Brighten up your glassware with a splash of colour and imaginative designs.

You'll need:

Glasses
Methylated spirits
Coloured pens
White paper
Translucent glass paints
Fine paintbrush
Cotton wool buds

Here's how:

1. Wash and dry the glasses, then wipe them gently with a soft cloth and a little methylated spirits to remove any traces of grease.

2. Work out your chosen design and colours with coloured pens on a sheet of white paper. You don't need to be a great artist as you'll find simple, random designs will give stunning effects. It's also a good idea to practice on a spare glass before you begin.

3. Insert a piece of white paper or a crumpled white tissue inside the glass to enable you to see your design more easily. You may find it easier to work on a plain white surface, such as paper or board.

4. Using an old plate as a palette, mix up small amounts of the glass paints to achieve the colours you require. Don't mix too much paint at once, as it will dry quite quickly and be wasted.

5. Apply the paint carefully with a fine paintbrush. Take care not to apply too much paint as this will cause it to dry unevenly or drip, whereas too little paint will cause brush marks to show. If you want to make use of your glassware for drinks, it's best not to apply paint too near the rim of the glasses as frequent usage will eventually wear away the painted design. Start your design 2.5cm below the rim.

A cheery floral design.

6. Don't worry if you make a mistake. You can simply neaten any edges with a dampened cotton wool bud. If all else fails and you need to start again, you can wipe off the wet paint with a damp cloth.

7. Treat your glasses with respect by hand-washing them carefully in soapy water. Avoid using the dishwasher.

Source: Kitchen Projects in a Weekend (Merehurst)