DIY Polka Dot Mugs

With the recent onset of subzero weather in New England, I’ve found myself drinking mug after mug of steaming hot tea, coffee, and cocoa to warm up a bit. This has also led me to realize that I don’t really like any of my mugs. Well, except for my monogram Anthro mug which I adore, but one can only get so much use out of a single mug. And sometimes, one does not feel like doing the dishes.

I’ve also recently developed a bit of an obsession with metallic sharpies. I mean, have you used these things? They’re freaking awesome! So, I figured I’d use them to make myself some pretty mugs to enjoy for the rest of the winter.

DIY Polka Dot Coffee Mugs - Tulips & A Terrier

I grabbed a couple of plain white mugs from Target (which you can easily find at the Christmas Tree Shop or dollar store for even less). The original plan was to hole punch some contact paper to make stencils for the polka dots, but then I spotted these!

DIY Polka Dot Coffee Mugs - Tulips & A Terrier

I totally forgot these even existed! I mean, I haven’t used a three ring binder in probably close to a decade. It was like one of those moments when you feel a light bulb go on in your head. Saving myself the trouble of cutting up and hole punching a bunch of contact paper seemed well worth the $1.89.

Apply the stickers to your mug to achieve desired Β polka dot pattern. I’m not so sure of the food safety-ness of Sharpies, so I kept the polka dots toward to bottom half of the mug. I would recommend leaving one of the outside corners a little loose, it makes removal of the stickers MUCH easier.

DIY Polka Dot Coffee Mugs - Tulips & A Terrier

Then you just fill them in with your choice of Sharpie (mine was obviously gold). You might need to go back and fill in a couple of spots once the first coat dries.

Apparently didn’t press the inside of the sticker in well enough and some of the color seeped through a bit. After unsuccessfully trying to clean this up with rubbing alcohol, I ended up drawing a larger (freehand, and not as perfect) polka dot over those.

DIY Polka Dot Coffee Mugs - Tulips & A Terrier

Sharpies dry fairly quickly, I just let mine sit for a couple of minutes while I colored in the second mug. Then, you just peel off the stickers to reveal adorable little gold polka dots!

DIY Polka Dot Coffee Mugs - Tulips & A Terrier

You then need to cure them in the oven by baking them at 350 degrees for 30 minutes and let them cool completely before using them.

DIY Polka Dot Coffee Mugs - Tulips & A Terrier

I’m so pleased with the way they turned out! And I love how it didn’t even require a trip to the craft store, I got everything I needed right at Target!

Just a note – I’ve heard that the Sharpies don’t hold up well in the dishwasher. As I currently don’t have a working dishwasher (unless you count my boyfriend), this wasn’t much of a deterrent for me. Nor did I have a way of verifying this information. I can confirm that they held up just fine when washed with a sponge and some dish detergent.

What do you guys think? Have you used the metallic Sharpies? I’m always looking for new ways to use them, I’d love to hear your ideas!

Sharing at Give Me The Goods,Β From Dream To Reality, Work It Wednesday, Thursday STYLE

27 thoughts on “DIY Polka Dot Mugs

  1. Amy @ Homey Oh My!

    So cute, and very Kate Spade (my fav)! I’ve read that baking at a higher temp of 450F for 30 minutes is the key to setting regular sharpie pens and making them dishwasher safe. I haven’t tried this myself, but honestly, I’d rather wash these DIYs by hand anyway for peace of mind :P. I do really want to test that out, though!
    Amy @ Homey Oh My! recently posted…5 Ways to Make Your Place More HomeyMy Profile

    1. Lusine Post author

      Really?? I have a few other things I’ve sharpie-ed but no dishwasher to test with! I agree, I wouldn’t risk my polka dots getting ruined by the dishwasher even if I had the option. Let me know if you do test it out! Ps, thanks for the shoplately tip, I’m very impressed with the selection and prices πŸ™‚

    1. Lusine Post author

      Thank you so much, Corey!! I am so flattered! And after a quick look around yours, I would have to say ditto. Your gallery wall tutorial is pretty brilliant πŸ™‚

    1. Lusine Post author

      Thanks Melinda! And I thought I was the last person to hear about them. They’re awesome, you won’t be disappointed πŸ™‚

  2. Angela@LifeinVelvet

    Your blog is beautiful! These are too cute! I would be so happy to get up early if I got to drink my morning coffee in these mugs! Thanks so much for your sweet comment on my office organization project too. I host the Thursday STYLE link party every week at 8:00 EST. I would love to have you link up.
    -xo, Angela
    Angela@LifeinVelvet recently posted…Office and Craft Organization ProjectMy Profile

    1. Lusine Post author

      Thanks so much for stopping by and your sweet comment, Angela! And They have totally cheered up my mornings. And thank you for sharing your fabulous new office space! You have me inspired to tackle mine this weekend :). I will be sure to stop over and link up!

  3. Jen

    I want onneee!! And I love the shoutout to the Anthro mug haha I was a little worried you didn’t like it anymore..

    1. Lusine Post author

      I’ll make you onnneee!! And of course I love the Anthro mug! I’m just sick of washing it every day πŸ™‚

  4. Katie @ Addicted 2 DIY

    These are adorable! I never would have thought to use the little hole stickers to get perfect dots. I’m going to be adding these to my to-do list! I’d love for you to link them up to the Thursday S.T.Y.L.E. LINK PARTY I cohost. It goes live at 8:00 EST tonight.
    Katie @ Addicted 2 DIY recently posted…Easy Crockpot Beef StewMy Profile

    1. Lusine Post author

      Thank you Katie! It never occurred to me either, but when I saw them at Target, it seemed too perfect not to try out. Let me know how it works out for you! And thank you, I’ll be sure to stop by shortly πŸ™‚

  5. Melissa @ A Prudent Life

    Hi Lusine – I’m going to try this TOMORROW. At least if if can find some hole reinforcements in my office supply stash. Like you, I have one monogram mug that makes me so much happier than all the plain ones. AND I’m obsessed with my metallic gold sharpie…and polka dots…this is a perfect project! Thanks for linking up at Thursday S.T.Y.L.E.
    Melissa @ A Prudent Life recently posted…Thursday S.T.Y.L.E. Link Party #2My Profile

    1. Lusine Post author

      Thanks so much Melissa! I’m also quite obsessed with both polka dots and my gold metallic sharpie! And am so glad to have found a project that combines the two. Do let me know how it works out for you πŸ™‚

  6. Jodie

    You had me at gold and polka dots! These turned out amazing : ) Such a clever idea to use the hole reinforcer stickers- I’ve never seen that before! We recently picked up the same pack of metallic sharpies to label some boxes for my sisters new desk… I might have to “borrow” them sometime and try this too!
    Jodie recently posted…B & A: Bedroom DresserMy Profile

    1. Lusine Post author

      Thanks Jodie! If you like gold polka dots, I highly recommend you invest in a pack of metallic sharpies for yourself. It’s so easy to add them to just about anything :). If you do try it out I’d love to hear how it goes!

    1. Lusine Post author

      This totally made my night! thank you so much for stopping by and the feature Amy!! I’m so super flattered! I’d love to hear how it goes it you end up trying it. Have a great week πŸ™‚

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