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!
Sharpie Crafts
You won't believe what you can create with a Sharpie marker. Here are 25 amazing Sharpie craft ideas you will want to make now!
Confetti Flower Pot
Learn how to decorate a flower pot with a Sharpie in this unique craft! Kids and adults will love to personalize.
Floral Tees
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.
Faux Malachite Handles
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.
DIY Doodle Dresser
Doodling on the furniture is usually discouraged - except in this situation! Learn how to draw cute little doodles on the front of a dresser.
DIY Umbrella
It's raining cats and dogs with this cute umbrella! It's easy to draw on clear plastic with permanent marker.
Simple Floral Keychains
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!
Pendant Necklace
Do you love Shrinky Dinks? This Shrinky Dink necklace was so easy! If you love DIY jewelry, this is a fun project to try with Sharpies and stencils.
Sharpie Bag
This bag is great inspiration for doing your own doodles on fabric – or you can get the printables and iron them on to make a Sharpie holder.
Doodle Lightbulbs
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!
Craft Storage
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.
Stenciled Pillow
If you don’t have the geometric pattern you want – buy simple white fabric and just draw it on! This pillow looks printed rather than handmade.
Anthropologie Knockoff
Recreate a $7,500 piece of wall art using plates from the dollar store with Sharpies – this is brilliant!
Desk/Bar Makeover
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.
Sharpie Dinnerware
Use Sharpies on all of your dishware! Just don’t let the Sharpie-d part come in contact with food. These are great for the exterior.
Tie-Dyed Fireworks Napkins
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.
Personalized Travel Mug
I like the tracing method with Sharpie used for this mug. Makes it so you don't have to have beautiful handwriting to get great results!
Painted Labels
Use a Sharpie paint pen to draw any font on glass. Just tape to the inside and draw! This is a perfect way to customize a vessel.
Easter Eggs
I love those cute sleeping bunnies! This Sharpie craft has got to be the easiest way to decorate eggs, and is perfect for Easter and beyond.
Faux Shiplap
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!
French Label Towel
If you like Sharpie crafts, this one will below you mind. If you can trace, you can make this tea towel! Doesn't it look great? Makes a great gift.
Tie Dye Shoes
Just like the fireworks napkins and floral t-shirt, you can use Sharpies and alcohol to create this tie dye look on sneakers!
Wood Slice Coasters
Another super easy upgrade using a Sharpie and stencils! They take a total of 20 minutes to make from start to finish (more DIY coasters).
Balloon Invitations
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?
Embellished Citronella Buckets
Create these easy Sharpie embellished citronella buckets for your backyard to ward off insects and create a little atmosphere. Great for summer!
Star Wars BB-8 Earrings
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:
- T-Shirt Tie Dye Headbands
- Nail Polish Marbled Mugs
- Kilim Inspired Painted Basket
- All About the Happy Planner
Sarah Goldberg
Tuesday 5th of August 2014
Thanks for the mention! Pinned. - Sarah, While They Snooze
Cath
Tuesday 15th of July 2014
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!
Amy
Tuesday 15th of July 2014
You can get Sharpies from Target - and it depends on how many you buy! But they aren't too expensive :D
gahome2mom
Saturday 8th of March 2014
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.
marilize
Thursday 8th of May 2014
Where can I buy Sharpies in South Africa?