DIY Gift Idea: Customized Mugs!

Hello out there!

With Valentines Day right around the corner, I thought I would share a really fun, and super easy DIY gift idea that you could customize to really fit just about anyone. 

From coffee drinkers, to tea lovers, I think it is safe to say, anyone really would adore this gift. 

So lets jump in,

Philip and I made these (pictured above) for his Grandparents this past Christmas! It was a fun project that allowed us to get creative, and personalize something for two people that we adore! 

You're going to need:

• White Glass Mugs (we purchased ours at Target)
• A pack of Sharpie Markers in the colors of your choice
• Acetone (nail polish remover)
• An oven

That's really all you need!

Like I said, we bought our mugs at Target, where you can also find Sharpies, and Acetone.. just not an oven, but let's hope you already have that part taken care of. 

First things first, wipe down your mug with the acetone. I found it easier to just use the acetone pads that are presoaked and come in a pack. Make sure to wipe down any part that you plan on writing on, and let that air dry. 

Next, go ahead and make your design, and don't worry, if you mess up, it comes right off with a swipe of the acetone pad! 

Once you are content with your design, pop that bad boy into the oven at 350 degrees. Do not preheat your oven! Throw the mugs in while it is still cool so that the temperature adjustment is not too harsh and doesn't crack the mugs. Let them bake for about 30 minutes and also let them sit in the oven until it is completely cool, we left ours in overnight. 

Once they are completely cooled, you are done! Ready to wrap and gift! 

*Make sure not to wash these in the dishwasher, it will fade and eventually come off altogether, these are items you want to hand wash!* 

I hope you enjoyed this post, and get creative, and come up with your own cute personalized mugs to gift this Valentines Season. 

XO

- Oh, and also, don't get too caught up in the thought and pressure that seems to lurk in the shadows on Valentines Day. It's just another day of the year. If you don't have a special someone, treat yourself to something nice! Have a girls night out! If you do have someone in your life that you adore, don't think this is the only day to show you care. There are 364 days that are just as important. I am actually babysitting all weekend long and Philip is joining the kids and I on Saturday for a trip to see the new Spongebob Movie! Might not be what you imagine as the most romantic, but that's okay, because we take advantage of any day to have a good time and show we care! I guess my point here was don't get too caught up in the idea of Valentines Day, that you let it ruin the moment! 

It's about time I did another DIY!

So, I have been looking for just the thing to add a little spice to my laundry room, considering, well it's a laundry room... I'm already bored. I spend a lot of time in there though, and it's right off of the kitchen and we tend to keep the door open most of the time. 

So, with that being said, I saw a couple cute signs and what not on Pinterest and Etsy, but people were selling these things for like $60-125 (no, I am not kidding). I figured I would see what I could do on my own, for just about $20. 

TaDa!

I started by venturing to Lowe's and purchasing a board that was 1x8x8 and then had them cut it into 4 - 2' pieces. That cost be about $7.00 total. 

I was also able to find the stain I was looking for at Lowe's and paid about $4.00 for the can. I went with "Driftwood" because I wanted something really natural and beautiful, of course, pick whatever color works for you and your space! 

From there, I went to Michaels and purchased Letter stencils ($4.00 - and I can reuse them again!) , White Acrylic Paint (69 cents), and Foam brushes that they call "Foam Pouncers" ($5.00 roughly). 

When I got home, I had some extra sand paper laying around and lightly sanded the edges to avoid getting splinters in this process. 

Next, go ahead and stain your board. This is probably the most tedious part of the process just because you have to let the stain sit, wipe it off, let it sit, wipe it off, you get my drift.

Once you have reached the stain color you want, make sure to give it time to dry of course and then assemble your stencils. 

I went with simple, the word Laundry, and taped the stencils to the board to avoid them shifting and making a mess! Then I got out two different foam pouncers, the big one, and the little one. The big one was perfect for the middle of the stencil and the little was perfect for around the edges and the details. 

Peel off your stencils and let it dry. (I let mine dry overnight just to be safe).

That's it, you're done! To top it all off, you still have 3 boards left to do whatever you want with, more DIY projects and home decor, I think I might use these in our living room but will do a post on those when the time comes! Simple, Cheap, and Cute DIY for your Laundry Room!

XO