Building a Short Sale Cup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Short sale cups are a unique and versatile type of cup that combines the functionality of a regular cup with the convenience of a straw, making it an excellent option for individuals with mobility or dexterity issues. If you're looking to create your own short sale cup, you'll need a few simple materials and some basic crafting skills. In this article, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of building a short sale cup.
Preliminary Materials
You'll need the following materials to get started:
- Colorful paper or cardstock for the cup's body
- Straws (short and long)
- Clear tape or hot glue
- Scissors
- Ruler or straightedge
- Glue stick (optional)
- Pencil and eraser
- Crafting mat or surface
Before you begin, ensure you have a clean and flat workspace to help prevent accidents and ensure accuracy.

Step 1: Cutting Out the Cup's Body
Use a ruler or straightedge to draw a circle with a diameter of 3-4 inches on your paper or cardstock. This will serve as the base of your short sale cup. Cut the circle carefully with scissors, taking care to maintain its shape and smooth edges.
Step 2: Creating the Short Straw Holder
Cut two rectangular shapes from a separate piece of paper or cardstock. Each rectangle should be approximately 1 inch wide and 2-3 inches long. These will serve as the arms of your short straw holder. Cut a small notch in the middle of each rectangle, about 0.5 inches from the top. This notch will hold the short straw in place.
- Glue the notched rectangles together, making sure they are centered and evenly spaced.
- Use a glue stick to attach the short straw to the notched rectangles, making sure it's secure and in the correct position.
Step 3: Constructing the Cup's Body
Place the short straw holder at the bottom of the cup's body, making sure it's centered. Use clear tape or hot glue to secure the holder in place. You can also use glue to attach the short straw directly to the cup's body if you prefer.

- Use a glue stick to attach any additional embellishments, such as glitter, stickers, or stickers, to the cup's body.
Step 4: Assembling the Long Straw Holder
Cut a small notch in a separate piece of paper or cardstock, approximately 0.5 inches from the top. This notch will hold the long straw in place. Glue a straw to the notch, making sure it's secure and in the correct position.
- Cut two thin strips of paper or cardstock, approximately 2-3 inches long and 0.25 inches wide.
- Glue the strips together, rolled into a tube, forming a cylindrical shape. This will serve as the long straw holder.
Step 5: Attaching the Long Straw Holder and Final Assembly
Glue the long straw holder to the top of the cup's body, making sure it's centered and evenly spaced. Use clear tape or hot glue to secure it in place. Place the long straw into the holder, ensuring it's secure and in the correct position.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Cut a small piece of paper or cardstock to create a handle or strap for the short sale cup. Glue it in place, making sure it's secure and comfortable to hold.
Tips and Variations
You can customize your short sale cup with various design elements, materials, and embellishments. Consider adding a cute design or pattern to the cup's body or using different colors or textures to create a truly unique cup. This project is perfect for crafting enthusiasts, educators, or individuals with limited dexterity looking to create functional and adaptive cups.