DIY Mug Art

(This post was updated on 02/26/14)

I saw these nifty markers that write on ceramic awhile ago, but have only just tried it out, very exciting!  I'm always a little nervous using a new medium because there always is a bit of a learning curve, but this Porcelaine marker was very easy to use the first time.

I picked up this pen off Amazon for $7. It claims to be dishwasher safe which is pretty neat (after letting it air dry for 24 hours, bake in the oven for 35 minutes at 300°F). This brand has an assortment of colors and sizes, fine and broad tips. I went with standard black and a broad tip to try it out. It writes like any paint pen, you've got to shake it well and let the ink descend to the tip the first time you use it. The mugs I got from the dollar store, plain and white, the perfect canvas.

Even though I've had the supplies for a awhile I think I took so long to make it because I didn't have anything in mind to put on it! As you can see I got some design inspiration from a box I had covered with this awesome flocked wrapping paper.

You can see in the close up it's smooth overall but it does get tiny bubbles, and I'm not sure if it's a user error or just they way it is. Luckily I have three more mugs to decorate! I'd love to get more colors and try it out on plates or bowls. I think it would make a really sweet and personal gift for someone, maybe some monograms perhaps?

UPDATE:

One day I splurged and bought the 9 pack of colored Pabeo Porcelaine broad tip markers! I added some color flair to the above mug...

The markers performed just as well as the black had, although some colors seems less opaque at first pass. I loved the ingenuity of the teardrop shaped cap to keep them from rolling, genius!

The color selection is fabulous as well...