UPDATED on 3/20/21 – Kids love crafts. At least mine do :-) Making Sharpie Coffee Cups is very easy for kids and it doesn’t require a lot from parents ;-) Hahaha! I don’t know about you but I have a hard time fitting arts and crafts into homeschooling so when I find something easy, creative, and fun, it’s a big win!
Here are a few simple tips for Sharpie Coffee Cups with Kids:
- DON’T BUY CLEAR GLASS CUPS. They don’t absorb the ink and when you wash them your kid’s design comes right off :-( I want to try this again and USE CERAMIC CUPS. You can read this post on 21 Tips for DIY Sharpie Marker Mugs and find details on making this project work for you.
- If you have a two-year-old he or she will probably use their body as a canvas with these permanent markers… just warning you ;-)
- Don’t expect a super cute group photo of all four children with their cups. One may hide behind the cup and another may look like they are about to cry.
- Be careful getting them out of the oven! When they hit ceramic tile they tend to explode. One of the kids lost their cup immediately :-(
If you want to try this project with your kids at home here is everything you will need on Amazon:
- 13 oz Matte White Coffee Mug or
- 16 oz Matte White Coffee Mug or
- Set of 2 13 oz Matte White Coffee Mugs – If you have a bunch of kids like me, you may want this option ;-)
- Sharpie 24 count Electro Pop or
- Sharpie 24 count Comic Color or
- Sharpie 16 count 80’s Glam
- And finally, for added protection, Krylon 12 oz Triple Thick Clear Glaze Spray
Here is our little adventure with Sharpie Coffee Cups in photos. Signing off, Tina

Signing off in Mexico, Tina
Originally published December 26, 2016
Buy me a cup of coffee
A ridiculous amount of coffee was consumed in the process of creating this project. Add some fuel if you'd like to keep me going ;-) Gracias!
It is so hard to get picture of several kids. I think I read some where to clean the glass with rubbing alcohol before decorating. And I think several use the oil based Sharpies that are out now to do mugs. It is more durable than the regulars.
Thanks Haley! I don’t know if I can find them in Mexico but I will keep an eye open ;-)