Naming things; it’s a very primal instinct, isn’t it? From the time that I could write I have been carefully inscribing versions of my name onto everything I own, and indeed many things which I don’t (possession being nine tenths of the law and all that). A therapist would doubtless put this down to my being briefly but significantly called David for the first few moments of my life, as during the general distraction and euphoria of childbirth at least one of my parents was apparently heard to cry ‘It’s a boy! Let’s name him David!‘ before being eventually corrected by the midwives. As my parents are both doctors, this anatomical oversight is hard to explain.
Like all stories that one’s brothers tell you, this is probably wholly untrue, but ever since then I have been keen to write my correct name, very clearly, everywhere. Of course the excellent thing is that this kind of territorial behaviour is not something we’re expected to grow out of once we leave childhood behind; instead, we call it Personalisation and consider it to be a very on-trend and chic thing to do. Hurrah. So today I have been busy personalising the entire contents of the china cabinet, using up some leftover chalkboard paint. Having hosted a bunch of friends for coffee this week and realised the error of having ten identical mugs, I’m wishing I’d done this sooner…
Tips and techniques below for those interested in giving this a whirl…
Making chalkboard teacups:
1. Choose your materials. I used; 1) porcelain teacups; I had these at home but if you’re starting from scratch choose mugs with a matte finish for greater adhesion, or use a primer as I did for glossy bases like these. 2) Chalkboard paint, from any craft or DIY store. 3) A selection of brushes; thick for the main tag and fine for finishing edges. 4) Repositionable tape for straight lines when painting. 5. A ceramic pen or paint for your ‘thread’. 6. Sharp craft scissors for scraping unwanted paint and making the hole in your tag.
2. Mark up and paint; I used a simple tag for the outline and marked the long straight edges with tape to help me. Don’t worry about being too exact; the chalk paint is forgiving and can be gently scraped away before finally dry. Prime if necessary, then give it two coats, following the manufacturers instructions about drying time, before gently scraping out a circle in your tag with the tip of the scissors. Your finish should now be pretty resilient (though not dishwasher proof), but you could also coat with a clear varnish for even more staying power if you like.
3. Add your coloured thread; I used a sparkly ceramic pen for this, and continued the thread into the cup so that it looks fun when filled with coffee. Again, check drying times – some brands require you to bake on a low heat to fix the ink and make it permanent.
4. Personalise! I used a chalk marker pen, but all of these options (pictured) work equally well, and wipe off easily with a wet cloth so you can change whenever you like. Of course, if you’re truly having a retro moment and find yourself mentally back in the schoolyard, this means you can rewrite the names hourly, as you change your friends and ditch your former BFF for someone far cooler and more popular. Ah, those were the days…
Love this idea with the mugs Kate. I have the exact same mugs, and had a group of girls over recently and no-one could remember who’s mug was who’s. Think I will give this idea a whirl. Will let you know how I go.
P.s Love your blog x
Ah thank you so much! Let me know how you get on… Have a great weekend x
another great listing keep them coming
You always have good ideas.Thanks
Well done, “David”^^ That is possibly the funniest thing I have ever read on the whole wide Internet!
What a brilliant idea! Going to try it this weekend.
A great idea! I love the little touch of colored string!
What a nifty idea! And you know, kids are all about putting their names on things!
That is a fantasitc idea! Nice work!
Pingback: Saturday Favourites… « A Family's Life
Hello there! Just discovered your blog and what a lovely find it is. Loving your “Making” posts, esp the kitchen and the cheeseboards…and the placemats…great idea! Gillian x
These look fantastic. I will be shamelessly stealing your idea when we move into our new house. Thanks for stopping by and liking my post, I look forward to exploring the rest of your blog!
This is amazing-whilst you make jelly I will be decorating mugs! Super idea!!x
Pingback: Happy Earth day! « Two and a Half Boys
Those are so cute. How fun!
-ashley
http://pencilleddaydream.wordpress.com
This is so cool! I am so going to try it one of these days
Pingback: Thurs-DIY: Favorite DIY Blogs | theStyleSafari
Pingback: Thistlekeeping
Great project ! How do these wash up?
Hi Linda, thank you! I use warm soapy water on mine and they’re fine – I haven’t tried the dishwasher and my hunch is that that would be taking a gamble… The finish is definitely most durable when you use matte-finished mugs as there’s a bit more traction for the paint. With glossy glazed ones like I used you have to be a bit more gentle, but mine have lasted a few months now without problems. I expect the brand of chalkboard paint makes a difference too; others may require different techniques or finishing to the one I used (some need to be oven-baked on a low heat to ‘set’ them). Good luck!
Forget about your fabulous project (which it is and which I will be pinning) and let’s discuss your amazing sense of fun and humor and beautiful writing style …
So refreshing. And please tell me you’ve scored some tickets to at least one gymnastics or diving Olympic event …
Linda
Linda thank you so much for such a lovely comment, it quite made my day! And how I wish I’d been at the gymnastics today; watching it on TV and trying to claim to my husband that I was perfectly capable of bending, elegantly, like a pretzel in the way that they do was just not the same… have a great evening
so cute!!!
Pingback: Reading List — Savvy Eats
Pingback: Reading List | Savvy Eats Test Site
Hi Kate I’m going to give this a try. What size is the tag? I haven’t been able to locate tags to copy.
I thought this would be a great project for my grandaughter and I to do while she is on vacation.
Hi LInda, what a lovely idea. My tag was about 1.5 inches as my cups were quite shallow, so be guided by the size of the mugs or cups you’re planning on using. As a template, you could use a business card, or if you google ‘tag clip art’ and click on the images tab you’ll come across lots of different shapes you could print off to cut out and then draw around on your mug – use repositionable glue to hold it in place whilst you do, or just take it in turns with one of you holding it in position whilst the other draws round it… lots of fun!
Today, (Sept 10th, 2012) It seems that someone over at Twinings UK put your pic up on their Facebook page. They said they couldn’t find the maker of those cups….
https://www.facebook.com/twiningsteauk
Well… a quick Google image search led me to your site, so I sent them a link to it too!
Very nice idea! I may have to try it myself. My wife and I have done blackboard paint on walls for the kids, but never thought to do it on a mug.
Thanks so much Ryan for taking the time to track me down and flagging the source – really appreciate it! Kate
Pingback: Chalk It Up, Adore Your Place - Interior Design Blog
Pingback: Umm. That’s my mug. | jemimah blue
This technique would also be great used on a dish taken to a potluck—then you can label what it is so no one has any questions.
Pingback: Pefect Personalised Presents- Don’t be a mug, give one instead « francesca money honey
Brilliant! Great for gifting as well, no doubt.
You are now my crafting best friend…wanna claim one of my new chalkboard mugs? lol
I love this!! My 6 year old son will be so thrilled when I do this to a couple mugs! Thanks for the awesome tutorial
Pingback: Homemade Gift Ideas for the Holidays – DIY Gifts You Can Craft Yourself