DIY Mugs!

ho doesn't drink some coffee/tea/hot chocolate while reading? So what better way to enjoy it than to make your very own mug without breaking the bank! I was really excited when I discovered that there is a cheap and easy way to do this without a Cricut and Mod Podge! I'm super excited to share it with you all, so let's get started! (Edit... Mod podge may actually be needed to prolong the lifespan of the mug design. I tried to do without and it just lasted two washes.)

Materials:

• 1 Mug (or more.. I won't judge 😉)

• Makeup sponge or paint brush (I had the perfect makeup brush/sponge thing that I literally never use.. it's fabulous for this!)

• Scissors

• Clear Water Slide Transfer Paper (white will work, but clear is your better bet)

• 1 bucket of water

• A printer (inkjet or laser)

• Spray can of Clear Acrylic Gloss

• EDIT - Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge

Steps:

1. Find a picture you want (or make your own) and print it on the Clear Water Slide Transfer Paper. Let the ink dry for at least five minutes

2. Use the spray gloss and spray one even coat over the side of paper with the image. Wait ten minutes and spray another coat. Repeat one more time for a total of 3 acrylic coats.

3. Make sure the spray is completely dry before this next step. Technically, it only takes about 30 minutes; however, the acrylic paint smells a little rough. I usually leave it out in the garage or shed for two days so that the smell goes away before moving on. Totally your preference.

4. Once it's dry, cut out your image. Leave a little border around the actual picture. It doesn't matter if it's perfect, as the white background goes away. If the background isn't white, it will still show.

5. Soak the image in the water for 30-60 seconds. Put some water on the mug, as well.

6. When you take the paper out of the water, carefully begin to slide the backing off. Once you have a good portion off the backing, place the image on the mug and then remove the rest of the backing. When it's wet, you'll be able to manipulate the image very easily.

7. Once the image is where you want it, hold it in place by the corner and use your brush to get out any air bubbles or creases. Allow the image to dry. Once dry. you won't be able to manipulate it anymore.

8. Let the mug dry for 24 hours.

9. Bake the mug at 230 for 15-20 minutes.

10. Add dishwasher safe mod podge (I always do at least two coats). Let these dry 24 hours before washing

11. Enjoy your new mug! :)

Here is my final product:

Yes, of course I had to do both a Harry Potter mug and a Real Housewives mug. I'm very pleased with both!

Another fun option I did for my teacher: I had all the students draw a picture, I scanned those pictures, and then I put them on the mug. It was such a cute and heartfelt gift, I think this is the perfect craft for a holiday or birthday if you work with elementary schoolers.