DIY Watercolor Mug

My mother is an amazing artist, and her favorite medium to use is watercolor. She would take me to the beach when I was little, and I can remember watching her paint the sky and the sea as I played in the sand close by. Watercolors are kind of like a force of their own. The pigments and water blend together to create a swirling ombre palette, and it’s hard to tell which way the color will move next.

I purchased some porcelain white mugs, and I wanted to see what would happen if I used a watercolor technique on them. The result is beautiful and simple, and you can use the mugs to sip a hot drink, or place around as a decor element. Here’s how I did it…

watercolor supplies

What you need:

Porcelain Mug

Porcelain Paint

Paintbrushes

Water

Oven

paint mug

It doesn’t take much work to start getting the watercolor effect on your mug. Take a wet paintbrush, and dip it into whatever color porcelain paint you desire. The more water you add, the more the color will run. Start painting your mug. I started at the top and let the paint drip down to the bottom.

watercolor plate

Once your mug is completely painted and dry, place it in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. This will allow the porcelain paint to bake so it doesn’t chip or come off when washing. Make sure all stickers are off of your mug before baking it!

watercolor mug in hand

And there you go! I love how organic the running colors look.

watercolor

Aside from using the mug to drink from, you can also use it to hold dried flower petals, or use it to store rings or other jewelry on a dresser. It’s fun to create pretty little vignettes with these around your room.

watercolor mug decor

Have fun!

More DIY ideas from the BLDG 25 Blog.

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9 years ago

my sister is getting married and I want to put together a handmade home ware basket for her, so putting these on the list!!

http://teeshkielawa.blogspot.com.tr/

Lauren
9 years ago

This is absolutely beautiful! So, so beautiful.
Thank you for this!!!

I have been trying to come up with a dish to put in my bathroom to hold my rings and other jewelry, but haven’t been able to find anything in the right color. This is such a perfect idea! Thanks for the inspiration.

9 years ago

Oh wow these are gorgeous! Definitely making some!

juliettelaura.blogspot.com

Sabra
9 years ago

I may have to try this for a going away gift to my supervisor. Beautiful look and very unique. Thank you for sharing this!

Sabra
9 years ago

I may to try this for a going away gift to my supervisor. Beautiful look and very unique. Thank you for sharing this!

9 years ago

SO beautiful and seem pretty simple!! I love watercolor and do most of my drawings and such with it, so fun and creative!
Xx, Tiffany { http://www.sunshinedaydreamphotography.com/ }

9 years ago

such a lovely project!!! I love the idea of picking your own color scheme to create such a beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing. https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWeaverOfWords

9 years ago

This has to be one of the most beautiful DIYs I’ve ever seen! So pretty! Thanks for sharing!

Much love,
Tori

9 years ago

love love lovee

9 years ago

Wow, gorgeous! I think this would also be cool overlaid on the patterns of vintage china. I am going to have to try it:)

9 years ago

These are beautiful! Lovely for gifts. Would also make great for candles

http://lifeandcity.tumblr.com

Katie
9 years ago

These mugs are so gorgeous, I can’t wait to try making one!

xo Katie

http://www.etsy.com/shop/adifferentsun

What a great idea! I love the idea of using it decoratively and more than just as a “cup.”

xx Kelly
http://wherebeautymeetsthebeach.blogspot.com

9 years ago

can’t wait to give this ago. i needed something new to do… this winter is soo long.

Ella Wild xoxox

Visit my store at : http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartJewelryAlways
Or take a peek at my pinterest : http://www.pinterest.com/HJAellawild/

9 years ago

What a fun and simple way to make a pretty mug. A loooong time ago I got a white mug with the purpose of painting it. Then I forgot to do it. Now there’s no reason not to :)

Barbra
Watercolor wallpapers and cases: http://www.barbariancases.com/

9 years ago

So pretty! I love watercolor paintings. I’m actually trying to teach myself how to use watercolors and totally having fun with it.

XOXO,
Erin
http://www.thevaughnlife.us

Alejandra
9 years ago

I wanna try this, but I’m scared of ruining porcelain. Would this work on a ceramic mug and maybe acrylic paint, instead?

9 years ago

Beautiful!! absolutely beautiful!!!!! Perfect for gifts!!! I love it!!! :D :D

9 years ago

I totally did this and it worked with glass paint, which was fun. Cheers. :)

http://thegirlsofautumn.blogspot.com/2014/03/solo-march-22nd.html

Mary
9 years ago

I love this idea, it’s such a great way to store my rings!

9 years ago

This is absolutely gorgeous! I love it drips down by itself to give it a natural look!

Stephanie
9 years ago

Did this with acrylic and baked it at 325 for 25 minutes which worked perfectly! Melted wax inside and turned it into a candle too!

Stephanie
9 years ago

Did this with acrylic paint and baked it at 325 for 25 minutes which worked perfectly! Melted wax inside and turned it into a candle too!

9 years ago

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