By Amber Graham/photos by Kelly Carr

Fill these mugs with hot chocolate mixes, tea bags, cider, specialty coffees or candy – the possibilities are endless! You could even fill them with colored chalk and give to the teacher!

Gather your supplies:

Chalk Board Paint

Paint Brush (sponge or bristled)

Mugs

You can find chalk board paint in the paint department of your local hardware store. Be sure to read the instructions on your paint regarding curing and seasoning the paint. (My brand said it shouldn’t be written on for three days and to season the paint with an even coat of chalk before writing on it.) There are some tutorials around the internet about making your own chalk board paint in any color by adding tile grout to regular paint. Let us know if you try it!

(And because I know someone will ask the mugs came from IKEA for 50 cents each. Can’t beat that!)

Give that paint a good shake and paint a shape on your mug. Make it a circle or a rectangle or a stripe all the way around. Whatever you like. If you don’t like it, or you mess up, or the paint runs, go rinse it off and start over. This is a VERY forgiving project. You can make one or you can make a hundred.

Tie on some chalk and stick a gift card inside for a fun teacher’s gift. Add some tea bags or instant coffee packets and give them to your co-workers. Make a set for a friend who entertains or often has overnight guests. Throw in some cocoa mix and marshmallows and share them with your neighbors.

 

***While the dry paint is durable, I haven’t tested these in the dishwasher. Hand washing might be the best option for these mugs.


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