DIY Abstract Umbrella

Taking our obsession with shapes to an entirely new level with this DIY abstract umbrella on the blog. See the full how to…

DIY Abstract Umbrella by top Houston lifestyle blogger, Ashley Rose of Sugar and Cloth

They always say a good friend is one that’s super honest with you, right?

Well, we’re only telling you that it’s in your best interest to not even bother making this DIY abstract umbrella unless you buy some REALLY good fabric paint.

Friends don’t let friends use that cheap stuff on sale at Hobby Lobby and then walk around foreign countries pretending to act natural while paint is sloughing off. 

Because that’s what we did when we had grand plans of using this throughout Scandinavia for our Princess Cruises trip.

So instead, let our DIY shortcomings be a lesson to you.

And just go straight for the Speedball fabric paint to avoid looking like a dumb-dumb who enjoys Pinterest too often.

DIY Abstract Umbrella by top Houston lifestyle blogger, Ashley Rose of Sugar and Cloth

Materials Needed to Make a DIY Abstract Umbrella

White umbrella

Speedball fabric paints  — You’ll have to mix your own favorite color combos for a custom look.

Paint brushes — Foam or extra soft bristles are best for not showing brushstrokes in the paint.

DIY Abstract Umbrella by top Houston lifestyle blogger, Ashley Rose of Sugar and Cloth

DIY Abstract Umbrella by top Houston lifestyle blogger, Ashley Rose of Sugar and Cloth

How to Make a DIY Abstract Umbrella

The only battle with this DIY is nailing the right paint and perfect umbrella.

So once you’ve got those it’s as easy as making up random giant shapes!

We started by spreading out shapes in all one color.

Then, let that dry, and then, moved to the next.

DIY Abstract Umbrella by top Houston lifestyle blogger, Ashley Rose of Sugar and Cloth

Next, we let it set to completely for 24 hours before using.

(Not that it helped much since we didn’t get the right paint.

And it ended up just all chipping off anyways.)

BUT we did a retrial and when we used the correct paint… all was well!

DIY Abstract Umbrella by top Houston lifestyle blogger, Ashley Rose of Sugar and Cloth

Tips on Choosing Your Paint Colors

We also recommend using more saturated colors if you go for the white base like ours.

A white umbrella reflects so much light that it made certain colors hard to notice.

We also love the idea of painting a navy umbrella with pastels colors.

DIY Abstract Umbrella by top Houston lifestyle blogger, Ashley Rose of Sugar and Cloth

Different Pattern Ideas

You really don’t need any drawing skills to decorate the umbrella nor does it have to be perfect.

If you want to keep it even more simple and easy, check out the pattern we did with these DIY confetti placemats or geometric accent wall.

DIY Abstract Umbrella by top Houston lifestyle blogger, Ashley Rose of Sugar and Cloth

 

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10 Comments

  1. I love fun umbrellas! They are my go to accessory. I’ve never thought of making my own, though. I absolutely LOVE how yours turned out! I can’t wait to try it on my own.

  2. I SO need this umbrella! You are right about using the fabric paint instead or whatever cheapo paint ;) It rains so much where I live ;) LOVELY! So you :)

    1. Haha we learned our lesson here, fabric paint all the way! Thank you so much for the kind words, Ursula! :)

    1. Thank you, Helen! We definitely learned the hard way what paint is weather resistant, haha! Let us know how it turns out xo

    1. Thanks for the kind words, Jenna! We’re super happy with the way it turned out :) glad you love it too! xo

    1. Hey Ashley! Yes, the paint that I had for the navy that was good quality did totally fine, but the cheaper stuff didn’t last at all. Hope this helps! xo