How to Monogram Coffee Mugs
Do it Yourself Monogrammed Coffee Mug
Add a personal touch to a ceramic coffee mug with a monogram!
Alissa Roberts
Decorating on a Budget
For those of us on a budget, buying new decorative items for the home is just not an option. I had to remind myself of that rule when I saw a beautiful set of hand painted monogrammed coffee mugs which would have perfectly matched my dinnerware. As I picked up the set of six mugs, I about fell over in a state of shock glancing at the price tag. I thought to myself that I could totally make these personalized cups for a fraction of the price. With that idea in mind and a couple of items from the local craft store, I made my own set of monogrammed coffee mugs for less than seven dollars.
So if you are looking for inexpensive ways to update your dinnerware or just looking for a unique gift idea for that special someone, try adding a personal touch to ceramic coffee mugs with a monogram. By turning it into a DIY craft project, you can be sure to save a lot of money while still creating that new piece of home décor. Below you will find step-by-step instructions on how I updated and added a monogram to my own set of coffee mugs with a stencil and ceramic paint marker.
DIY Monogrammed Coffee Mugs
Ceramic Paint Markers
How to Monogram Coffee Mugs
This easy, do it yourself craft project is a creative way to spice up an old set of solid colored coffee mugs. If you don't already own a set, be sure to check out discount stores or even the thrift store to get a great deal. Below are the supplies you will need to get started and step-by-step directions to creating this craft project.
Supplies:
- Coffee mugs
- Stencils
- Ceramic paint marker
- Tape
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton swabs
- Paper towels
Directions:
- Wash and dry coffee mugs. Use a paper towel with rubbing alcohol to wipe down coffee mug to get rid of any trace of dish soap or other residue.
- Place stencil on coffee mug. Use several pieces of tape to secure the stencil onto the mug.
- Shake ceramic paint marker well before use. Push tip of marker down on a paper towel to get paint flowing and ready to use.
- Paint outline of stencil onto coffee mug. (Don't worry if paint bleeds beyond the outline of stencil.) Finish painting inside of stencil and let dry for a few minutes.
- Carefully detach stencil. Don't panic if it looks like a mess! Take a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and erase away any excess paint or mistakes. (If you want to completely remove the painted letter, wipe away with paper towel and rubbing alcohol to start again.)
- Let completely dry for a couple of hours. If desired, paint over stencil again to reach desired color or to fix any mistakes.
- Once completely dry, place coffee mugs on baking pan and put in oven to set the finished design. Set temperature at 300 degrees and bake for 30 minutes. Do not put mugs in a preheated oven! The mugs must gradually warm with the oven to avoid shattering or breaking.
- When finished baking, carefully take out the pan of hot mugs and allow time for them to cool down naturally. Once completely cool, hand wash gently and admire your beautifully monogrammed coffee mugs!
Coffee Mugs
DIY Homemade Gift Ideas
These coffee mugs make the perfect gift for any birthday, holiday, or just as a simple thank you gift to someone who has helped you out. You can either give a whole set of coffee mugs or just make one with a special treat inside.
Below are several design ideas with examples of what you can put inside your homemade monogrammed coffee mug gift.
Coffee Mug Gift Ideas
| Occasion | Design Ideas | What to Put in Mug |
|---|---|---|
Birthday | name, initials, age, balloons, stars | giftcard, favorite candy, baked goods |
Valentine's Day | name, initials, hearts, love, cupid | flowers, candy, coupons, giftcard, baked goods |
Easter | name, initials, bunnies, flowers, colorful dots | flowers, candy, garden seeds, baked goods |
Mother's or Father's Day | name, initials, #1 mom or dad, hearts, love | candy, giftcard, chore coupons, baked goods |
Halloween | name, initials, ghosts, witches, bats, black cat | candy, giftcard, spooky treats |
Christmas | name, initials, snowman, santa claus, snowflakes | hot chocolate, marshmallows, giftcard, baked goods |
Teacher Gift | name, initials, apples, abc's, blackboard, #1 teacher | candy, giftcard, baked goods, school supplies |
Thank You Gift | name, initials, thank you, hearts, flowers | candy, giftcard, thank you letter, baked goods |
Monogram Poll
Easy Home Décor Craft Project
The next time you need an easy home décor update or unique gift for that special someone, try out these monogrammed coffee mugs. If you already have the mugs you want to use, you will only need to purchase the ceramic paint marker and stencils to get you started.
These markers and monogramming directions can also be applied to ceramic plates, bowls, and other serving dishes. As long as the marker is toxic free, there is no limit on what ceramic dishes you can monogram!
I hope you have found a great DIY home décor project for updating your dinnerware. If you have any questions or comments about this do it yourself craft, feel free to leave these in the comment section below. Happy monogramming!
Comments
Susan Hazelton from Northern New York on June 21, 2018:
This is a wonderful diy project. I love the idea.
Clara Blair from Texas on December 21, 2017:
Awesome DIY tips, I will sure make a coffee mug as a gift for my nephew in this Christmas. Tanks a ton!
Carol Morris on June 23, 2016:
I love this! I was wondering what craft to make as a gift for my son's teacher, this might just be it. Thanks!
Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on March 12, 2015:
What an awesome and clever idea. What a thoughtful gift idea, too. Voted up!
Treasures By Brenda from Canada on February 08, 2015:
Very trendy project. Monogrammed mugs are everywhere...being able to make them yourself is a great economical idea.
