This is a super fun and fast DIY craft project to try and results in beautiful, cheap gifts!

The "Sharpie" brand isn't really found in South Africa but the Artline Permanent Marker brand will work just as well!

Read the full tutorial from Bred Did ( http://brendid.com/diy-craft-project-sharpie-mug-tutorial/) below

Have you seen all the gorgeous DIY craft projects using Sharpie products that are floating around Pinterest? There are mugs and plates with beautiful designs and inspiring quote. I love how the custom mugs look and have been itching to try a Sharpie DIY craft project!

Unfortunately, I am crafty but not artistic! Drawing a freehand pattern would result in one ugly mug if I was the artist! I decided to find a way to easily recreate one of my favorites, the heart handle mug using Sharpie Oil Based Paint Markers in gold and red.

First I need the perfect white mug, one with a gracefully curved handled that mimicked a heart. I check all my usual craft hot spots, but was not satisfied with the results… until I stepped into Pier One Imports and found the Luminous mug. I love the generous size and rounded lines. The price is also attractive; I got 2 mugs for $6! (I also bought a tray to make a West Elm Love Letter Catch All, see the project here.)

Next I picked up some Sharpie Oil Based Markers at Office Depot for $1.99 each. (Check out their selection, they were half the price of the craft stores in my area and on sale from $3.49). You will need a red and gold marker. I like the fine or medium tips, but other tip points will work too.

DIY Craft Project Directions

1. Make a heart stencil to match your mug handle.

•  Trace the handle of your mug onto paper. This forms one side of the heart.

• Fold the paper in half. The fold should be along the edge of your tracing. Cut out the tracing. You now have a paper heart the size of your mug handle.

• Trace the heart on the back of a piece of contact paper or removable adhesive vinyl. I am using black but any color will work.

• Fold the contact paper heart in half and stick it to your mug. First stick the center folded line of the heart down the edge of the handle and then adhere the rest of the heart to the mug. One side of the heart will be sticking to the handle.

2. Paint the mug.

Make sure your mugs are carefully washed and dried. Remove all labels and wipe the surface to be painted with rubbing alcohol or vodka to remove any fingerprints or oils. Allow to dry.

For the red heart mug:

• Use a red oil based Sharpie paint pen to make a dotted line around the edge of the heart that is on the mug (not the handle. Push straight down with the marker to make the dots round. Do not write on the contact paper.

• Allow the paint to dry for at least 10 minutes then carefully remove the heart-shaped tape. Add dots to the handle of the mug.

• If you want to decorate the rest of the mug you can reposition your contact paper heart and dot around it again. I decorated both sides of the handle with hearts.

• I also reattached the contact paper and added a heart to the side of the mug.

• Finally I used a fine point red oil based Sharpie paint pen to write “I love you” free hand.

For the gold heart mug:

• Position the stencil the same way you did for the red heart mug. Use a gold oil based Sharpie paint pen to make random dots around the edge of the heart that is on the mug (not the handle). Make the dots denser at the edge of the heart and farther apart the further you go out.

• Allow the paint to dry for at least 10 minutes then carefully remove the heart shaped tape. Add dots to the handle of the mug. The pattern should be dense on the side closest to the heart and farther apart the further you go out.

• You can add a heart to the opposite side of the mug by repositioning your contact paper heart and dotting around it again. I did one side of the handle and a heart of the side of the mug.

• Once you are finished with your heart designs use the pen to randomly place dots in the empty spaces and around the bottom of the mug. The dots at the bottom of my mug are dense and farther apart as they move up.

Painting Tips:

• Don’t worry about perfection when painting, you can clean up any mistakes using vodka or rubbing alcohol and a q-tip. I used vodka, it smells better!
• It took me several attempts to be satisfied with my design. I simply removed the heart and wiped off the paint with vodka and a rag.

3. Bake the mug.

• Allow the mug plate to dry for at least 20 minutes then place in a cold over. Heat the oven to 350 degrees and allow the plate to “cook” for 20 minutes. Turn off the oven and allow the mug to cool.
• Repeat the baking process to fully “cure” the paint.

4. Seal the mug.

• Allow the mug to cool completely. Then, if desired, spray with a light coat of sealer. I used Krylon Crystal Clear which will make the Sharpie run if applied too thickly. You might want to try an acrylic safe sealer such as Modge Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer.
• Please be aware: I masked the top edge of my mug with tape then placed it upside down before spraying it with sealer. This prevents your mouth from coming into contact with any areas that have been painted or sprayed with sealer. Sharpie paint pens and sealers ARE NOT labeled food safe so I would stick to using them on OUTER surfaces of mugs that DO NOT come into contact with food or drinks. (This is true of all Sharpie tutorials and crafts found online, not just this one!)
• Allow the sealant to dry and enjoy your new mugs! The mugs should be hand washed to make the design last longer.

DIY Craft Project Cost

My mug cost $3 plus $4.00 for the Sharpie Oil Based Paint pens. However, the paint pens still have lots of uses left so the final price is around $3.50!