The Sharpie permanent marker is a necessity in every DIY’ers arsenal! Aside from their everyday task of labeling and doodling, they are one of the all around most versatile tools in my DIY kit. They are so easy to use and now available in a spectrum range of colors from pastels to metallics. Sharpie markers are great for use almost any surface – paper, plastic, wood, leather or fabric. Plus, they are permanent on even the most hard-to-mark surfaces, which makes them perfect for crafting!
So if you think that Sharpie markers are just for labeling boxes, you’ll definitely want to check out these amazing DIY projects from these talented bloggers. Be inspired by all that Sharpie markers can do!
25 Creative Sharpie Crafts
1. The Sharpie Personalized Mug
Of course I had to start this list with the DIY sharpie mug. The personalized sharpie mug is a classic DIY project, super simple, and always fun. Take your classic Sharpie marker, and doodle away on any ceramic cup, then bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. An now you have a fun and useful memorable keepsake. Source: A Beautiful Mess
Here are a few more fun sharpie craft mug design ideas I thought came out really well. I especially like the teacups with the faux tea bags, so cute!
2. DIY Sharpie Leopard Print Seat Cover
A super cheap Ikea chair + Sharpie = an awesome leopard-print seat.
I just love my prints, so you can imagine how my heart jumped when I saw this adorable spotted chair. This sharpie craft can be done to any cloth covered chair. Source: A Little Green Notebook
3. DIY Sharpie Rock and Shell Decor
Get a little artistic and use your sharpie to draw on rocks and shells for a cool patterned effect. They make great little decorative elements around that home.
4. DIY White Sharpie Lamp Design
Brighten a basic colored lamp base with delicate doodles. A white Sharpie oil paint marker is the perfect tool to put your sketches in the spotlight. Draw simple spirals and interlocking paisley or flower patterns for an intricate look. Start at the top and work your way down for best results. Source: Better Homes and Gardens
5. DIYSharpie – Tie Dye Effect Pillows for home decor
How pretty are these pillows? Grab your colorful sharpie markers and doodle away on a canvas pillow cover. Then use plain old rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle to create this watercolor-like effect. Let these watercolor inspired pillows from Deny Designs inspire you. Source: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
6. DIY Sharpie Print Table Runner for special occasians
This sharpie craft tutorial will show you how to make a great stencilled table runner for those special holiday dinners. Source: I Spy DIY
7. DIY Sharpie Patterned Tealight Holders
8. DIY Sharpie Ziplock Gift Bags
Dress up plain zip lock bags with a little artwork. A clever idea for recycling and prettying up the simple ziplock bag. I think these would make great little gift pouches! Source: Babalisme.
9. DIY Sharpie Design Wrapping Paper
Doodle on a pretty design right on the box, but if you’re not so artistic, create this simple abstract wrapping paper! Grab a metallic sharpie, then using a ruler draw random intersecting lines!
10. DIY Sharpie Doodle Light Bulbs
These graphic bulbs can be hung in your favorite light or displayed in a bowl for instant pop art! Source: Electically Vintage
11. DIY Sharpie Vintage looking necklace
DIY instantly stately rhinestone jewelry using Sharpies and alcohol. Find some cheap rhinestone jewelry at Forever21 and places like that (I wouldn’t do it to vintage rhinestone jewelry). Source: The Glamourai
12. Sharpie and Bleach Shorts
A great DIY fashion idea to turn old denim into cut off shorts with a fun aztec pattern. First cut your denim at the appropriate length, and dip dye beach. Once the material is dry again, start drawing your patterns on the denim.
13. Sharpie Easter Egg Painting
Paint can be messy stuff, especially when it comes to crafting with kids. This year paint your easter eggs with sharpies! Doodle away a pretty design or draw some cute characters on your eggs.
14. Sharpie Nail Art Pens
Forget about paining your nails, it’s difficult takes time to dry and such a hassle. Sharpies make great nail art pens! Lately Ive been using them a lot. I particularly love the metallic ones. They’re much easier to create nail art designs with than a tiny nail brush. So just doodle away, and if you make a mistake, a little bit of good ‘ol rubbing alcohol and it will come right off without taking off your nail polish. Learn how to to create these fun patterns yourself over on my Sharpie Nail Tutorial post.
15. Whimsical Lamp Shade
Take an plain lamp shade and create a beautiful lamp shade cover with a special message. I love how this DIY creates a whimsical feel and personal touch to the room. Source: A Little Glass Box
16. Hand Drawn Wall Paper
Turn your plain white walls into canvas! Create unique walls with traditional illustrations or anything you like.
17. Make Personalized Christmas Ornaments
Draw on old Christmas ornaments with Sharpie pens for a an updated look. The classic black sharpie is always nice, but don’t forget about all the colorful and metallic sharpies for the festive season. This could be a great craft for the kids too and would make a great DIY gift idea!
