How to Create a Photo Mug

A personalized photo mug is a wonderful way to make someone feel special. You can honor a wonderful grandfather with a photo mug of his grand kids, give your spouse a reminder of your wedding or give your child's teacher a mug with all the kids "mugs" on it. A photo mug captures a moment, to be cherished forever. Here's how to make one.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• White ceramic mug
• Transfer paper
• Photo
• Scissors
• Color copier
• Bowl of water
• Oven

1. Buy a plain white ceramic mug. Look for one with a smooth surface, free of ridges.

2. Purchase transfer paper. Most craft and paper supply stores sell packages. You get 3 sheets per package for about $5.

3. Pick out a photo. Whether it's from your recent vacation, wedding or maybe a great picture of the kids, choose the one you want to adorn the mug.

4. Use a color copier to transfer the photo to the transfer paper. Follow the package instructions on how to make a decal.

5. Trim around the photo to make it fit on the mug. Hold it up to the mug to determine what size the photo needs to be.

6. Soak the decal in a bowl of water. This will loosen the image. Take the backing off the photo and stick the printed side to the mug.

7. Bake the mug in an oven until the image hardens. Follow the instructions on the package.

8. Allow the mug to cool. Wrap it up and present the gift.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also order a photo mug from a photo developing company.

• Be careful taking the mug out of the oven. It'll be hot.

• Supervise children around the oven.