Do you love using Sharpies for crafting? Get 25 ideas in this ultimate guide to Sharpie crafts – tons of unique inspiration!
I did my first official “Sharpie craft” about ten years ago. It was a necklace with Shrinky Dinks, and it was such a blast that I was hooked on Sharpie crafts for good. In fact, right after that craft I bought a collection of Sharpies in every color!
I realized the other day, as I was cleaning out my craft supplies, that I haven’t touched the Sharpies in awhile. And I think it’s time to start up again! Sharpie crafts are fun and typically pretty easy for beginning crafters.
Sealing Sharpie on Surfaces
Before we dive into the craft ideas, there’s one important thing you need to know about Sharpie crafts: how to seal the Sharpie on the surface.
When I discuss how to make sure Sharpie doesn’t bleed on the surfaces below, I’m referring to the regular Sharpie markers. I’m not referring the specialty fabric or oil-based types with their own finishing instructions.
Fabric
You have a few options, but these are the ones that I use. Either place the item in the dryer for 15 – 20 minutes on high heat, or use an iron. The iron should be on the highest setting; iron for five minutes on both sides.
Note: if you wash a shirt with Sharpie, it will fade regardless – but you can help a lot by washing in cold water and hang drying the item. Sharpie does make fade resistant fabric markers if you want to give those a go.
Ceramic
Ideally you use the oil-based Sharpies. However, if you use regular Sharpies, you can still seal the mug. The best mugs to use are the cheaper kind (like dollar store) because they usually have a thinner coating.
You’re going to bake the mugs at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Even then, I’d still hand wash a Sharpie ceramic mug.
Metal
Let the Sharpie dry completely, then use a can of clear acrylic sealer and spray over the top of your Sharpie craft.
Plastic
Ideally you use an oil-based Sharpie here, but you can use regular as well. Before you begin the project, make sure you clean the surface thoroughly with mild soap and water.
Sand with 120-grit sandpaper in the area you would like to write. Write on the surface, let dry overnight. You can spray seal for extra protection.
Glass
Stick with oil-based Sharpies for any Sharpie crafts using glass. My research says it’s just not long lasting with regular markers on this surface.
Are you ready for some projects?? To help myself and those of you who are also interested in trying crafts with this magic marker, I’ve put together a collection of 25 Sharpie crafts. I’d love for you to check out the list below, then tell me which are your favorite in the comments!
1
Confetti Flower Pot
Learn how to decorate a flower pot with a Sharpie in this unique craft! Kids and adults will love to personalize.
Rubbing alcohol bleeds Sharpie in some fun ways. Add to a cotton t-shirt, and then draw details over the top. You'll want to heat set with an iron on both the front and back for five minutes before washing.
These amazing knobs look like real stone, but they were simply colored with Sharpie! Jackie used them on white storage units to perk them up, and the color works well.
Draw whatever you like on wood discs from the craft store, then add a keychain hardware to finish. This is one of those Sharpie crafts that makes a great gift!
Don’t throw away those old light bulbs. Draw on them with Sharpies to make home decor. This is one of the most unique crafts with Sharpie I’ve ever seen!
I can't believe these are shoe boxes! I like the way the suitcases turned out – and all you need are some recycled materials, a little white paint, and a Sharpie.
Julia re-did her bar and desk by adding a unique “wallpaper” pattern with gold Sharpie. She has a free printable if you'd like to make the same design.
This is similar to the floral t-shirt on this list. Same process, different material. Perfect for a 4th of July party . . . and you can customize for any holiday.
If you've ever watched Fixer Upper, you are very familiar with shiplap. If you can't commit to nailing wood to your walls, this Sharpie shiplap is a great compromise!
The process that Jen used to make these Save The Dates can be used for any invitation. Really fun idea for a birthday party invitation, don't you think?
Keri did in awesome job with these earrings any Star Wars fan would love to wear! You'll be drawing the BB-8 design with Sharpies on a smaller surface, but it's not hard to make them.
If you love crafts with Sharpies – let us know your favorites in the comments! I’d also love for you to visit these other popular projects on the blog I think you’d enjoy:
I did my most recent Sharpie craft a few days ago. I took an old car tag and personalized it for my husbands new car. It is designed with Carl (heart) Janet! lol He loved it! Thanks for sharing.
I did my most recent Sharpie craft a few days ago. I took an old car tag and personalized it for my husbands new car. It is designed with Carl (heart) Janet! lol He loved it! Thanks for sharing.
Where can I buy Sharpies in South Africa?
Hi Marilize! I would reach out to them via social media – I bet they could tell you.
Hi Marilize I was so happy to find Sharpies at Makro a couple of weeks ago.
Hi. Dont know where you live in SA, but I have seen them at the Stationary and Art shop in the Benmore shopping centre in Benmore.
sharpies are also known as markers. You can find them at any art store. Ask for sharpies and if they’re not available, ask for markers. (:
I love all the ideas!
Where did you get your sharpies from? How many sharpies and how much (roughly) did it cost?
I love the iPhone case one but only have 2 coloured sharpies and would love some more!
You can get Sharpies from Target – and it depends on how many you buy! But they aren’t too expensive 😀
Thanks for the mention! Pinned. – Sarah, While They Snooze