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 little 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.
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, and how to finish it for different uses.
Here’s a watercolor flower painting I made, which I used as a guide for the 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:
( 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 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
Add interesting details such as stamens, petals, etc using darker colors. The layers of colors create a watercolor style look.
Step 3: Add fillers and leaves
Tiny flowers are great as fillers.
Here is a really useful tip when creating leaves – Continue To Next Page…
Wow! Even I could do this (but not as beautifully as yours). Definitely pinning this.
Your cup is beautiful. I love this idea and talk about bring in the Spring look. Awesome.
Isn’t this gorgeous! I’ll have to try it myself!
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!
very beautiful designs, its always fun customizing your own things!
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.
This is BEAUTIFUL! I just love how it runed out! Pinning, in case I feel inspired one day!
This is so cool and it turned out beautifully!
XO
Lee Anne
http://www.lifebylee.com
Wow, what a beautiful mug!! These would also make great gifts. I’m putting this on my list of things to do this weekend. 🙂
The sharpie mug turned out absolutely fantastic! I love the rainbow of colors. :]
// itsCarmen.com
This is SO cute! I can’t draw so I would never be able to do it but it looks fab!
Your paintings are gorgeous. I love how you made this on a mug too!
Omg how gorgeous. Totally want to try this, but it won’t be nearly as pretty as yours.
Alix | http://www.apintsizedlifeblog.com
I love this! Ceramic mug painting is going on my list of things to do with my kids whens its raining!
I love all the Spring colors you have used in all of your art! I love making sharpie mugs they make great gifts, too!
Sharpie mugs are so cool! Yours is so pretty with all the bright colors and flowers. What a neat idea!
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!
Love this! What is the music playing in the background?
thank you! it’s Brandenburg Concerto No4 🙂
Oh so lovely,beautifull end bohème…
You are so creatie with joy and colors…
Have a nice April with flowers
Tendrenesse
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.
Love this and can’t wait to do this!! Saving it!