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When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing much better than a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. Right? Well the perfect gift for all those hot chocolate loving friends is a pretty mug, maybe even filled with a little hot chocolate kit and tied with a pretty ribbon! 
You can buy mugs anywhere, and most of them are pretty inexpensive, but I think a personalized handmade mug is so special, and it’s a really easy project. Plus, I made mine for only a few dollars a piece, and then I got to decorate them any fun way I wanted. 
Also, all my pretty jewelry I’m wearing (except the bow ring) is from InPink, and they’re generously giving away $150 to their shop, PLUS, $20 to everyone who enters! Check out the details at the bottom of this post!
Click through for the tutorial!




TUTORIAL

Materials:
Step 1. Print out your letters in your desired font and size. 
Step 2. With a razor blade, carefully cut out the letter, as shown. 
Step 3. Lightly spray the back of the paper with spray glue, then let it dry for 3-5 minutes. Once it’s tacky, adhere to your cup (the pre-drying allows the glue to only temporarily bond the paper to the cup). 
Step 4. Carefully dab the paint over the stencil. Do at least two coats of paint. 
Step 5. Allow the paint to dry for at least 30 minutes, and then remove the paper and let it dry completely. If there are any mistakes or bleeding, you can scratch them off carefully with your nail or a wash cloth. Follow the instructions on your paint to cure your painting in the oven (usually it’s 24 hours air dry and about 30 minutes in the oven at 300 degrees (F)). 
Alternatively, use a paint pen and create custom, non-stenciled creations (I used this image for my deer head and just free-handed it). The possibilities are endless — have fun!
Now click here to enter to win $150 to InPink (just have to enter your name and email), AND get your $20 gift certificate just for entering — everyone’s a winner!

*open to US and Canada only

The winner is Karen McAdams! Congrats, girl — watch for an email to claim your winnings.
And everyone else who entered — thank you! And you will be receiving your $20 gift certificates shortly 🙂 
________________________________
top: c/o lulu*s
coated denim: old navy
necklace, cuff, bracelets, rings: c/o inpink
bow ring: c/o hello fab
watch: michael kors

HANDMADE HOLIDAYS: PAINTED MUGS (& A GIVEAWAY! – CLOSED)

When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing much better than a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. Right? Well the perfect gift for all those hot chocolate loving friends is a pretty mug, maybe even filled with a little hot chocolate kit and tied with a pretty ribbon! 
You can buy mugs anywhere, and most of them are pretty inexpensive, but I think a personalized handmade mug is so special, and it’s a really easy project. Plus, I made mine for only a few dollars a piece, and then I got to decorate them any fun way I wanted. 
Also, all my pretty jewelry I’m wearing (except the bow ring) is from InPink, and they’re generously giving away $150 to their shop, PLUS, $20 to everyone who enters! Check out the details at the bottom of this post!
Click through for the tutorial!




TUTORIAL

Materials:
Step 1. Print out your letters in your desired font and size. 
Step 2. With a razor blade, carefully cut out the letter, as shown. 
Step 3. Lightly spray the back of the paper with spray glue, then let it dry for 3-5 minutes. Once it’s tacky, adhere to your cup (the pre-drying allows the glue to only temporarily bond the paper to the cup). 
Step 4. Carefully dab the paint over the stencil. Do at least two coats of paint. 
Step 5. Allow the paint to dry for at least 30 minutes, and then remove the paper and let it dry completely. If there are any mistakes or bleeding, you can scratch them off carefully with your nail or a wash cloth. Follow the instructions on your paint to cure your painting in the oven (usually it’s 24 hours air dry and about 30 minutes in the oven at 300 degrees (F)). 
Alternatively, use a paint pen and create custom, non-stenciled creations (I used this image for my deer head and just free-handed it). The possibilities are endless — have fun!
Now click here to enter to win $150 to InPink (just have to enter your name and email), AND get your $20 gift certificate just for entering — everyone’s a winner!

*open to US and Canada only

The winner is Karen McAdams! Congrats, girl — watch for an email to claim your winnings.
And everyone else who entered — thank you! And you will be receiving your $20 gift certificates shortly 🙂 
________________________________
top: c/o lulu*s
coated denim: old navy
necklace, cuff, bracelets, rings: c/o inpink
bow ring: c/o hello fab
watch: michael kors
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17 Comments

  1. LindiNicole says:

    Those mugs are the cutest! Thanks for showing how easy they are to make!

    Lindi
    Sweet Southern Sparkle
    http://www.sweetsouthernsparkle.blogspot.com

  2. Brynn says:

    Cute! I love your mugs! The one with the "M" is my favorite 🙂

  3. They are lovely. Very pretty and would make a perfect gift.

    X x

  4. Audrey says:

    How do you get the $20 gift certificate?

  5. Josh&Sharsti says:

    I entered Leanne's inpink giveaway and never got the $20 gift card, I wonder if others are having the same problem here?

    • You'll get your gift certificate in your email after the giveaway closes next week!

      And maybe check your spam for the email if you never got one from Leanne's giveaway? Otherwise, email her and I'm sure she'll check on it for you!

  6. thisisdiy says:

    he Merrick!
    Really love those mugs 🙂
    by the way, is this giveaway open internationally? Thank you!
    TiD

  7. This is a fantastic giveaway! Thanks! Also, great mugs! So cute!! I cant believe you free-handed that deer!

  8. entered – cindygaarder at gmail dot com

  9. Mrs Gray says:

    Love the mugs! Such a great idea–and a good alternative to the Anthropologie ones!

  10. Viktoria B says:

    I love this! Monogrammed mugs are everywhere! Great DIY idea

  11. Love these mugs. Thanks for the tutorial!

  12. Will the paint fade or scratch away over time? Dishwasher safe?

  13. Kristen U. says:

    Hi Merrick! Do you remember what color nail polish you were wearing here? I love it!

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