One of the things I love about spring and the coming of summer is that I have the excuse to make more ladybug crafts! They are so fun and colorful and easy to make, how could I not love creating with them? There’s something utterly cute and cheerful about a ladybug craft. Not sure if it’s the simple shapes or bright colors, but they always seem to invoke a smile. This would make a fun Mother’s Day craft too! If you need more decorated mug ideas, check here at DIY Candy, they’ve collected several!
One day I checked the mailbox and there was a catalog from Colorful Images. I love to browse these little catalogs for inspiration, and on this particular day I found some.
Inspired by Colorful Images – on my Pinterest Board
They had these cute personalized ladybug mugs, and at a reasonable price, but the crafter in me just couldn’t resist the inspirational feelings I was getting!
I knew I had a thrift store mug sitting in my craft room, so I pulled it out along with a few Americana Gloss Enamels and created this fun mug to celebrate those cute little creatures.
It’s really quite simple to do. First make sure your mug is nice and clean and dry. Avoid touching the surface of the mug with your fingers if you can. I held mine by the handle and also placed my hand inside the mug when I needed to turn it upside down.
Simply squeeze out some enamel paint onto a paper plate. Swirl a round pouncer into the paint to load it up.
Apply paint to the mug with the pouncer, using a swirling motion. If it bubbles, gently brush across the bubbles with the edge of the pouncer. Repeat with all the colors.
Next you’ll use the 3D Gloss Enamel in black. use it like a pen to draw on the heads, antennae, dots and the line down their backs. Carefully dot on “flight trails” using this same 3D Writer. Now put it somewhere safe to dry for 48 hours, then you can bake it according to the directions on the back of the paint bottle. Alternatively, you can let it air cure for 21 days if you want to skip the baking.
Ladybug Coffee Mug
Supplies
- Plain ceramic coffee mug white or a light color
- Pouncer sponge
- Paper plate
- 3 D Gloss Enamel Writer - black
Americana Gloss Enamel Paints
- Calypso Blue
- Razzle Berry
- Citron Green
- Baby Pink
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and dry ceramic mug. Avoid touching the surface of the mug with your fingers. Hold it by the handle, or you can place your hand inside the mug when you needed to turn it upside down.
- Squeeze out some enamel paint onto a paper plate. Swirl a round pouncer into the paint to load it up.
- Apply paint to the mug with the pouncer, using a swirling motion. If it bubbles, gently brush across the bubbles with the edge of the pouncer. Repeat with all the colors.
- Use the 3D Gloss Enamel Writer like a pen to draw on the heads, antennae, dots and the line down their backs. Carefully dot on "flight trails" using this same 3D Writer.
- Place it somewhere safe to dry for 48 hours then bake it according to the directions on the back of the paint bottle. Alternatively, you can let it air cure for 21 days if you want to skip the baking.
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Louise says
Bonjour Amanda. je regarde vos petits chefs – d’oeuvre depuis quelques temps et j’adore !
Aujourd’hui coup de coeur pour les coccinelles sur la tasse en porcelaine !
je désire savoir si, à la fin, je vernis la tasse comme pour les cailloux ?
Je vous souhaite une bonne fin d’après-midi et à bientôt
Louise
Amanda Formaro says
The paints we use are specifically made for dishes. Place it somewhere safe to dry for 48 hours then bake it according to the directions on the back of the paint bottle. Alternatively, you can let it air cure for 21 days if you want to skip the baking.
Linda Rosser says
Amanda..love these adorable lady bug cups..i’m new to your site and love everything you create. You are so talented.. i’ve always loved crafting but lost the desire when my mom passed. You have inspired me to start again. Thanks
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Linda! I hope you pick something to make and get joy from it! :)
DEBORAH GRACE says
very professional painting..I hope to make these soon..I have many women in our family..a great, inexpensive gift..can also use as a pen/pencil cup for a bright office accessory
peggy says
I love this idea!
So inspirational !
My creative juices are flowing!
Thinking to do this but with bees = have a friend’s bday coming up & think I’ll do a ‘queen bee’ mug complete with little crowns!
Thanks so much for your sweet willingness to share all your creative ideas!
Amanda Formaro says
that’s such a cute idea Peggy!
Nanao says
I love you Amanda <3 <3 .. love you love you so much :-D B-)
Amanda Formaro says
Aww shucks! :) Thanks Nanao!
Judy (Bug) Jones says
I also collect ladybugs and when my folks brought me home from the hospital, my Dad’s cousin said “Oh, she’s as cute as a bug.” It stuck & I’m 66. to this day I’m called Aunty Bug, Grandma Bug, or just Bug by Sis & Brother. I love it. They are such magical creatures. Love all your projects.
Amanda Formaro says
That’s such a fun and sweet story Judy!
Christina says
These are so cute! I was so excited when I saw these the very next time I went to the craft store I bought everything I needed EXCEPT the 3D enamel gloss im so upset at myself.. Now I don’t know when I will get to go to a craft store again. I am just dying to try these.
Amanda Formaro says
Aww! if you lived nearby I’d lend you a bottle!
Rachel says
Hi I just made this, still waiting the 48 hours so I can bake it. The cup I used is microwaveable-safe (and dishwasher safe). Will the paint hold up in the microwave and dishwasher?
Amanda says
Yes, it should say on the bottle that they are dishwasher safe, top rack. If it doesn’t, I can definitely confirm that from speaking with the company. Microwave safe I’m not sure, but I think that it would be fine :)
Armine says
Awesome post….will do it….does it wash well, by hand?
Amanda says
Works great!
taradara says
I LOVE THIS! This would even make a great Teacher Appreciation gift!!!!
xo
Angie @ Big Bear's Wife says
haha I love these!!
gail says
Cute mugs Amanda! :) So pretty and colorful.
gail
Linda Darden says
So cute! I have a friend who was spared in the recent Woodward, Oklahoma tornado earlier this month, but her brother’s house was destoyed. She loves everything about ladybugs, and I know this would brighten her spirits!
Diana says
I am a ladybug fanatic, I’m surprised at how hard it is to find ladybug items, so your tutorials are greatly appreciated!
Brenda Cohea says
I s this on a cup that has been glazed already…like you would just buy from …the store….? love it going to make some
Amanda says
Yes! I bought this cup at a thrift store :)
Cynthia Mckittrick says
Such a bright idea. A must have! Thank you for the inspiration.
Amanda says
Thanks Cynthia!
Cecilia says
Wow they are so sweet :)
You are right, there’s something about ladybugs… they are to sweet not to smile!
Cecilia
Amanda says
Thank you Cecilia :)