I first made these DIY glitter mugs for my mom who LOVES sparkles.
She had just moved into a new home and needed a housewarming present.
These mugs are easy to make and the best part is: they are dishwasher safe!
Of all the ways to make DIY mugs, doing glitter mugs is by far my favorite. I've gotten great results using Martha Stewart glitter, Recollections glitter from Michael's and even dollar store glitter.
Just be sure to use Martha Stewart decoupage medium OR Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge -this is the only way to make them dishwasher safe!
Did you want to learn how to glitter wine glasses instead? Get that tutorial here!
How to Make DIY Glitter Coffee Mugs
Supplies
- Plain glass or porcelain mugs (mine are from the dollar store but you can get similar ones online here)
- Masking tape
- Martha Stewart Decoupage Formula OR Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge
note: do not use any other formula of Mod Podge or this will not work! - Paintbrush (these are my favorite
)
- Glitter (I really like Martha Stewart glitter
and Recollections glitter from Michaels)
Before we dive in, don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!
Directions
Step 1: Tape off mug
Use masking tape to tape off the bottom of your mug. Don't forget to tape off the handle as well!
Step 2: Glitterify!
Use a paintbrush to apply decoupage medium or Mod Podge below the tape line.
While the medium is still wet, generously douse the mug in glitter.
I like to do this over a plain white piece of paper so I can collect any unused glitter and put it back in the bottle.
While the decoupage medium is still wet, carefully peel up the masking tape.
Set mugs aside to dry glitter side UP! Allow to dry for 4-8 hours or overnight before moving on to step 3.
Step 3: Seal
The next morning after the medium has dried, use your paintbrush to dab a very generous coat of decoupage medium over the glitter.
Set aside once again, glitter side up, to dry.
Since you used a thicker coat, this could take all day depending on temperature, humity and air flow.
Allow to dry until no traces of white show and mugs are dry to the touch.
Once mugs are dry, paint a thin layer of decoupage medium over the glitter and allow to dry. Repeat 1-2 more times.
Once the last coat of decoupage medium is dry, the mugs need to sit at room temperature for 28 days in order to cure completely and become dishwasher safe.
(cutting it close for gift giving time? Try including a note "will be ready to go in the dishwasher on XX date"!)
Step 4: Enjoy!
Because seriously, it's hard to have a bad day while you're drinking from a fancy sparkle mug!
If you like this post, don't forget to pin it for later!
If you love glitter, you'll also love...
You can also use a similar technique to apply glitter in a shape like a heart. Try this DIY glitter mason jar mug project:
About the Author:
Carissa Bonham is a lifelong crafter and mom of two creative boys. The owner and lead writer at Creative Green Living, she won the Craftys Award for the "Best Craft Blogger" category in 2016.
Her creative pursuits don't stop at crafts - she is also the author of the hardcover cookbook, Beautiful Smoothie Bowls (Skyhorse, 2017) and several ebooks. Her projects have been featured in magazines like Kids Crafts 1-2-3, Capper's Farmer and Urban Farm Magazine. Follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter or join the Creative Green Living community group.
Her creative pursuits don't stop at crafts - she is also the author of the hardcover cookbook, Beautiful Smoothie Bowls (Skyhorse, 2017) and several ebooks. Her projects have been featured in magazines like Kids Crafts 1-2-3, Capper's Farmer and Urban Farm Magazine. Follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter or join the Creative Green Living community group.
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Shoot! So these wouldn't be ready for Valentine's Day. Oh well. I'll have to plan ahead for some other sparkly holiday! Super cute!
ReplyDeleteMother's day? Your birthday? A's birthday? St. Patrick's day?
DeleteYou can do this same technique with wine glasses, too. I think it would be fun to have sparkle wine glasses.
Omigosh I LOVE these! Shared on my FB page and pinning! I want one for myself but what a great handmade gift idea too!
ReplyDeleteCan you use the glossy modge podge instead of MS's?
ReplyDeleteMod Podge has a dishwasher safe formula that would be safe to use but regular Mod Podge is water-soluble so would not work well for a washable mug project.
DeleteIs it safe for the microwave
DeleteI would not personally microwave these. Some glitters have metallic components or could be flamable.
DeleteOK now I have to glitter-ify everything!
