diy {mr&mrs} sharpie mugs

For Valentine's Day this year, I decided to make an adorable {mr & mrs} mug set for the hubby and I. We both love our cup of joe in the morning and frequently have a mug of something yummy during our sofa dates. {If you are new to Our Cultivated Life and missed the post on frugal dates at home where I talk about our sofa dates you can click over and read it here.}

These sweet mugs are so easy to make and are the perfect way to personalize a mug for your favorite someone. I cannot wait to wrap these up and surprise my Valentine with a special mug for the two of us!

Here is what you will need to create a few of your own.

• porcelain mugs {check the dollar stores or a mass retailer for a good deal}
• rubbing alcohol
• oil based Sharpie paint pens {not the same as a regular Sharpie!}
• graphite pencil
• your choice of saying in a cute font {large more block fonts work best}
• tape

 Start out by prepping the surface of your mugs. Use a little rubbing alcohol to wipe down the area you wish to place the design. This just gets the surface ready and helps the paint adhere to the mug.

You don't need carbon paper to make a copy of your design on the mug. Simply flip over your printed words and make your own transfer by rubbing your pencil all over the area. Make sure that you completely cover the image.

Position the wording, rubbing side down, on the mug. Use a piece or two of tape to hold it in place while you use your pencil, or even a pen, to trace the outline of the letters. Firm pressure will yield a clear transfer.

 Peak under the paper to see how you did before you remove it completely. If the image is visible, take off the paper and move on to the next step. 

Use the Sharpie paint pens to outline and then fill in your design. I decided to use black for "mr" and then red to draw a little free hand heart where a period might be. I {heart} it!

I repeated the same steps to create a "mrs" mug for myself. {grin!}

Allow the mugs to dry completely for 24 hours.

Next up, finalize your beautiful mug. Place your mugs in a cold oven and set to 350 degrees. Once the oven is preheated, set the timer for 30 minutes. 

After 30 minutes, turn off the oven, and let the mugs cool inside. Any leftover graphite markings will wipe right off at this point. Your beautiful mugs will be gift ready!

I definitely recommend hand washing these sweet mugs. Any harsh washing or scrubbing may wear off some of your design.

Your beautiful mugs are all done and ready for gifting! This technique works really well for monograms and simple designs and make perfect personalized gifts. Make some with a simple monogram or recreate these {mr&mrs} mugs as a sweet bridal gift. Your recipients will love them!

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