DIY Mug

If you're like me and an avid pinterest browser, you probably have seen many versions of adorable mugs created from plain mugs and sharpies. I for one, LOVE the idea, because it opens up so many inexpensive, fun, crafty options for gifts! However, when I set out to actually do the project I found a lot of people saying that it simply wasn't as easy as it seems. :( I was pretty bummed out, as this was going to be a Christmas present for one of my best friends.

BUT, while I was walking through Hobby Lobby the other day, I found a paint pen that supposedly works on glass, ceramic, and various other materials, and can be heat set to be dishwasher safe (!!). It was a little more expensive than your average sharpie (I think it was $2.50) but I already had the mug from some other project gone wrong, and its still cheaper than trying to buy something for a present, and I think its a lot cuter than anything I could have reasonably found, and the best part? It really was super simple!

Materials: Mug, Paint Pen, Black Dry Erase Marker

Once getting all of  your materials together, you then have to do the hardest part- decide what you're going to draw. Since this was a gift for one of my friends I went with a quote that reminded me of her and a cross on the other side. I didn't want to do anything too intricate, so I went pretty simple. After deciding, I drew everything out carefully with a dry erase marker, that way I could get the general idea of spacing and such while still being able to go back and change it if I wanted to. After that I erased one thing (word or shape) at a time and drew it back with the paint marker. It didn't take very much time or effort at all, and I'm super happy with the way it turned out! After everything was drawn on, I just had to let it dry and then bake it according to the directions on the pen's package to set it. I think its adorable and I know my friend will love it!