Tutorial: Reindeer thumbprint coffee mugs

My family loves getting handmade personalized gift. The favorites are always ones from the grandchildren. This year we made coffee cups. It’s hard to find handmade gifts a 3 year old and 9 year old can both make. Coffee cups were super easy and fun for my entire family to create.

Tutorial: Reindeer thumbprint coffee mugs

Project estimate:

  • Coffee cup, $1
  • Enamel paint, on hand or $1 and up
  • Sharpie, on hand or $1

Total: $1 and up

Tutorial: Reindeer thumbprint coffee mugs

Tutorial: Reindeer thumbprint coffee mugs

Before you begin wash your coffee cup and remove the sticker from the bottom of the cup. Once completely dry decide where to place your reindeer thumb prints. Paint the thumb with brown paint. Coat it well to get a good print, then press evenly onto mug. Allow paint to dry.

After it is dry using a black Sharpie put antlers on the reindeer, draw eyes on the face and write the name of the person under the thumbprint. Next using the red paint place dots on the thumbprint for the nose.

Before baking you may write any message along the bottom of the cup. I wrote “Merry Christmas”, but you may write your own message making it more meaningful to your family. Don’t forget the date!

Tutorial: Reindeer thumbprint coffee mugs

Once everything is on the cup, place on a cookie sheet in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. This will set your design.
Let cool completely before handling. It will be very hot.

The cup can be used for drinking. I would suggest hand washing only. I have never tested in a dishwasher and am a little afraid of what may happen. I don’t want to lose my treasured memories!