DIY Mug It Your Way!
Hey there!
While this mug may look like it's the first DIY mug I've ever made, it's not. My handwriting is ok but when it comes to writing on a mug, it's not ok. But, it doesn't matter. I'm still proud of my DIY mugs!
Yes, that's mugs, plural. I have a cabinet full of DIY mugs. That should tell you just how easy they are to make. You can plan a design on Thursday and by Saturday morning, be sipping out of your new, inexpensive, custom designed mug!
A few years ago I started making DIY mugs from Dollar Tree mugs and regular sharpie markers. I'd write on the mug, let it dry overnight and use it. The writing on the mugs would last for about 2 weeks.
Then I checked Pinterest and took a peek at what other people were doing. I discovered that using special oil based markers and baking the mugs worked better. I tried that last year and yep! The writing on my mug lasted a full 2 months. I know that doesn't seem long but how long are you really going to use that Happy Halloween mug?
This year I thought about adding acrylic sealant to the mug and seeing how long it lasted then but I decided that it was okay to change up my mug each year. I could create a mug for the Fall and by the time the next Fall rolled around, I could change up my coffee mug! So, I'm going commando (well, sealant-less) and just making a mug the way I know how.
The first thing that you need, is a mug. I always get my mugs from Dollar Tree. They are solid, seasonal colors and if you make a mistake it was only a dollar.
I get my oil based markers from places like Michaels craft store, Target and Office Depot. The two that I am currently using are Sharpie brand that I purchased on sale. They are about $3.99 or $4.99 normal price but I never pay normal price.
Let's get down to it, shall we?!
1. Wash your mug and let it dry overnight. You want your mug super dry each step of the way. Wayward water is not your friend.
2. Get your oil based marker going and draw or write on your mug. The packaging on the marker tells you how to start the ink flow.
3. Let your mug dry for several hours. I let mine dry overnight because this girl is over cautious.
4. To bake your mug, you need to place your mug in a cold oven. I have stoneware that I let my mug sit on. Set your oven to 425Ëšand let it bake for 1 hour.
5. Turn off your oven but leave your mug in the oven to cool completely and DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN DOOR. You don't want your mug to crack. I let my mug dry for 6 hours. Again, maybe too cautious but it's what I do.
I very gently hand wash my mug after it dries. I don't want to use it without it. I highly suggest you do the same.
You can a mug for every season with ever saying that you've ever wanted to purchase. I'd like to say that the more you write on mugs the better that you get. But, well, you saw my mug.
But, I can say that you will have fun and each morning you can start the day with an inspirational or sassy saying with your coffee or tea.
Let me know if you decide to try this easy DIY. Tag me on Instagram - #DIYWRIGHT.
