spot and hold until it feels secure.
Step 12
Use markers to draw the mouth nose and matching patterns on both sides to keep the design symmetrical.
Step 13
Let any glue and marker details dry completely.
Step 14
Take a photo of your finished cartoon cup and share your creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have googly eyes or construction paper?
If you don't have googly eyes, cut circles from white paper or construction paper, draw pupils with markers, and glue them onto the cup where you sketched the eyes.
My paint or markers keep smudging—what went wrong and how do I fix it?
If paint or marker details smear, apply thinner coats, wait until the painted base is completely dry before touching it as the instructions say, and press glued accessories until they feel secure.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger kids, pre-paint the base and pre-cut the folded accessory so they can glue the googly eyes and stick the accessory, while older children can sketch the face lightly, paint multiple layers, and add symmetrical marker patterns themselves.
How can we make the finished cartoon cup last longer or look fancier?
After letting any glue and marker details dry completely, coat the painted cup with a clear sealant or Mod Podge to protect the design and then take a photo of your finished cartoon cup to share on DIY.org as suggested.
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Facts about recycled crafts for kids
☕ Most disposable coffee cups have a thin plastic or wax lining to hold liquids, which makes them harder to recycle than plain paper.
♻️ Turning a used cup into a character is called upcycling — it’s a creative way to reduce waste and make something new.
✂️ Cartoon faces often use simple shapes (circles, ovals, triangles) and symmetry — great practice for young artists learning proportion.
🎨 Acrylic paint dries quickly — thin layers can dry in 10–30 minutes, perfect for fast, colorful cup makeovers!
👀 Googly eyes (aka wiggle eyes) were popularized in 20th-century crafts and can instantly make any object look silly and alive.
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