Alcohol Ink Art on Ceramic Mugs Tutorial!
Alcohol ink art on ceramic mugs make the perfect handmade gift! These are perfect for all skill levels from beginner to expert. Alcohol ink is the latest craft trend and you will love it--plus mugs are a gift that keep giving. Make an alcohol ink art piece on a ceramic mug easily with this craft tutorial video.I love a mug of hot chocolate on a cold day. Speaking of cold days, we've had over 3 feet of snow in the past week--and it's cold! I just bought some Mint Truffle hot chocolate and I have to limit myself to a mug per day.
What do you think about abstract art...some people hate it...some love it. Abstract art has always been my favorite style of art. It can hold deep emotions, meaning and feelings...and come across differently to each viewer. It holds mystery into the mind of the artist. But my favorite reason is that it is such a freeing art--it is perfect for relaxation and self-care.
In high school I won a art contest at the local bank for the abstract art division...and I got 100 bucks. To a 17 year old, $100 is a grand prize! Okay, really, a Ben Franklin would still be a big deal to me now, haha...at least it could buy me a bunch of flavored hot cocoas.
These beautiful mugs are different and show a different story. What do you think of when you see them? A mess? Tears, the valley or sunrise? They are kind of like a Rorschach test or an ink blot test...everyone sees something different.
I see a landscape with mountains and a river...I see a glorious sunrise with pink and coral.
First of all, the star of the show is the alcohol inks. I don't have any inside supplier for these. I buy them at Hobby Lobby (with a 40% off coupon) like a normal person. They are perfect for all kinds of art and last a long time.
Supplies Needed: affiliate links
Ceramic MugsAlcohol Inks
Rubbing Alcohol
Mod Podge
Embossing Heat Gun or Blow Dryer
Syringe
Foil pan with drying rack for the perfect work surface
Here's the video on how I did the alcohol ink art. It's random and crazy! The ink rolls around the mug with a mind of its own. Just add alcohol in the syringe to make the ink move. Follow the ink with the heat gun or blow dryer to set the ink.
How to Make Alcohol Ink Art on Ceramic Mugs:
It can get a little smelly with all the alcohol, so work in a well ventilated area. However, the craft is extremely addictive with each mug that turns out differently. The trick is knowing when to STOP! It's so easy to go overboard and not be able to call it quits.
Here's a good trick: after adding a few colors, use the heat gun to dry the ink...then set it down and walk away for a little while. Come back after a few minutes and decide if it needs more. If yes, add one or two more colors...if no, call it good and finish it off.
If the mug is a disaster, wipe it all off with rubbing alcohol...but keep some swabs on hand to touch up a few places here and there.
Use the swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean around the top edge of the mug and possibly the handle if there are drips that got away from you.
It is also important to remove all the ink from the drinking edge where lips will make contact with the mug.
Then repeat the process for all the other mugs you can get your hands on! You'll want to drip alcohol ink on everything in the house. If this craft project feels a little too advanced, test out the alcohol ink on Yupo paper. It's non-porous paper so it works great with the inks and gives the same wild effect.
Pick the colors you like and make the perfect look based on your likes! I love the simplicity of this blue mug...like tears or layers of water.
To finish off the mug, use a paintbrush to paint several thin layers ofMod Podgeover the mug. The dishwasher safeMod Podgereally is the BEST finish for this mug...but it's still not exactly dishwasher safe. I hand wash all the mugs to be safe.
I love the touches of gold too--I used pewter and rose gold ink.
Which one is your favorite? They are so bright and fun. Great for hot drinks or pens on the desk!
That's it!
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