Starbucks-Inspired Mug tutorial - make it for 1/4 the price! dollar store craft

Over the holidays I spotted a beautiful mug for sale at Starbucks.  I liked the simplicity and elegance of the metallic handle coupled with the white mug, and immediately knew I could make it myself.  As a matter of fact, I could make 4 or 5 of them for the price of one of the store bought mugs!  If you’ve never tried glass and ceramic paints before, this is a great beginner project.

Painted Dollar Store Mug

I used plain white mugs from Dollar Tree and Martha Stewart Glass Paint in Copper.  You can use a coupon to save on the paint at your local craft store, making the project even more budget friendly.   One bottle will be enough to paint multiple mugs.  I think these would make adorable Valentine gifts!  Fill them with chocolates wrapped in a matching foil color for a sophisticated presentation to a simple gift.

Knock Off Starbucks Mug

Project estimate:

  • Mug, $1
  • Glass Paint, on hand or about $3 and up
  • Brush, on hand
  • Painters Tape (or washi tape), on hand
  • Cutting tool, on hand

Total: $1 and up

supplies used

Step one:  Cover the area around the handle of the mug using the painter’s tape.  If you don’t have painter’s tape, masking tape or washi tape will work, too.

step 1

Step two:  Paint a light application of the copper paint on the handle.  Let it dry (it only takes a few minutes) and repeat until you achieve the desired color.  I found that using a 3/4 inch brush (not the one pictured) provided the smoothest finish with the fewest brush lines.

last step

Step three:  Use a cutting tool, like a razor, to cut along the edge between the paint and the tape.  I do this because sometimes the paint will dry onto the tape, and when you remove the tape you create a jagged edge instead of a clean line.

Step four:  If you find that the paint has bled under the tape, use a razor to scrape off the excess paint.

The paint will be permanent and dishwasher safe after air curing for 21 days.  If you don’t want to wait that long (I never do!) you can bake the cup following the manufacturer’s instructions.  Different brands have slightly different instructions, so do what’s advised on the label of the paint.

I’m really happy with my “glamorous” coffee mug!  Glass paints are available in other metallic and glitter colors, so if copper isn’t your thing you could try silver, gold, or maybe red if these are Valentine’s gifts.  Have fun crafting and creating!

Starbucks knock off mug