After seeing several projects floating around on Pinterest I decided to try the sharpie method for customizing a pair of his + her mugs. The directions listed on Pinterest kinda seemed too easy to be true… so I did a little testing. I even tried running them through the dishwasher and here’s what I found out…
Here’s the method: All you need is a sharpie (any color) and a porcelain dish that you want to permanently alter. You can even use super cheap mugs from the dollar store to create gifts or party favors. Just draw on the surface of your mug and bake it for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Allow them to cool completely before washing or using.
After I made my dishes I tried scrubbing them with a kitchen sponge and soap. They held up super well to hand washing. The design did not fade or scratch off at all. Next, I tried running them through the dishwasher. This didn’t turn out so well, half of the design was gone when I took them out (don’t worry, it’s fixable!). So if you use this method to make dishes, remember that these dishes will need to be hand wash only!
Anyway… that was my fun little weekend project. Hope your weekend is lovely! Elsie
EDITED TO ADD: Although many people (including me) have had success with this DIY project we have received many comments from readers who said the marker washed off. I thought I would updated you with this info! The technique is easy and inexpensive, but it doesn’t work for everyone (and I am not sure why). If you want a FOR SURE method, try Pebeo Markers instead! They are a little bit more pricey, but I have used mine quite a lot. Happy Crafting!
This is such a great idea!
That’s really nice mug. Will definitely try it at home. Just waiting for markers. Thanks for such idea.
Fabulous, Simple and Cute DIY Coffee Mug that is such a Great Ideas.
I tried this and some of my coulrs faded and then washed off =C
My oven only went upto 50 though so baked them for slightly longer…. I may need to try afew more!!
LOVE the idea though xx
This doesnt work. It washes off practically immediately. Too good to be true :/
http://burkehareco.wordpress.com/2012/08/12/diy-design-cups-with-a-sharpie-fail/#
WHat a fantastic idea. Simple and beautiful.
I, like tons of other people, was wondering the same thing about the “resilience” of this project. Thanks for letting us know!
Why did mine not work???
I used exactly the same pen, baked for the same time and temperature and the design rubbed right off afterwards. Soooo upset 🙁
Thanks! you are so creative, this is what i call innovation.
this didn’t work for me. I bought the mugs from the dollar store (looks just like the mug in your photo) and black sharpie pens. I washed them and let them dry completely before the kids tackled the project.
I let my kids do this project yesterday and then baked them at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. They got up this morning and used them, and then when I went to hand wash them for the first time, the ink washed off right away. Not entirely, but significantly. Did I miss a step?
do you have to use sharpie or will any permanent marker work?
Loved the idea so I tried it out. spent the afternoon decorating a mug and then baked it for 30 mins and when I hand washed it with a sponge, the color faded and was rubbing off. I’m a little disappointed to say the least.
Just a quick question:
I’ve done a few of these, and even hand washing them, the ink is rubbing off. Any advice on what I’m doing wrong?
Amber
Love it! I bought a mug and four permanent markers for two bucks at Dollar Tree 🙂 yay for the inexpensive! Mine actually turned out really well!
I did this exactly like u said and it came off first cup coffee few days later
This did not work for me. Very disappointed. :/
I tried this today and the sharpie just rubbed right off! Any tips?
lovely idea – I am going to be on the look out for some vintage white tea cups to see if I can make them look as cool as yours! :0)
I loved this idea! I tried it and made anniversary mugs for me and my husband….but after a few washes the marker started coming off 🙁 I followed directions as listed. I really like this gift idea and would like to make more but I want them to last…. What can I do? Help!
I did this and the sharpie did not stay on after I baked it. I went and bought a porcelain marker to use instead and that worked perfectly. Even dishwasher safe!