After seeing several projects floating around on Pinterest I decided to try the sharpie method for customizing a pair of his + her mugs (this set is super cute + this one is particularly beautiful). 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!





Oh these are super cute!! Love it!
-Britney of Lemonwood and Honey
Posted by: Britney | June 17, 2012 at 03:14 PM
I saw on [ pinteresthttp://pinterest.com/pin/199776933440717415/] that if you bake them for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, the sharpie design won't wash away! I will have to try it out and see if it works! Those mugs are so cute! lovely.
jennybodell.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jenny Stokes | June 17, 2012 at 03:16 PM
Saw the peek you posted on Instagram and was very excited to check this out. Very lovable. I've seen this a bunch on Pinterest and thought that it might be too good to be true, excited to try it out myself!
Diana
Unusuallylovely.squarespace.com
Posted by: Diana | June 17, 2012 at 03:21 PM
Drawing on mugs is a favourite project here, too!
There are, as you maybe know already, pens that look like your markers but are actually made for drawing on china and "baking" in a regular oven. I always use these: http://en.pebeo.com/Creative-leisure/Decorate-surfaces/Porcelaine-150
An additional idea is to always look out for white or pastel coloured mugs, cups, bowls etc at charity shops and places like that. Here in Scandinavia, a lot of people tend to buy cheap white things at IKEA and then give them away when they find something new ... I've bought quite a lot of them for almost nothing. Especially for parties with more guests than you have cups for, it's nice to let every guest pick a cup or mug for the evening and then keep it.
Posted by: Anna | June 17, 2012 at 03:22 PM
Brilliant! Thanks for 'road-testing' this Elsie - I too saw it on pinterest a few times and thought it had to be too good to be true! I'm definitely going to give it a try!
Posted by: Amy | June 17, 2012 at 03:27 PM
Adorable quick DIY - thank you for sharing :)
Posted by: Georgina | June 17, 2012 at 03:37 PM
oh my gosh that's so awesome!
Never thought you could do that, can't wait to try this :)
N|D
http://rainbowsandtress.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Norma Diaz | June 17, 2012 at 03:43 PM
Very cute! I've seen these on Pinterest too. They'd be great for a party or as gifts. Thanks for the tip on washing them :)
xx
http://www.thrifted.ca
Posted by: Allison | June 17, 2012 at 03:47 PM
I've seen this all over Pinterest too. It looks great, may have to try it myself! x
Posted by: Kim | June 17, 2012 at 03:47 PM
this is an amazing idea! and SO simple
Hello bloggers + readers!
I'm Valentina, from http://valentinaduracinsky.blogspot.com/
I'm a singer with turquoise highlights in my hair. A student at Smith College. A lover of Ireland. Someone who is always looking for simplicity & happiness.
I'd love to invite you all to visit my blog. I'm currently in Paris, and I've been doing some traveling around Europe. I'd love to share my travels with you all!
I do some fashion posts, some lifestyle posts, some recipes... It's a work in progress, but it's all done with love.
Cheers :)
Val
http://valentinaduracinsky.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Val | June 17, 2012 at 03:51 PM
I love this! For the jubilee weekend I drew bunting on mugs, but they washed off, I didn't think of baking them, silly me!!
www.styleisalwaysfashionable.blogspot.com
Posted by: Kate | June 17, 2012 at 04:00 PM
such a good idea! I think i might try this with some lame white plates I have lying around. thanks:)
Posted by: Eskimo Kisses | June 17, 2012 at 04:02 PM
Beautiful DIY, you always have such beautiful pictures too!
Posted by: Margo | June 17, 2012 at 04:05 PM
What a nice idea <3
It just looks like home: HE loves strong coffe and SHE prefers green tea ;)
Posted by: Charlotteofraises | June 17, 2012 at 04:19 PM
Oh my goodness, this seems too good to be true! I can't wait to try it :)
http://thejoyfulfox.blogspot.com
Posted by: Laura @ The Joyful Fox | June 17, 2012 at 04:21 PM
what a great idea, thanks for sharing! i definitely have to try this :)
new to your blog but think it's great, congrats!
MissFeebs
Posted by: Fiona Waterfield | June 17, 2012 at 04:27 PM
i had no idea this was possible -- awesome! the ones you created are, of course, cute as can be. xo! http://blog.tarapolly.com
Posted by: tara polly | June 17, 2012 at 04:44 PM
Love this! Want to try it out soon.
Silver from A Silver Snapshot
http://starthinker-silverbarter.blogspot.ca/
Posted by: Silver | June 17, 2012 at 04:45 PM
i love your handwriting -so pretty! :)
Posted by: helenazurow | June 17, 2012 at 04:50 PM
Those are so cool! what a great idea! so creative! love it!
Posted by: Kamen Ho | June 17, 2012 at 04:50 PM