Aloha!
I missed out on giving "back-to-school" teacher gifts this year, so I thought I might try to redeem myself by doing something just a little extra for them for Halloween. I know it's not a typical holiday where you give them gifts, but this is a really small, inexpensive gift that I thought might let them feel appreciated. :) I was sent an awesome stash of
Mod Podge goodies from Plaid and was asked to create something for Halloween, so I thought this was the perfect chance to do my teacher gift, and I had an idea already brewing.
Fun, right?!
And with the right supplies, it's oh-so-easy.
SUPPLIES:
- Mug (Dollar Tree)
-Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
-Mod Podge Sparkle
-Foam Brush
-Accessories and treats
STEP 1: Create your message and have it printed. From previous experience, I know
Mod Podge (and any other liquids you might try to put on top) will make the colors bleed if you try to use your own inkjet printer for printing. I wanted a custom message, so I made it a JPEG and had a 4x6 photo printed at Wal-mart for $.19 for a one-hour print.
We have two teachers and two assistants, and I was able to fit all four onto one 4x6 photo.
STEP 2: Place your print on your mug and use your
Mod Podge of choice to adhere and seal it to the mug. I chose
Mod Podge Sparkle. Be sure you stay at least 1" from where the mouth will touch. As with most craft products, these have not been tested for food safety, so for the sake of being cautious, keep it away from where a mouth will go. :) I also used a wet paper towel to clean up the edges, so I had a nice clean line around my art. I wish I would have made my tags just a tiny bit smaller...on these mugs, the 4 sides are each flat, but my tags were just slightly larger than the flat part, so it took some effort to get the edges glued down. My fingers were a mess by the time it was finally dry! Ha!
STEP 3: Let it dry. I allowed mine to dry for about 2 hours.
STEP 4: Now's the extra fun part. Bust out your Dimensional Magic and pipe along the edges and then fill in the center as if you were frosting a cookie. It may look a little cloudy, but it will dry clear. Mine was pretty runny, so it can be tricky with a round mug. Keep a paper towel on hand and wipe up the drips until it hardens to the point of being tacky (about 3 or 4 minutes).
STEP 5: The hard part. Sit and wait. I let mine sit for about 4 or 5 hours and then did another coat to make it really stand out. And after that, it needs at least 24 hours to cure. Then fill with some treats, and you've got a simple, unique, inexpensive teacher gift that will probably be a fun and unexpected treat for your child's teacher! I used candy corn and some cute candy corn cellophane bags I found at Dollar Tree along with some yellow curling ribbon.
Aloha,
Charlie
