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How to Make a DIY Sharpie Mug

If you’re active on pinterest, then I know you’ve seen this DIY floating around. I’ve been wanting to give it a try for some time now, just for fun! And what better time then Valentine’s Day to make a cute mug for my hubby. He loves coffee and I love him – so it just makes sense. There is a little bit of controversy surrounding this project. Some have had great success, others say it’s not worth it. I read a few posts on people’s experiences and then just went for it. 

I scribbled my love notes and doodled a few hearts on my mugs and then put them in the oven. When they were done, the red hearts had faded to a soft pink and the ink was settled. After they cooled, I washed them again a few times and the ink stayed put.  I guess only the test of time will tell how they stand up to daily washing. I wouldn’t put them in the dishwasher or soak them – a quick hand wash will do, which I don’t mind because it’s not like it’s a greasy oven pan! Overall, I’m pleased with how this DIY went and happy it was successful, in my opinion.

A few tips that stood out from other bloggers:

  • use cheap mugs, that don’t have quality glaze, that way the marker can be absorbed.
  • wash the mugs clean with soap and water, and then wipe down with rubbing alcohol.
  • place the mugs in the oven while the oven is warming up (from cold to hot) – so that the mug doesn’t crack.
  • bake at over 400 F (not the recommended 350 F)

I used regular sharpies for this DIY. You can also try oil-based sharpies; some bloggers have said that it works better and lasts longer.

What you will need

  1. Cheap white mugs
  2. Sharpies
  3. Rubbing alcohol
  4. Oven
  5. Baking Sheet

Instructions

  1. Wash mugs with soap and water. Dry.
  2. Wipe them down with rubbing alcohol. Dry.
  3. Write/Draw what you would like on your mug. Don’t worry about it being perfect!
  4. Set oven temperature to 425 F.
  5. Place mugs on a baking sheet and place it in the oven straight away.
  6. From the point where the oven heats up to 425 F.  – set a timer for 30 minutes.
  7. When the timer goes off, turn the oven off, but leave the mugs in there to cool.
  8. Once they are cool, remove and rinse with cold water.
  9. Voila! Enjoy your mugs.

Here are few other posts that I used for reference: 

I hope my husband will like his homemade gift (made with love) when I serve him coffee tomorrow morning in one of them! Happy Valentine’s Day friends; any plans in the making?

Emily Smith
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27 Comments

  5. I have GOT to jump on this craft project sometime before I die. I’ve been meaning to do it. Glad you finally got the chance!

    Reply

    1. Victoria, I hope you get a chance to! They are cute and I love that you can draw whatever you want….also makes a great kids project. Thanks for visiting!

      Reply

    1. It took me forever to remember too – and finally, I made a trip JUST for this project to grab what I needed. It’s worth it 😉

      Reply

  10. I so love the sharpie mugs What a fantastic idea.. Something easy for kids to do for we parents LOVE all the interesting information and topics on your blog

    Reply

    1. Thank you Tina!! Yes, this IS a great idea for kids to do. It’s personal and fun – and not costly. Thanks for coming by today.

      Reply

    1. Yes Nala!! Mr. Smith was very impressed and happy with his mug(s). He now only drinks out of them – it’s sweet 🙂 xox

      Reply

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