DIY Sharpie Mugs

Hey guys! Since joining Pinterest (the link to mine is here) I have seen a lot about Sharpie mugs. I have always loved just how cute they are and the thought of having a mug, designed by yourself that will, hopefully, last a very long time! Yesterday I had a go at making a couple and I am quite happy with how they turned out. These would make amazing personalised gifts for somebody if you wanted to give a slightly different present, without having to spent a lot of money!

They are so easy to make and you only need a four things! You will need:

However many plain, white mugs you would like to design

A black Sharpie

A few cotton pads

Vinegar (I used white vinegar), rubbing alcohol or pure acetone

I bought my mugs in a pack of 6 from Argos for only £3.49, which works out at only 58p each! Personally I have only tried using a black Sharpie since I've heard that some other colours change colour when they go in the oven, so if you wanted to use something other than black I would maybe have a check online first.

The first thing you need to do is put some of the vinegar on a cotton pad, then wipe the section of the mug that you are going to draw on! Once you've wiped it try not to touch it with your fingers, because the oils could effect how the ink from the Sharpie applies.

Once you've got that part out of the way you can get on with the fun bit - drawing your design on with the Sharpie! If you need to erase any mistakes, take the cotton pad with the vinegar on, and wipe away the mistakes as quickly as you can after you drew it. On one of mine I wrote "coffee" surrounded by coffee beans, a swirly underline and then a plait design on the handle. On the other I did a heart, with a chevron print on it, and on the other side I drew a dandelion (which I should have drawn bigger)!

When your design is complete pop the mugs on a baking tray, put it in the oven and then turn the oven on at the temperature 220 degrees Celsius! You will then want to leave then in for half an hour. When the half hour is up turn the oven off, but leave the mugs in the oven until they are completely cool - if you take them out whilst they are hot there's a very big chance that they may crack!

After they are cool you can take them out of the oven, put them aside and leave them for 24 hours before you wash or use them! This allows them time for the ink to set properly and increases the chance of the design lasting much longer.

And there you have it, DIY Sharpie mugs! This is a great way to easily turn simple, plain mugs into something special and personalised. You could write/draw whatever you like, making them a lovely present for somebody who is fond of their tea, coffee or hot chocolate! I would love to know if you try making them and what design you did! 

Do you like the idea of Sharpie mugs?