18. DIY Sharpie Sneakers
Personalizing your shoes just because easier with Sharpie markers. Transform your boring white canvas shoes by coloring in various sections or drawing a fun oxford pattern.
19. DIY Sharpie Dinnerware Stencilling
This Sharpie craft idea works much like the Sharpie mug. Once you have the design stencilled on with your sharpie, bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Source: The Sweet Occasion
20. DIY Sharpie Pillow Designs
Create cute personalized pillows for any occasion with a Sharpie and a plain pillow. You can even make them two sided for 2 fun looks. Source: the Happy Housie
22. DIY Sharpie Design Iphone case
Take any plain phone case and turn it into something all your own!
23. Leopard Tote Bag
Turn a plain white tote bag into a fun leopard tote bag! Source: PS I Made This
24. DIY Sharpie Gold Staples
Add a little gold to your stationary set. Simply color your staples gold (or any other color) for a pop of color for your staples. Source: House of Huntley
25. Crosshatch Stencil Stationary
DIY your notebooks with this pretty cross hatch design to give plain notebooks and cards a fun look!
Source: Mr Handsome Face
Have any great sharpie crafts to share? Link them in the comments below!
I always love to try to crafts ideas!
For more fun, easy DIY ideas, check out my DIY & Crafts Channel!
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Gari
August 14, 2019Just love all your DIYs especially the bulb one. They are really remarkable.
Eileen
August 16, 2019Thanks so much Gari!
Gustavo Woltmann
January 31, 2017I love this site, and your ideas are great! Number one rules! Didn’t know you could bake mugs. Gustavo Woltmann
melissa
December 18, 2015I wouldn’t use a Sharpie on any egg intended for consumption. Eggshells are very porous. Sharpie chemicals could leach into the egg. For decorated eggs that you intend to eat, stick to products that are labeled, “food safe”. Eggshells are even permeable by certain types of bacteria. I wouldn’t take a chance that Sharpie ink might also permeate the shell. Your decorated eggs are super cute, but why waste a perfectly good egg (food)? Craft store faux eggs would be great to use, & you could enjoy your artwork for more than one Easter.
Wackado
January 6, 2016Decorate blown eggs for display only.
Samantha
August 30, 2015I’ve attempted to create beautiful mugs and dinner plates however, even after baking AND allowing the plates to cool down, completely ( within 24 hours left alone ) The ink still spreads.
Samantha
August 30, 2015Am I doing something wrong?!
Jesi
November 12, 2015I believe you have to use an oil based sharpie marker for it to set correctly on ceramics.
Wackado
January 6, 2016Yes, use the oil based Sharpies available in craft stores.
Samantha
February 11, 2016THANKS 🙂
Patty P
February 23, 2016the oil based Sarpies are called something like “Sharpie PAINT Makers”. The ones for fabric are called “Sharpie Fabric Markers” The Office supply ones do not work for crafts except drawing on paper, canvas, etc. _ things that will not be washed.
AgedPixel
August 15, 2015Saw your Tie Dye Effect Pillows on Pinterest. Love them and thats something I need to try.
Mary Claire Becan
June 2, 2015Aaaah! I love everything here.
Ingrid
March 28, 2015These ideas are awesome! I’m definitely going to try some of these out.
Karen
March 14, 2015I see concerns here about using the Sharpies on plates you plan to eat from. I’d like to use Sharpies to put sayings or designs on the outside of a coffee mug. Is it okay as long as I keep the design away from the top mouth area of the mug? Also, does baking them make them dishwasher safe?
MOSTE POTENTE
January 22, 2015Hi, i love your site so much. Can i share this topic on my web site? I’m from Turkey and I want to share this topic as Turkish. And of course, I will specify your site as source.
Lorena Villegas
January 13, 2015Hi you can coat dishes or other things with Mod Podge to preserve the sharpie ink and to make it food safe
Mandy
August 28, 2015No. Mod Podge isn’t food safe either. Even when using any sort of non-toxic poly to help coat, they still recommend not using it where your mouth or food would touch.
Margo Haitana
November 13, 2014Brilliant ideas, Thanks for sharing
Aidan
November 8, 2014Sharpies are NOT FOOD SAFE. Even if you bake it onto the mug or plate, the ink will seep into the food/drink over time and you end up consuming Sharpie ink chemicals! PLEASE DO NOT DECORATE DISHES YOU PLAN TO EAT FROM IN THIS WAY! This is perfectly fine for decorative purposes, but if you plan to actually use the dishes, please buy a food safe paint designed for this purpose!
Karen
March 14, 2015Aidan – would using Sharpies on the outside of a coffee mug but avoiding the area that comes into contact with the mouth be safe?