ReplyDeleteOK now I have to glitter-ify everything!
ReplyDeleteCan you go right to the top? I have a bunch of random mugs that I would like to force to match each other, with glitter. So yeah, can the whole outside of the cup/mug be done? Is there a reason you only did half?
ReplyDeleteI would hesitate to go right to the top so that you are putting your lips on the glitter and decoupage as you are drinking. In addition to the texture feeling awful, I do not believe the decoupage medium is considered food safe.
DeleteIn addition to the reasons mentioned above, I only did half because I like the glitter-dipped look.
OMG!!! WORDS CANT EXPRESS THE EXCITEMENT!
ReplyDeleteI just saw this, but here's a dumb question. Are these microwavable?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't put them on the microwave. Many glitters have metal in them and we all know what that does to a microwave
DeleteQuestion!! Could you bake them instead of waiting 28 days?! I want to make them for Christmas gifts and add to my etsy shop! Yay!! Or glitter spray paint
ReplyDeleteThat is a great question. The bottle doesn't offer that as an option so I would advise against it. While glitter spray paint, would make it sparkle, I don't think they would be dishwasher safe.
DeleteIf you bust some out this weekend, they'd be ready in time for Christmas. You could even photograph and list them on Etsy and say when they will ship by (ship them the day after the curing period).
Love these! For the glitter you said you use Martha Stewart, but do you prefer the extra fine or chunkier glitter? I really love the gold mug - which color is that? :) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI personally like the fine glitter but the gold one was with a chunky glitter. I'm sorry that I don't recall the name. Any gold glitter you like will work.
DeleteI am currently making these and bought the Martha Stewart decoupage you have posted. It says on it that it's water based and not dishwasher safe. Are you using something extra to make it safe? Also, ever done sharpie mugs? I did the sharpie first, but wondering if you had any tips for baking it before the glitter. I did paint sharpie
ReplyDeleteDoes the bottle look like the one I linked to? There are instructions on the bottle for how to cure it to make it dishwasher safe.
DeleteIf the bottle you have says it isn't washable, I suspect you didn't get the product you really need.
I've not made sharpie mugs so I'm no help there but knowing that those have been a big craft fail for some people I would Google it and follow the instructions of a blogger instead of just something from pinterest.I believe it only works with certain kinds of sharpies. You could also use a ceramic painting pen (which I have done). The pens cost about $4 and work great.
My sharpie came off after I baked and glittered. Came I bake the glitter?
ReplyDeleteI would definitely NOT recommend baking the glitter.
DeleteI'm in the process of making one now...would it be beer instead of the generous amount of glue to put several light coats? Mine dripped EVERYWHERE, leaving a glittery drippy mess...I was able to clean it up but my edge isn't as crisp as it once was...also, my glitter has dulled...I've added one more light coat since the generous coat so I'm not finished, so wondering if the shine comes back once all the coats are on and completely cured? Did you notice this when you made yours? thank you :)
ReplyDeleteOh no! That sounds really frustrating. If it turned into a glittery drippy mess, I wonder if your base coat was not totally set yet or if your generous coat was perhaps too generous? Several light coats will work, too, although depending on if you used chunky or fine glitter, that might be harder to do a light coat. I used a foam brush and dabbed mine on (instead of brushing) and it ended up being quite thick because of how the glitter grabbed the decoupage medium.
DeleteMine turned out wonderfully shiny once set but if the glitter you are using isn't playing nicely with the decoupage medium, that may be it? You might want to try one of the mugs with a different brand of glitter and see if that fixes your issue.
Which brush did you use for the decoupage? Foam? I did mine with regular paint brush and i can see the lines through the glitter. Also- do you do a heavy first coat before you put glitter on?
ReplyDeleteI used the brushes I linked to in the supply list. For the coats after the glitter, application is more of a "dab and smooth" method. Before applying glitter, I used a medium coat - heavy enough for the glitter to stick well, but not so heavy it is runny or drippy.
DeleteThose are beautiful! My wife just made some for us and a few as gifts during Christmas Have a look!
ReplyDeletehttp://neonmarkt.com/2015/01/28/diy-glitter-mugs/
I love these but have a question, I too questioned the mod podge vs decoupage idea and from projects in the past mod podged items can be wiped carefully with a damp cloth but not placed in a dishwasher or submerged in water and the decoupage bottle says after curing item can be wiped clean with a damp cloth but not dishwasher safe, so since this was a post from a year ago how have the mugs held up? have you been able to use them in a dishwasher or wash in a sink?
