DIY Pink Gumball Machine
We’re sharing how to DIY Pink Gumball Machines today!
Truth be told, every item that comes into our home from snacks to home décor is carefully considered.
Even the pieces I totally fall in love with.
Our island cottage is an open-concept style home which means wall and storage space is at a premium.
Still, I like for the items around our home to complement each other.
Especially, when they’re expected to do double duty.
So when it came time for us to create a sweet shop themed holiday home, I knew I had to figure out a way to use pink gumball machines.
The only problem was that I couldn’t find any that were the color of pink milk glass.
A few weeks ago though, I was picking up some last-minute supplies at Hobby Lobby and happened upon an entire section of white and green glass gumball machines on the holiday aisle!
Not to be dramatic but it felt like an early Christmas gift. I knew immediately I could spray paint them any color I wanted.
Here’s a look at how to create DIY Pink Gumball Machines inspired by pink milk glass….
DIY Pink Gumball Machine Supplies:
- Gumball Machine (we found these glass gumball machines at Hobby Lobby in the holiday section)
- Rust-oleum Chalked Spray Paint Ultra Matte Finish in Blush Pink
- Cover for the Glass (we used a sandwich bag)
- Tape (we used painters tape)
- Tarp
- Gumballs or other candy, optional
DIY Pink Gumball Machine Steps:
Gather your supplies and lay a tarp down to protect your work surface.
Make sure your gumball machine is clean and free from dirt and lint.
Using caution and care, remove the lid and slip a sandwich bag over the globe part of your gumball machine.
Next, tape around the edges to secure the bag in place. This will also help to protect the gumball globe from any overspray.
Be sure to read all the instructions on the back of your spray paint can before moving on to the next step.
In a well-ventilated area, lightly spray a coat of Rust-oleum Chalked Paint in Blush Pink onto the base of your gumball machine.
Keep in mind, it’s better to lightly spray multiple thin coats of paint than it is to spray one really thick coat of paint.
Allow your DIY pink gumball machine to dry completely.
Then, carefully peel away the painter’s tape and remove the sandwich bag.
Fill and Enjoy…
Fill your pink gumball machine with gumballs or another candy of your choice. We don’t eat a lot of gumballs, so I filled this one with small ornaments.
We do eat a lot of conversation hearts though and I can’t wait to use these DIY pink gumball machines for Valentine’s Day.
They would also be cute with pink and white candy corns during the Fall season as well!
Project Notes…
Just for the sake of full disclosure, I wanted to share some project notes with you.
While these DIY pink gumball machines were so much fun to make and I’m *mostly* happy with the way they turned out, they are not perfect in any way.
For one thing, the spray paint dripped off the glass a lot more than I anticipated. In hindsight, it was probably too slick and I should have used a very fine grit sandpaper to give the paint some “tooth” before spraying them.
The other thing to note is that these glass gumball machines break easily. Curious pets and kids should definitely be supervised around them.
You’ll also want to be careful when wrapping the gumball machines up to be stored.
Finally, these DIY pink gumball machines are about 6.5 inches deep which is a lot of gumballs. Especially, if you’re using them around the house or on a holiday tablescape as we did.
To keep things budget friendly you can stuff the bottom of the gumball machine with floral foam balls, paper, or even plastic grocery bags.
Then layer tissue paper in the same color as the base of your gumball machine or food-safe parchment paper on top.
That way, you’ll only have to fill about 3 inches of gumballs!
Using Seasonal Items Throughout the Year…
I know this time of year can be tricky when you’re trying to make your home festive without having to store a lot of extra things.
So, when you’re out shopping for seasonal items think about how they can be used in different ways throughout the year or if they can be used for multiple holiday themes.
It will definitely help to cut down on excess clutter.
Let us know what you think of these DIY pink gumball machines.
The blush color is such a pretty color, I already have other project ideas swirling around my head so I can use it again!
CoCo
I had no idea that they made a chalk spray paint! That is my ultimate favorite color, so I will be using that in some way. The gumball machine is adorable!
Just when I think they’ve thought of everything they literally come out with something else that blows my mind, Susan! This blush color is really beautiful. I think you’ll like it. The paint was a bit runny so I’m going to try it on something else soon. That way, I can give a full review of the paint! Stay tuned and hope you’re having the best week, CoCo
This is so adorable! I love the color and the idea of your holiday decor is so fun. My fave is that you added ornaments. Gaaaah, I love it!
We have a real one I got the Mister way back when dating in high school. He LOVES candy. It started out red with a black stand. It’s been bubblegum pink and is now teal with a white base. Addi (our youngest) is her dads child and stole it for her house while in college. She intended to charge guests money for the candy. It worked for a while then those little brats decided unscrewing the top would be easier. LOL! It’s back here at home with Boston Baked Beans inside and even though there are coins sitting there next to it, the Mister also unscrews the lid. Ayi yi yi.
It’s SO COOL you have a real gumball machine, Cindy! I love it that Addi took it to college and you guys have painted it multiple colors too. Thinking of everyone unscrewing the top to keep it quick and easy gives me the giggles. That is totally something that would happen at our house as well 😆 Big hugs, CoCo
Oh my, what would we do without Hobby Lobby? They have the cutest things there, and your gumball machine goes perfectly with your holiday decor theme! I adore the color you painted it! You’re right it is perfect to use for Valentine’s Day! Goodness, we’ll blink and it will be here! But for now, let’s enjoy all things Christmas! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us!
I was totally shocked at how low the holiday prices at HL have been this year, Donna! We basically had to buy all new ornaments for our themed tree and it really helped they were 60% early on in the season. It basically doubled our decorating budget which was a huge gift! Sending you hugs for a happy week, CoCo
OH MY GOSH I LOVE THIS!!! When I was little, my sister had her own “real life functioning” gum ball machine in her room and I was SO jealous. Now when we recall it – we laugh our heads off. We still love gum ball machines and the nostalgia they bring. Of course I love the color you painted it. I am sharing this post with my sister.
That is so sweet of you, Anna, thank you! I love that you guys had a real gumball machine and this post brought back so many funny memories. We tell my parents all the time they should put a gumball machine at Bliss Barracks and Loblolly so we can have gum whenever we want. They are very smart because they always respond with well why not Pound Puppies, Nintendo, Rainbow Bright, Teddy Ruxspin, Care Bears and Cabbage Patch? They know us too well 🤣
I truly believe that every problem can be solved with paint LOL! You always have the best ideas and makeovers CoCo! I love how you’re decorating with this adorable “pink” gum ball machine. So clever with the ornaments inside!
I could not agree with you more, Michelle, the power of paint never ceases to amaze me! These gumball machines have been so much fun to use around the house and on our holiday tablescape. I can’t wait to use them for Valentine’s Day too! Hugs, CoCo
CoCo
This ideas is so… creative. I love it I. Your home. Great job.
Thank you, Rachel! They were definitely fun to make and I can’t wait to use them throughout the year. If you lived closer I’d drop one by in a heartbeat. Hugs for a happy weekend, CoCo
So so cute, CoCo. I love all the “sweet” pastels! I’m featuring this post this evening on All About Home. Thanks so much for coming by and joining in on the fun!