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You'll Be Mesmerized by This Easy, Swirly, Craft Project

June 13, 2018

The kitchen is one of the most interactive spaces in the home. Whether you’re whipping up a meal for your family or entertaining friends, it’s the perfect place for great food and conversation. And what helps start a conversation more than displaying a colorful statement piece on your counter, like this marble-dipped utensil holder. Not only is this project easy to do, but it will leave your guests asking where you bought it―even though it’s a DIY!

You're just 4 steps away from achieving this! Photo by Rachel Mae Smith

Everyone has a utensil holder on the kitchen counter, and for the most part we think nothing of them. But just because they serve a purpose doesn’t mean you have to settle for a plain, colorless container. If you want to add some unexpected color to your countertops, then this project is the way go. Plus, once you learn to marble, it’ll be really hard to stop.

The trick to successful marbling is working fast. I’ve found that it helps to take the cap off all the nail polishes, then pour them into the hot water at the same time with one hand as you swirl a pattern with the other. I suggest doing a couple test runs before marbling your utensil holder. Finally, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area because there will be fumes.

Keep those windows open. Photo by Rachel Mae Smith

Chances are you can get started on this project with the items you have in your home right now, which means there’s no reason not to give it a try. Trust me, after you’re done, you’ll have bragging rights to more than just your cooking skills. Here’s how:


Marble-Dipped Utensil Holder

Materials

  • Deep tub, bowl, or bucket
  • Ceramic utensil holder
  • Nail polish in various colors (not quick-dry)
  • Craft stick
Ta-da! Photo by Rachel Mae Smith

Instructions

  1. Fill the tub, bowl, or bucket with hot water. Whichever vessel you use, make sure it’s deep enough to cover as much of the utensil holder as you want to marble. (If you’re marbling flatter objects, you’ll need something that’s only a few inches deep. Keep in mind for future projects!) Note that in the future you can use this container only for marbling/painting since the nail polish will drop to the bottom and stick there—so don’t use your nice baking bowls!

  2. Pour the polish in the water and use your craft stick to gently stir and mix the colors to create a marbled effect. Immediately dip in your utensil holder. I suggest going straight down from the center of the polish bath to evenly coat all the way around.

  3. Pull the utensil holder out of the water and let dry. You can dab off excess water, just be careful not to smudge the design.

  4. Let the container dry completely, then fill with utensils.

For more colorful projects, check out blogger and crafter Rachel Mae Smith's new book, Hello Color: 25 Bright Ideas for DIY Décor.


Make something else pretty

Have you ever tried your hand at marble-dipping? Let us know below!

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