Have you wondered how to make a DIY Sharpie mug without baking, and how to make sharpie stay on a mug?
Recently while I was painting some watercolor flowers, I kept thinking how beautiful watercolors would look on ceramics. Inspired by the arrival of spring I decided to recreate a watercolor flower painting onto this DIY Sharpie mug!
I did not plan for this to be an Anthropologie knock off, but this Dollar Store mug somehow reminds me of those hand painted ceramic bowls, plates and mugs from Anthropologie that I love so much!
The other great thing about creating sharpie art on ceramics is that if you make a “mistake”, just scrub it off with a sponge before sealing and repeat as many times as you want. This is also a great Dollar store craft: use a Dollar Store mug or thrift store mug to practice without any pressure!
In this tutorial, I will share a detailed video and step by step photos on how to create watercolor style designs on a ceramic mug using regular sharpies without baking, and how to finish a DIY sharpie mug for different uses. ( UPDATE: it’s been over a year and the mug is still looking great!)
Here’s a watercolor flower painting I made, which I used as a guide for the DIY sharpie mug.
Of course you can create your own designs- Here’s a tutorial you may enjoy: paint watercolor flowers in 15 minutes!
Paint watercolor flowers in 15 minutes!
Materials and tools to make a no-bake DIY Sharpie mug:
( Some of the helpful resources are affiliate links. Full disclosure here. )
- Permanent markers: I used Sharpie assorted color makers ( no need to use oil-based kind) , and Bic Fine Point Makers 36 color pack . They work equally well. You don’t need both, just pick a pack that has lots of nice colors!
- A white ceramic mug or anything you want to draw on
- Gloss finish Mod Podge or any kind of clear sealer for ceramics. A foam brush is great because it does not leave brush marks. More about applying finishes at the end.
Below is the video tutorial –
Step 1: Start with some flowers
Use light shades of pink and yellow, fill in the basic shapes of a few flowers to start.
Step 2: Add layers of details to your DIY sharpie mug
Add interesting details such as stamens, petals, etc using darker colors. The layers of colors create a watercolor style look.
Alexandra
Wow! Even I could do this (but not as beautifully as yours). Definitely pinning this.
candy
Your cup is beautiful. I love this idea and talk about bring in the Spring look. Awesome.
Rachel
Isn’t this gorgeous! I’ll have to try it myself!
Alex Snider
I absolutely love this! My friend and I are going to try to make some. I’m sure they won’t be quite as pretty, but this seems like so much fun!
brittany
very beautiful designs, its always fun customizing your own things!
Sarah Hughes
I love this! I’m not great when it comes to art, but I’m going to do something like this with my daughter around christmas time.
Lauren
This is BEAUTIFUL! I just love how it runed out! Pinning, in case I feel inspired one day!
Lee Anne
This is so cool and it turned out beautifully!
XO
Lee Anne
Jamie
Wow, what a beautiful mug!! These would also make great gifts. I’m putting this on my list of things to do this weekend. 🙂
~ Carmen ~
The sharpie mug turned out absolutely fantastic! I love the rainbow of colors. :]
Shannon @ Mom Without Labels
This is SO cute! I can’t draw so I would never be able to do it but it looks fab!
mi
Your paintings are gorgeous. I love how you made this on a mug too!
Alix Maza
Omg how gorgeous. Totally want to try this, but it won’t be nearly as pretty as yours.
Alix | http://www.apintsizedlifeblog.com
Breharne
I love this! Ceramic mug painting is going on my list of things to do with my kids whens its raining!
Mary
I love all the Spring colors you have used in all of your art! I love making sharpie mugs they make great gifts, too!
Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen
Sharpie mugs are so cool! Yours is so pretty with all the bright colors and flowers. What a neat idea!
Brittany Daoud
This is really pretty and actually looks super easy to make! Definitely a great suggestion, I feel like these would make great gives since you could customize them for each individual person!
Kathy
Love this! What is the music playing in the background?
ananda
thank you! it’s Brandenburg Concerto No4 🙂
Chamoise
Oh so lovely,beautifull end bohème…
You are so creatie with joy and colors…
Have a nice April with flowers
Tendrenesse
Angie
That is SO beautiful, and I’ve been wondering how to more properly seal sharpie creations-all the ones I’ve had just wash off and it’s no fun.
Lori Rogers
Love this and can’t wait to do this!! Saving it!
Putzkadiddle
Do you think this would work on a glass cutting board, if I did it on the back and reversed the pattern? Does glass react the same way… seal the same way? Thanks so much!!!
ananda
yes it should work, except the colors may show up more when drawn on white! =)