Homemade Decorated Mugs - Simple Gifts

Homemade decorated Sharpie mugs are so much fun!  I made this one while I was waiting for my coffee to brew.  Mustaches are popular right now, and they make for a whimsical design added to a coffee mug.  Everyone looks more debonair with a mustache, right? 

To make this you will need: 

1 white coffee mug (I got mine at Dollar Tree)

Sharpie markers in your choice of colors

Cookie Sheet 

Oven temperature and time:  350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Draw your design on your mug.  If you are not steady handed, there are numerous printable templates that you can cut out and tape onto the mug, then color in.  I did my design free-handed.  It's a little lop sided, but sometimes mustaches are, too.  

Place mug(s) on a cookie sheet and place them in the oven.  Cook at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  I leave my mugs in the oven and allow them to cool down with the oven.  Remember these mugs will be VERY hot and will be very sensitive to temperature changes, so it's best to let them cool completely before handling them. 

Once baked and cooled, the designs will become colorfast.   It is recommended to hand wash the mug, rather than putting it in a dishwasher, as most dishwasher soap contains a mild abrasive and can eventually erode the design. 

I have seen so many cute designs for these mugs.  One was a his and her that had half of a heart on one mug and the other half of the heart on the other mug.  You can write poetry, bible verses, or other inspirational sayings on your mugs.  I saw another where a funny nose shape was drawn on the bottom of the mug so that it looked like a plain white mug, but then turned up for a drink, the funny nose showed. 

Because Sharpies come in numerous colors, your designs can go from simple to elaborate.  HERE is a blog post from Pearls Poppies Pinkies Up showing more elaborate designs.  I've seen some that were goofy to some that were artistically elaborate.  For a truly elaborate design see post HERE from the official Sharpie Marker blog. 

Once your mug is designed, baked, and cooled, you can now either give it as an individual gift or fill it with goodies, wrap it in clear plastic, and tie with a bow.  Sharpie marker painted cups are a simple, unique gift that the receiver can appreciate every time they pour themselves a cup of coffee or enjoy a cup of tea.