DIY: Marker and Watercolour Nail Polish Mugs

I’ve seen so many creative, homemade mugs popping up for a while now, and so I finally decided to try my own! These were super quick to make (minus any waiting time) and you can purchase these white mugs for as little as a dollar each, so what have you got to lose? You can use them to drink your tea or coffee from, as a decorative cup, to store your pens or pencils in, or give them away as a unique and personal gift! Here’s two of my favourite options – the first using a marker, and the second using nail polish.

DIY Marker Mug:

All you’ll need in addition to your mug is a marker and an oven. If you’re going to be using your mug for drinking versus decoration and will need to wash it, make sure it’s a permanent, oil-based paint marker, like this Sharpie.

Step 1: Wash and clean your mug(s) to get rid of any dirt or marks.Step 2: Use your marker to draw all over your mug!Get creative. Write your name or a quote, draw a pattern – anything!When you’re done, let it set for a while to make sure it’s dry.Step 3: Put your mug(s) on a tray and place in the oven. Turn on the oven to about 200°C, leave for half an hour, turn off heat, and let the mug(s) cool completely while still in the oven.

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DIY Watercolour Nail Polish Mug:

It’s important to note that these mugs should only be hand washed!For this colourful, watercolour effect you’ll need:

- An assortment of nail polish colours- Large container or bowl (preferably disposable)- Warm water- Paper towel- White mugs, of course!Optional:- Tooth picks- Nail polish remover

Step 1: Again, wash and clean your mug(s) to get rid of any dirt or marks.Step 2: Fill your container or bowl about halfway with warm water.Step 3: Pour a few drops of your nail polish onto the water. It’s important to use block colours; metallics or polishes with glitter won’t spread very well, which is what we want (I learnt this the unfortunate way!) Repeat if using more than one colour.

Step 4 (Optional): Use a toothpick to create a swirl or quick pattern.Step 5: Dip your mug into the water so that the nail polish can transfer onto it. If you want to remove any excess polish you don’t like, or simply want to start all over again, it can easily be removed with nail polish remover.

Step 6: Let your mug sit on a paper towel for a few hours to avoid smudging the polish.

- By Whim’s DIY / Craft Blogger Nikki. You can also follow Nikki on Twitter or Instagram!

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Will you be creating your own marker or watercolour nail polish mugs? Let us know in the comments section below!