ReplyDeleteI checked with my mom and she said her mugs are holding up.
DeleteI have had reports from some people who have said the bottles say you can wipe with a damp cloth. MY bottle says you can wash them on the top rack of the dishwasher.
I'm inclined to say to stick with the instructions on your bottle. In addition to Martha Stewart decoupage, Plaid also makes "dishwasher safe" Mod Podge which says it makes items top rack safe following the curing period.
Hi! I tried this and have two questions: what type of glitter did you use (extra fine or regular)? Also, I accidentally used mod podge... can I still use it (and hand wash) or should I throw it out?
ReplyDeleteThe silver mugs used fine glitter. The gold ones were regular.
DeleteIf you used regular Mod Podge, it won't be dishwasher safe. But it would make a fabulous pen holder for your desk perhaps? There is a dishwasher safe Mod Podge formula and that works as well as the Martha Stewart decoupage.
Have you tried this on other drinking cups? I want to do the steam of a wine glass for my sister so I'm just wondering. She wont be able to put it in the dishwasher as it will have vinyl on it but I would still like to hopefully do this same thing so it makes it better for her to wash. I also was hoping to do this same method on a plastic tumbler.
ReplyDeleteI haven't personally done this with wine glasses but have friends who have. I've also done something similar on a glass mason jar that we use (and run through the dishwasher) all the time and it is holding up great. I would hesitate to use it on plastic - I think glass and ceramic are better options but you could always try.
DeleteI haven't personally done this with wine glasses but have friends who have. I've also done something similar on a glass mason jar that we use (and run through the dishwasher) all the time and it is holding up great. I would hesitate to use it on plastic - I think glass and ceramic are better options but you could always try.
DeleteI haven't personally done this with wine glasses but have friends who have. I've also done something similar on a glass mason jar that we use (and run through the dishwasher) all the time and it is holding up great. I would hesitate to use it on plastic - I think glass and ceramic are better options but you could always try.
DeleteYour link to the glitter on amazon seems broken :( Could you update? Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know, Karen! I just updated the link in the supply list.
DeleteI love them, I need one right now lol! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteProbably a stupid question, but I assume since they are top rack dishwasher safe then they can be hand washed as well? Also, where can the decoupage be purchased that isn't online?
ReplyDeleteYes! They can definitely be hand washed. You can find Martha Stewart decoupage medium at Michaels.
DeleteTrying this on plastic coffee mugs now. Hopefully it will work!!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried this on plastic. I'd love to hear whether or not it works
DeleteAbsolutely darling. Would even be really cute for a wedding gift! You could make a His and Hers.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! Who wouldn't love a gift like that?
DeleteI've seen people do this with nail varnish I am definitely have a go!
ReplyDeleteI definitely wouldn't do it with nail varnish - it isn't durable enough in the long run (plus the fumes!). With the decoupage formula, though, it turns out fabulously!
DeleteI read somewhere else (sorry, can't recall where) that it is bets to let the mug dry unused for 28 days. Is that your experience too?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this lovely project, by the way!
Yes! This is absolutely the case. Make sure you hit the button to go to the next step which covers sealing the glitter and the 28 day curing time needed to make them dishwasher safe.
DeleteThanks! I can't wait to make them, they look fantastic. My daughter will love to have one, I am sure. I can also send some to the other girls in my family. I wonder if there are any glue/peel lettering that can be used in order to make them even more special, with an initial...
DeleteAbsolutely lovely, Carissa! Thank you so much for forwarding the info. I can't wait to make them! I'm afraid I'm going to go crazy and do all kinds of things. Well, many of my friends will end up with (hopefully) beautiful glittery mugs, lol!
DeleteI'm sure they will be enjoyed!
DeleteI have a question about adding vinyl lettering to the mugs. How would I create a dishwasher safe mug with both glitter and a little saying in vinyl on it too. Would those both be put in the oven together or would I do the glitter first and then add the vinyl after? I want to do these for Christmas gifts instead of going broke on things everyone returns.
ReplyDeleteFirst, neither the glitter nor the vinyl should go in the oven! Please please read the whole tutorial - no oven is needed!
