From Glitter to Grit: My Journey as a Tumbler Maker & Why I’m Spilling All My Secrets

Y’all, I didn’t expect to fall in love with epoxy — but the moment I saw it, I knew I had to try it.

Back in the summer of 2019, I was watching my cousin mess around with an ink drop technique (one of the very first styles that kicked off the custom tumbler world). She made it look so easy — swirls of alcohol ink dancing through epoxy, colors blending like magic. That one moment was all it took. My creative wheels started turning and I couldn’t shake the feeling: I need to try this.

I’ve always been naturally crafty — drawn to handmade goods, obsessed with seasonal décor, and totally in love with interior design. That background plays a huge role in how I see pattern, scale, and color when I’m designing tumblers today. But let me tell you… my first tumbler was a mess. I tried making a little coffee cup with that same ink drop technique and completely butchered it. I ended up having to strip the whole thing down and start over.

Instead of quitting, I got obsessed. I practiced until my hands were sticky, my workspace was chaotic, and I had tumblers piling up around me. Alcohol inks gave me the most trouble at first (which is funny now, because they’re my number one seller). And truthfully, back then there wasn’t much educational content available specific to epoxy tumblers. YouTube could only take you so far, and I knew I needed more structure if I was going to really grow.

That’s when I joined one of the original tumbler mentorship programs, led by Jessica Flynn — and I’ll always be grateful for it. Her tutorials and guidance gave me the solid foundation I needed to build both my skills and my confidence as a maker. It was a game-changer for me at a time when everything still felt brand new.

Since then, I’ve spent hours (okay, years) perfecting my craft. From glitter to hand-painted leopard spots, I’ve tested just about every technique you can think of — and I’ve truly fallen in love with mixing different textures, styles, and mediums to create tumblers that are bold, original, and totally one-of-a-kind.

The turning point? I reached out to a local boutique that needed shelf fillers, and next thing I knew, custom orders were rolling in. From there, I took my show to TikTok. I started going Live, selling my work through tumbler “races,” and building a community of loyal customers and fellow creators - who have become very dear friends.  Less than a year later, I’m closing in on 10,000 followers — and I’m just getting started.

✨ What Makes a Sippity Doo Dah Tumbler Different?

I’ll tell you what customers tell me all the time:

“Your cups feel like glass. They’re so smooth. I’ve never seen anything like this in a store.”

I don’t do basic.
Every tumbler I make — whether it’s ready-to-ship or fully custom — is all about the details:

  • Color palettes that pop

  • Patterns scaled perfectly to the cup

  • A polished, durable finish that feels flawless in your hand

This isn’t mass-produced junk. These are handcrafted, wear-everywhere pieces of art. And I make sure they look as good as they last.

🐎 How My TikTok “Races” Work (aka The Most Fun Way to Order a Tumbler)

If you’ve seen my TikTok Lives, then you know — the “Race” is on!
Here’s how it goes:

I host weekly “Races” where you can grab a spot for a chance to win a completely custom tumbler. Not only is it cheaper than a full-price order — it’s also wildly fun to watch.

These spots sell out fast, so if you want in, be sure to:
👉 Follow me on TikTok
👉 Sign up for my email list (so you never miss a drop!)

🛍️ Want a Tumbler Without the Wait?

I get it — not everyone wants to wait 4–6 weeks for a custom.
That’s why I created two ways to shop faster:

💨 Ready To Sip

These are finished tumblers — boxed and ready to ship the moment you order.

⚡️ Sippity Quick

My curated collection of styles that I can recreate and ship in 3–5 days flat.
Think of it like semi-custom, without the full wait.

💻 Wanna Learn How to Do This Too?

You’re not the only one who’s asked.

That’s why I’m launching The MakeHER Room — a creative membership for side hustlers and sellers who wanna learn:

  • How to make tumblers (from beginner to advanced)

  • Business & pricing tips

  • Canva & Cricut tricks

  • PLUS full access to my growing digital file library

But more than that — it’s a space for community, mentorship, and connection with other badass makers.

Right now, I’m building a waitlist for the official launch. If you're a creator or dreamer ready to level up your skills, you’ll want in on this early.

📬 Sign Up & Stay in the Loop

Want to be the first to know when new races drop or when my membership opens up?

👇 Drop your email below and join my VIP crew! 👇
(No spam — just sparkles, sales, and maybe a few secrets.)

The MakeHER Room

Thanks for being here — whether you’re a shopper, a future maker, or just someone who loves a little sparkle. I see you. And I’m glad you’re here.

💖
– Nikki
Sippity Doo Dah

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