Do you play pranks for April Fool’s Day?  I’m not a big practical joker, but I admit I do take some guilty pleasure in watching people walk into doorways covered in cling wrap or do a panicked dance at the sight of a fake dead mouse.  In honor of this silly holiday, here’s an idea that’s a classic fake-out: a glass of spilled milk!  Unless you inspect it at close range, it’s deceptively realistic!

Project estimate:

  • Drinking glass, $1
  • Mod Podge, on hand
  • White acrylic paint, on hand or $1 and up
  • Water, on hand
  • Extra cup for mixing, on hand
  • Cookie sheet, on hand
  • Wax paper or plastic-coated freezer paper, on hand

Total:  $1 and up

If you look at a real glass of spilled milk, you will notice that the part of the glass that was filled with milk has a residue of liquid left on the inside.  To create this look, mix approximately one part Mod Podge, one part white paint, and 5 parts water in an extra cup.  Carefully pour the mixture into the drinking glass.  Pour the mixture back out of the glass, then let the glass dry laying on its side.  (Tip:  For the best results, make sure the glass doesn’t roll while the residue is drying.) Once dry, there will be a filmy residue inside the glass where the liquid was, and a streak of it all the way to the rim as shown.    (It’s shown here with a piece of craft foam tucked inside so you can see the residue line better!)

Cover a cookie sheet with wax paper or freezer paper.  Mix equal parts Mod Podge and white paint together in the mixing cup, stirring until the mixture is well blended.  Carefully pour the mixture onto the cookie sheet, being cautious not to let it run over the edges of the paper-covered area.

With the glue-and-paint streaked side of the glass facing down, place it into the puddle on the cookie sheet.  Allow the glue and paint to set for a full day in a warm, dry, dust-free place.  (Tip:  Depending how thick the layer of paint and Podge is and the humidity level in your house, it may take longer to dry completely.  You can speed along the drying process by putting your oven on its lowest setting and placing the cookie sheet in the heat.  Check the progress every 10 to 15 minutes.)

Carefully peel the paper away from the dried “milk.”  Lay the glass on the table or floor and let the fun begin!