Staff rooms often carry a mish-mash of mugs. And staff rooms in schools are no different. We know that teachers love a good cup of joe. Why not give them a mug that can’t possibly be mistaken for another’s mug? A mug that has been personalized especially for that wonderful teacher. A Sharpie mug!
One of the reasons that I love this project so much is because of its main crafting implement: Sharpies.
Doesn’t your crafty soul get excited at the sight of a pile of colourful Sharpie markers?
The potential! There’s so much of it there!
Supplies needed to make your own DIY Sharpie mug:
- Pack of Sharpie Permanent Markers
- Plain White Mug
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Paper Towel
- Oven
I wiped down the surfaces of the mugs with rubbing alcohol on a paper towel, just to be sure that there weren’t any residues left over that would interfere with the Sharpie.
Then, I started doodling. For one Sharpie mug I decided to use a Dr. Seuss quote (ever a favourite with teachers) and for the other mug, a unicorn. Nothing says “unique and fabulous” like a unicorn does.
I put the Sharpie mugs on a cookie sheet and placed them into a cold oven. I brought the oven up to 425 and then baked the mugs for 30 minutes. Then, I left them in the oven overnight to cool.
Then, my mugs were ready.
Whether you pack it up with a box of beautiful tea, or – for the stationery junkie like me – a bouquet of Sharpies, a Sharpie mug is a fabulous gift.
And if you want to put a unicorn on your Sharpie mug too, I don’t blame you.
In fact, take a picture and send it along. I want to see how yours turns out!
A tip: I’ve read that some people found it most effective to leave their Sharpie designs on their mugs for a day or two before baking it. I haven’t noticed any scratching or fading on the mugs yet, but I’ve only hand-washed them.
More Project Ideas
DIY Etched Glass Shamrock Mason Jar Mug
Back To School Emoji Pencil Case
Emergency Mason Jar Teacher Kit
“Our Year Looks Bright” Teacher Gift Idea
DIY Succulent Ruler Planter
Picture Perfect DIY Teacher Frame & Tags
Personalized Teacher Appreciation Tote Bags
Make a Stacked DIY School Supplies Caddy
Super Simple DIY Enamel Pin Magnets
DIY Teacher Appreciation Gift Jar
Tara is the creator, writer, and flurry of chaos behind her blog, Suburble. Her blog focuses on making a home (emphasis on “making!”), but not forgetting to have a laugh in the process. Her partners-in-crime, her two little girls, are often beside her when it’s time to get creative. A mug of tea, good friends, and a project (or three) are all this girl needs. Join the gang at Suburble and see what we’re up to!
After baking the mugs, can they be placed in the dishwasher or are they strictly hand washable? I want to make a few of these as Christmas gifts and want to put “washing” instructions with them so the recipients can enjoy for many years to come.
Thank you.
Tara,
This might sound like a foolish question but will this work with any brand of permanent markers? Or just the Sharpie brand.
I don’t think this is foolish at all! I’ve only tried with the Sharpies before, but I’m sure that if the markers state that they are permanent, it’s worth a shot. Paint pens also work well on ceramics and glass.
This is such a great gift idea for anybody. Don’t have little kids that go to school or even smaller grand kids. All of them are older now. Would like to make some of these for gifts for people. Can’t afford to give the a pkg. of sharpies but hope they’d like a new personalized mug.
Your ideas are always fun and doable. That’s important. Glad you featured this today. Happy days
Love!! The unicorn is fabulous, just like you 😉
I’m a teacher. And a book nerd. And a lover of unicorns. And this gift is OUT OF THIS WORLD amazing. Brava, Tara!
I love this! Pure awesomeness! I can think of several people that would adore this!
This is awesome, awesome. I love it!
I just LOVE your site!!! Very creative minds that make it nice and easy for me to craft along. Thank you.