DeleteSecond, for doing vinyl, I would do the glitter first. Once it is completely dry, add the vinyl. When applied properly, most vinyl is dishwasher safe as well.
Good luck!
Good post. Thanks a lot, Crissa. I have few question.
ReplyDelete1. Can I use any brand of decoupage?
2. Can I glitter on a glass instead?
3. I am also thinking of paint something on the glass along with the glitter, does the glass need to be heat-sealed? (Do you know what kind of paint I need, I now have the basic acrylic paints, don't know if it will last long.)
Thanks a lot!!!
Good Questions!
Delete1 - NO! You MUST use Martha Stewart Decoupage Medium OR Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge in order for them to be dishwasher safe. If you click the link in the supplies list, it will send you to the right product if you want to buy it online.
2 - Yes! I've done this and it works beautifully. Just follow the instructions the same as for the mug.
3 - You can use Martha Stewart Multisurface Craft Paint (http://amzn.to/1ttCUFu) OR Folk Art Multisurface paint (http://amzn.to/1ZNfzbu) to paint the glasses. After curing, both of these formulas will be dishwasher safe. There are other brands you can use which involve baking, but I have personally gotten the best results with these.
Good luck!
Thanks Carissa,
DeleteI don't really have time to order all the supplies online now.
If I go about using regular Acrylic paint or all-purpose paint,
Should I apply Mod Podge to seal it and let it air dry or oven?
or should I use a spray and let it oven dry?
You could try using Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge over a different brand of acrylic paint (it MUST be the dishwasher safe formula - there are dozens of Mod Podge formulas - this is the ONLY one that lets your dishes be washable when it is cured). I've never actually done this myself, so I can't guarantee it will work.
DeleteFor your best results, I highly recommend the Martha Stewart Multisurface or FolkArt Multisurface paints. These are available at both Jo-Ann and Michael's stores locally if you don't want to order online. I know it's annoying to buy a supply you don't already own but to know your beautiful painting will actually survive heavy use might be worth a trip to the store if you don't want to order online.
Thank you so much Crissa. All the best.
DeleteHi Carissa, I'm currently on step 3 of the glitter dipped mug process. I tried carefully dabbing a generous layer of the decoupage over the glitter but the glitter is coming off onto the brush. Is that supposed to happen? What kind of foam brush did you actually use? Thanks for the help!
ReplyDeleteIf the glitter is coming off then it hasn't dried enough for step 3. Stop and set it aside overnight and try again in the morning. The glitter layer must be completely dry before moving on to step 3.
DeleteYou might also try setting them in a warm space (top of a bookshelf or the frdige?) or in a room with a fan. If you are in an area where is it cold and muggy, that may be slowing down the drying process.
DeleteI did all the steps. At step 3 and after 24 hrs, some glitter comes of when I touch it. Am I doing something wrong or is there a way to seal it?
ReplyDeleteIf glitter is coming off, the most recent coat has not adaquately dried. This may happen due to variations in humidity, temperature or circulation. Give it more time to dry. You may want to try putting up on top of your fridge or in a room with a fan (fan does not need to blow directly on project.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea, Thanks for sharing informative Post Here
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteMy main issue is getting the tape around the mug in a straight line. Any suggestions for that? Everything else went fine.
ReplyDeleteMy technique for doing the tape is the lay the mug on the table in front of me and then stretch out a piece of tape in my hands and then lower it straight down onto the mug and then inch it around.
DeleteI have also seen some people use a thick rubberband as a guide so they can adjust it easier and then once the rubber band is in place and perfect, use that as a guide for the tape.
If you just can't get it the way you'd like, you could also do it crooked at a large angle so it looks like it's not straight on purpose!
Hope that helps!
Could you do this around the edges of charger plates?
ReplyDeleteYou definitely could! Same procedure as the mugs.
Deleteis there a way we can get the mod podge to cure quicker?
ReplyDeleteThere is not a way to get the Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge to cure any faster. Some people will use their not-cured-all-the-way cups very gently and then hand wash them. But then the clock starts again on curing. For best results, absolutely let it cure completely.
ReplyDeleteDo you think this would work on metal travel mugs?
ReplyDeleteYes! I have successfully done this on metal travel mugs.
Delete