Cindy Crushes Programming: Hydro Dipping Mugs with Jessi Wakefield the Lockport Adult Teen Supervisor

I am super excited to have with me today, Jessi Wakefield. She just had a great craft program and she is going to share more about it with us. She works with me at the White Oak Library District. I am going to interview Jessi to find out more about her process.

1. Jessi, where did you get the idea for this craft? It is so cute!

Thank you! I would love to say it was all my idea! But it started when I was having a conversation with a teen and they said the words “hydro-dipping”. I wasn’t too sure that that was, so after we talked, I looked it up. I found quite a few helpful videos on YouTube and decided we should give it a try here! 

2. What supplies did you need?

I used plastic bins, lined with old plastic grocery bags, water, popsicle sticks, and nail polish. I used white ceramic mugs and glass mason jars as the ‘canvases’. I made sure the plastic bins were large enough to dip something in/ The size was about “9X11” and at least about 5 inches deep.

3. What are the steps you prepared the program with?

I tested the idea before I did the program. I wanted to make sure it was something I could do and then explain easily enough. I made sure I had a sufficient amount of bins, plastic bags, and items to dip. I ordered nail polish in bulk of varying colors for the most variety. Part of the preparation was setting up the room which included getting a large fan to air out the room due to the nail polish smell. 

I had seven tables set up with tablecloths. On each table, there were 2 bins, lined with a plastic bag full of water. There was a popsicle stick and plastic tray at each table. 

4. What are the steps of the program for the patrons?

Once the teens came in, I explained the steps. I had left over glass candle votives from another program that I let the teens practice with. The teens each came up and picked two colors of nail polish. They then poured a little bit of the polish into the bin of water, alternating colors. They used the stick to swirl the polish around giving it more of a unique design and then gently dipped the item straight down into the water/polish mixture. Each teen did 1 votive, 1 mason jar, and 1 mug. 

Some of the teens added a bit of flourish after the dip, and painted directly onto the mugs with the polish. The trays on the table were used for drying the mugs.  I think they came up with some amazing creations!

5.  How did the teens do in the program?

They really seemed to enjoy themselves. At first they were a little hesitant but once they saw what they could make, they got really excited. The room was so quiet the first 20 minutes or so because they were so focused on what they were doing. I put on a little bit of music, and that livened up  the whole room. 

6. Is there anything you would have done differently?

Yes. I think I would have spent a little extra for high quality nail polish, either that or make it an outdoor program. The day we had our program it was over 100 degrees outside, so we stayed in doors.  The smell was very potent all throughout the library. 

7. What are your final thoughts?

This really was a very successful program. The teens had a great time and I was able to use some leftover items for them to dip. The smell was THE main concern though, but shouldn’t be a reason not to try it again at some other point. 

Filed under: Cindy Crushes Programming, Teen Programming, Teen Programming in a Box, Teen Programs in a Box