Pinning your page to my I LOVE COFFEE MUGS Pinterest board and sharing it on my Facebook group of the same name.
Elliott Shifman from Chicago, Illinois on December 15, 2014:
I'll have to try this sometime when I have some free time. #elliottshifman
Alissa Roberts (author) from Normandy, TN on December 12, 2013:
Thank you both so much for stopping by and commenting! I am actually drinking coffee out of one of my monogrammed mugs right now. They do make great gifts for this holiday season :)
Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on November 20, 2013:
I'm back 19 months later for a refresher course! :)
LaThing from From a World Within, USA on November 20, 2013:
What a great idea, specially for gift giving! I can just see myself painting everything around the house, LOL! Thanks for this inspiring hub.
Take care....
Alissa Roberts (author) from Normandy, TN on September 03, 2012:
Hi Jennifer! Although I have only used these ceramic paint markers on my dishes for decorative purposes, the ones that specifically state toxic free and food safe on the label claim they are safe to use near food after the baking process.
Jennifer on September 02, 2012:
Do you know if these are food safe after you bake them in the oven?
Alissa Roberts (author) from Normandy, TN on April 15, 2012:
Hi Mommigee! Happy to hear you will be trying this project out - hope it turns out well for you! Appreciate you stopping by!
Mommiegee from Alabama on April 14, 2012:
Wow, I am definitely trying this idea over the holidays. This is right up my alley. Thanks for sharing this.
Alissa Roberts (author) from Normandy, TN on April 12, 2012:
Thanks so much theclevercat! Happy to hear you loved it! Appreciate you stopping by and for the votes!
Rachel Vega from Massachusetts on April 12, 2012:
Love love love this! Voted up and awesome!
Alissa Roberts (author) from Normandy, TN on April 12, 2012:
Hi Ebower! It really is an easy project and budget friendly too :) Thanks so much for stopping by and for the votes!
Alissa Roberts (author) from Normandy, TN on April 12, 2012:
Thanks so much Teresa! They would make great Christmas gifts. Hope they turn out well for you! Appreciate you stopping by and for the votes and pin!
Alissa Roberts (author) from Normandy, TN on April 12, 2012:
Hi George! Thanks for that helpful tip - I know what I am putting on my Christmas list this year! Appreciate you stopping by!
Alissa Roberts (author) from Normandy, TN on April 12, 2012:
Awesome! Thanks so much Cara! Appreciate the visit and I love your magical pinning powers! :)
Erin Bower from Georgia on April 12, 2012:
These are great and the steps sound so simple! They would make great gifts for birthdays, Christmas, or any special day. I voted this up and useful.
Teresa Coppens from Ontario, Canada on April 12, 2012:
fantastic DIY hub. I think it would be a doable craft for me! I see a great idea for next year's Christmas gifts here. voted up and pinning it!
George Smith on April 11, 2012:
do you happen to know anyone that has a vinyl cutter. I do vinyl cutout stencils designed on my computer to use for glass etching works very well for painting also and more sharp lines
cardelean from Michigan on April 11, 2012:
Another great idea from you! I love learning all of these creative ideas. Thanks for the guide and I've "pinned" this hub.
Alissa Roberts (author) from Normandy, TN on April 11, 2012:
Thanks so much GClark! Appreciate your visit and for the vote up!
Alissa Roberts (author) from Normandy, TN on April 11, 2012:
Hi randomcreative! I was thinking these would make great gifts too - especially with a giftcard or other special treats inside the mug. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
GClark from United States on April 11, 2012:
Voted up on this interesting and helpful hub. Great advice. GClark
Alissa Roberts (author) from Normandy, TN on April 11, 2012:
Thanks so much Sunshine625! I was really pleased with the way they turned out. So happy to hear you liked them too :) Appreciate you stopping by!
Rose Clearfield from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 11, 2012:
Awesome tutorial! This would be a great gift for so many different occasions.
Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on April 11, 2012:
Very creative!! Looks easy enough to do with your directions. I like the mugs:)
Alissa Roberts (author) from Normandy, TN on April 11, 2012:
Hi Adventure Colorad! This would be a fun project for kids too. Even my youngest son asked when he got to paint a coffee mug :) Appreciate you stopping by and for your comment!
Alissa Roberts (author) from Normandy, TN on April 11, 2012:
Thanks cloverleaffarm! Appreciate your visit and comment!
Alissa Roberts (author) from Normandy, TN on April 11, 2012:
Thanks so much Shesabutterfly! This is definitely a budget friendly craft project especially when you are updating a set of old coffee mugs. Hope they turn out well for you! Appreciate you stopping by and commenting!
Adventure Colorad from Denver,CO on April 11, 2012:
This is something that my kids would love to do. Great idea!
Healing Herbalist from The Hamlet of Effingham on April 11, 2012:
Great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Cholee Clay from Wisconsin on April 10, 2012:
I love DIY projects, and am always looking for new ways to save money. I am definitely going to be monogramming my coffee mugs:) Right now they are a solid mocha brown, but I can make them match my kitchen with a splash of color! Thanks for the easy to follow directions and ideas! Another great hub!
Alissa Roberts (author) from Normandy, TN on April 10, 2012:
Hi teaches12345! Coffee giftcards would be perfect to add to these mugs when giving as a gift. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind comments!
Dianna Mendez on April 10, 2012:
Your mug is very stylish and gives me a great gift idea for the next celebration. It would be nice to get a personalized mug containing a gift card to your favorite coffee shop. Great hub topic!
