DIY Mug
I am always looking for inexpensive gift ideas. The less money you spend on a single gift, the more gifts you can give. These DIY mugs were a labor a love (very little labor and a whole lot of love!). While in The Dollar Tree the other day I spotted these two porcelain mugs and new in a matter of minutes they could be transformed. As you may have remembered from this Dollar Tree Christmas Plate as well as the Thanksgiving Grateful plate, I love upcycling pieces I find at The Dollar Tree.
First I grabbed these great glass pens from DecoArt. They were a little pricey at around $4.00 each, but I was a big spender that day :o) They were definitely worth it.
You see, I had already tried the “Sharpie on Glass or Porcelain” projects that were buzzing around Pinterest. And while my plate turned out really cute. The second I tested a spot with a little soap and water, my design started coming off. Not cool Sharpie. For this project I had to go in a different direction, I knew I not only would want to drink from these mugs but probably wash them too! Is that too much to ask? These pens are made for glass, and have specific instructions for baking before use.
I debated using a stencil and making a complicated design. However, in the end I decided simplicity would be better. Coffee for III and tea for me.
I really enjoy how they turned out. Some steam for the coffee and the tea bag outline for the tea. I recently have been enjoying a cup of tea to start my day. My current favorite is Lipton’s Vanilla Caramel Truffle Black Tea. With a spoonful of sugar and a dash of milk, I’m not sure there is anything better!
So which do you prefer, coffee or tea?
Sharing this simple gift idea at a few parties this week! Come and join me :o)
I went to Hobby Lobby today, to find ceramic pens (for plate project), as suggested somewhere else, and the employee there said to try paint pens. I saw the glass pens, and thought about getting those instead, but got the paint pens. I’m hoping they don’t wash off the way the sharpies have for some ppl
I have not used paint pens for this type of project, but hopefully you will have success! I’d love to know if they work :o)
Do you still need to bake them if you use the glass pens?
It depends on the instructions on the packaging! Make sure and read those specific directions.
I did try the Sharpie method for a mug gift for one of my BFFs. The design is coming off even with gentle hand washing. Might have to have my BFF send back her mug so I can redo it with the glass pens. Thanks!
You have to bake the Sharpie designed item for it to be permanent
I find these mugs super cute! I’m wondering where else you can buy these pens? Michael’s or Walmart?
I would think Michaels would have them and depending on how good of a craft section your Walmart has…maybe?
Love these!!!!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets recently posted…Cherry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
Okay, pinning! I found you linked up at Tatertots and Jello and I would love for you to share this at the party I am co-hosting this week, Raising Imperfection. Its open now!
Here is the direct link: http://wp.me/p2Gh6y-kO
Beth @ The First Year Blog
OMG!!! These are DA BOMB!!!! You can’t beat it when you find stuff at the dollar tree!!! This makes me want to head out right now in my PJ’s and buy some mugs!!!!
Thanks for sharing :)
xoxoxoxo
Jessica
Jessica @ The Junk Nest recently posted…The Black Dresser – Before & After
These mugs are DA BOMB!!! lol. I am sooooo doing this for my next gift giving event :) Thanks so much for sharing!!!!
xoxox
Jessica
Ah, thanks for sharing! You’ve just saved me (and others) the time and hassle of trying out the sharpie method, only to be disappointed! And I’m going to have to check out that Lipton Vanilla Caramel Truffle Black Tea–it sounds wonderful!
wow – loved to learn about these markers!! Thank you
Very cute!
I saw those sharpie mugs too on Pinterest, so this was a great tip using the decoart pens!
Thanks for sharing
So cute!! I love it. The tea mug is my favorite :)
Emily recently posted…Thursdays are YOUR Days!
These are very cute! I had trouble with the Sharpie project, too. Will have to try these glass pens out. (Did you know the link is broken? So is the one to the Lipton tea.)
I’d love if you’d come join my How To Tuesday link party, too.
http://housewifehowtos.com/link-party-2/how-to-tuesday-link-party-9/
Katie B. of HousewifeHowTos.com recently posted…How To Reduce Household Clutter
I’m so glad that I read your post (just like everyone else said)–I’ve wanted to try the Sharpie technique, but (like everyone else), I’m going to just have to buy those glass pens! Your mugs are adorable, by the way!
DesignedByBH recently posted…{Easy} DIY Escort Cards
Very cute! I think you’re right to go with the pens made to work (and be baked on) glass.
Gina recently posted…File Federal Income Taxes for Free
Fantastic! What a great idea!
Emily McKenzie recently posted……Revamped Magazine Holder
Nice idea! I was also about to try using my Sharpie Industrial pen until I saw your post on Ginger Snap crafts. Thanks for the info.
I made sharpie mugs for some relatives (had my kids write on them) and some survived washing, while others didn’t. I have no idea why. I may have to buy one of those pens & remake them!
Leah recently posted…Reversible Clock Pendants
MY BF has been really into hot tea lately. I think I will make him one of these as a little “just because” surprise. :)
Andrea @ This Pug Life recently posted…Seed Starting Log: Free Printable
I’m a tea girl all the way! Give me some Tetley and I’m happy. :) I love the simplicity of your designs too. Just perfect!
Courtenay recently posted…Take a Looksi!
I’ve been wanting to make custom mugs forever! Thanks for the pen suggestion!
Vanessa recently posted…Sponsored Post: CourseCraft
I love the Tea one– cute!
Jen @ Four Marrs & One Venus recently posted…DIY Fabric Bookmarks
girl…thank you!! I had problems with Sharpie’s too and thought for sure this was going to be another Sharpie mug. Yeah for practicality!!! Love them!
Janel from NellieBellie recently posted…my new crush for women’s clothing…Spiegel!
Adorable! Great to make for yourself or as a quick hostess gift! I love art pens!
Heather recently posted…Modern Romance Mood Board
These are ADORABLE! I absolutely love the little tea tag hanging out!! Those DecoArt pens are great too! Thanks for sharing this! :D
Tiffany | offbeat & inspired recently posted…Lemon Apple Mug Pie
Super cute! And I’m glad you shared the Sharpie didn’t work for you – I was debating trying it, but now I’ll just grab those Deco Art pens!
keri @ shaken together recently posted…8 Great DIYs ~ features from the {what’s shakin’} link party