Book Club always does something special for the December meeting. Last year, we did a book swap. Each person brought five books and we swapped them. It was fun, but we all agreed we hadn't read the books from last years swap yet. Instead, we decided to have a "favorite things" swap this year. Each person prepared gifts for everyone. The kicker was that we could only spend $3.00 on each person. It would seem like this leave us wanting for more. However, it was the complete opposite. I loved it! There was so much thought put into all of the gifts.
For mine, I decided one thing I would do is a sharpie mug for each person. This fit perfectly, since you have to use the dollar store mugs or the sharpie won't settle right. Here are some tips, and pictures, for making sharpie mugs.
Pick cheap mugs. Don't be tempted to go find really neat expensive mugs. The cheap ones, preferably dollar store, work better. I've read that this is because the enamel isn't super high quality, and "loosens up" to allow the sharpie in easier.
Wipe them down. Not just with soapy water either. I use nail polish remover. Rubbing alcohol would work as well. You want to make sure to get all oil and residue off the mug. After you wipe it down, try to minimize touching the area you are going to draw on.
Bake at a higher temperature. Most tutorials say to bake at 350 degrees. Don't do it. I have read countless complaints that the sharpie mug doesn't work. I think it is because the temperature just isn't high enough. I bake it at 425 degrees. Put the mugs in while the oven is cold. Set it to 425. Once it beeps, let it go for 30 minutes. Let the oven cool completely. Your mugs are ready!
I have only used black sharpie. I love the black on white contrast.
Here are the designs I chose for book club:
I love each and every one of them!
I love my mug, too! :)
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