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Feel free to keep reading, but be sure to check out my updated Sharpie mug post with additional tips, tricks, and techniques for making DIY mugs.

With Christmas being just around the corner I’m always on the lookout for a good (and inexpensive) gift. I found this tutorial for DIY Sharpie mugs and decided they were perfect for my coworkers. I also made a mug for my sister-in-law that I liked even better. Here’s the finished white mug:



BONUS, they’re super easy. Materials:

Coffee mug (Mine were similar to these mugs from the Dollar Tree. I have heard that Dollar Tree mugs hold up better because there is less glaze and the Sharpies adhere better. Plus, they’re a dollar. Who can beat that?)

Letter stickers or printed letters

Oil-based paint pens-fine point (I used a Craftsmart brand from Michael’s for this project, but in my Mr and Mrs mugs, I used this set of Sharpies )

The process is super-simple. If you are using printed letters, cut the letter out along the edges. I used letters printed on card stock because I couldn’t find the right size or font of letters. Plus, I already had card stock, so it ended up being cheaper. Then, adhere your letter to the mug with tape. If you are using a sticker, just stick the letter on the mug.

Then, begin to dot the mug. I started by outlining the letter with dots on the edge of the letter.

Then I filled in the dots, gradually making the dots further and further apart. You can use one color or multiple, according to your preference. Allow 24 hours for your paint to dry. Peel the letter off. Many of the tutorials I read said to put the mugs in a cold oven. I put mine in at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, starting timing when the oven was preheated. Keep the mugs in the oven and let them cool with the oven. Once the oven is cool, take the Sharpie mugs out and enjoy the simplicity of what you’ve created!

Want to know the best way to write on, bake, and care for your mug? I tested 4 different baking temperatures to see which is best in The Ultimate Guide to Sharpie Mugs. If you’d like more mug ideas, you’ll love Sharpie Mugs {Transferring a Design} and Marbled Nail Polish Mugs

For more DIY mug ideas and patterns (including the secret to making glitter mugs dishwasher safe), check out 10-Minute Mugs.

For more Sharpie mug tips and tricks, grab the freebie: 17 Tips and Tricks to Perfect Sharpie Mugs.