Irene
July 17, 2015This is from the Sharpie website :While Sharpie markers are AP-certified non-toxic, we do not recommend using them on areas of items that may come in contact with food or the mouth (such as the rim of a coffee cup). Sharpie markers are only recommended for use on ceramic or glassware when the product is being used for decorative or display purposes and not intended to come in contact with food or the mouth. If you intend to design a mug or a cupusing Sharpie markers and then use the mug or cup, any such designs must be at least one inch below the rim where a person’s lips could touch.
www.loveflannery.com
October 29, 2014Love your blog and love this post! I just bought a pack of metallic sharpies and was looking for out of the box DIY ideas that I haven’t seen before and I definitely found them here!
Thanks!
Flannery
Lyn Robertson
October 21, 2014I Have a question: I have tried the sharpie mug trick..and it worked, but eventually washed off…should I hand wash everything after the fact? Or did I possible do something wrong?
Eileen
October 21, 2014Hi Lyn,
I actually don’t use a dishwasher, so I can’t say I’ve had the problem but I have noticed some slight fading over time (like after a year or so?) But you could also try using an oil based Sharpie. And those ones are meant for ceramic and glossy surfaces. So you might have better luck with that! Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Eileen
Patty P
February 23, 2016Use on the oil based Sharpies called “Sharpie Paint Markers”. There are different ones for fabric too.
Penny Hanuszak
September 27, 2014I have just started Zentangling and the rock picture immediately caught my eye. Then as I looked beyond that your whole blog leaped out and grabbed my attention. Thanks for capturing life’s wonderful things!
Eileen
October 5, 2014Thanks Penny! I’ve been meaning to learn more about Zentangling myself. It’s such a beautiful form of art! I’m glad you enjoy my blog, thanks for commenting!
Cheers,
Eileen
stgalleri
September 15, 2014I tried the sharpies on a t-shirt and wanted to get the watercolor effect. I used alcohol (70%) without zero effect. Colors did not run even slightly. What kind of rubbing alcohol did you use (brand, strength, etc.) THANKS
Beth
November 28, 2014has to be 91%
Patty P
February 23, 2016Same here. You must get the ” Fabric Sharpies” on Amazon or at the local craft store. For hard surfaces like mugs, they make “Sharpie Paint markers”. The office supply type Sharpies will not work with the alcohol. They may have in the past, but do not now. They are only good for drawing on paper. I even tried 91% alcohol with them and they will not run, despite all the posts on Pinterest that say they will.
Carla
January 17, 2017I thought the alcohol had to be 91% and no less?
hansfru.blogg.no
September 3, 2014Hi. I want to make the Tie Dye Effect Pillowe but how can I get the letters to stay as letters if you know that I mean? It looks so clean.
Marie
August 4, 2014I just wanted to bring attention to the fact that SHARPIES ARE NOT FOOD SAFE and should not be in contact with food or mouth.
Madison stone
October 3, 2015They’re certified non toxic and if you follow the instructions you put it in the oven before using it to seal it in.
Stef
August 1, 2014For the fabric crafts (pillows, shoes) .. Did you use laundry sharpies?
Eileen
August 21, 2014I just used regular sharpies and they work just fine. 🙂
Patty P
February 23, 2016Apparently, the makers of Sharpies changed the chemical content. The office supply type Sharpies will not run with even 91% alcohol now. They do make permanent Sharpie Paint Markers (oil based) for ceramic and other hard surfaces, and Alcohol base Sharpie Fabric Markers. Now they can sell the same person (me) three kinds of markers to increase sales!
Chelsea
July 9, 2014I love your site! I just have one quick question. Number 5, the tie dye pillow cases, you can still wash them after you draw on them, correct? It won’t effect the colors?
Eileen
August 21, 2014Hi Chelsea, sharpies are pretty permanent, you may get some fading over time and washes, but it will generally stay intact!
Cheers,
Eileen
Cece
February 7, 2015Hi, you’re actually supposed to use the rubbing alcohol, let it dry naturally, then stick it in the dryer for about 30 minutes, and lastly iron them to make sure the sharpie doesn’t come off
uyi
November 29, 2016no
‘
Eileen
July 8, 2014Thanks 🙂
Stares-into-space
May 9, 2014I just found this article by complete accident and it brought a smile to my lips and my mind. I am refreshed by your simple yet clever ideas, inspired by your intricate designs and marvelled by your practicality!
Did I mention all these little ideas cheered me up?
Keep doing what you’re doing! 🙂
Eileen
July 8, 2014Thank you so much 🙂
Beautiful Mess that is Karen
December 28, 2013Yes Missy, I have just stumbled upon your blog…2 hours ago…and I can’t seem to get off of it. I love your style. I am completely inspired. Several of your pages inspire me to create. I especially love this sharpie page. Everyone has Sharpies…and now that you have broken me out of the box, I am looking around the house seeing ALL the possibilities! Keep inspiring the world to make it more beautiful and unique!
Eileen
December 28, 2013Thank you SO much Karen! I’m glad you’re enjoying my blog. DIY stuff is the best and it feels so good to do it too!
Xo,
Eileen