“Daddy’s Little Creatures” Fingerprint Mug

Somehow this year has flown by ridiculously quickly and we are right around the corner from Father’s Day already.  I will be the first to admit that my guy is pretty spoiled and doesn’t have much on his wish list, so I like to have the kids hand make gifts for him (like this handprint baseball).  It not only teaches them that the best gifts can not be bought at the store, but it reminds them that their artwork and love is priceless and the best gift that we could ask for.  This adorable “Daddy’s little creatures” fingerprint mug took just under an hour, from start to finish (most of that time was while it was baking) and cost less than $5.

Supplies

enamel or multi surface paint

mug

oil based permanent marker

I made sure to get some enamel paint, which is specifically made for glass and is dishwasher safe.  This stuff is awesome.  You can cure it by air drying or baking (I chose baking…who has the patience to wait 21 days for it to air cure?!).

My kiddos spent a couple minutes online looking at ideas for their fingerprint creature.  Once they had decided on which one they wanted to use we grabbed a stamp ink pad and I let them practice on paper to make sure that they knew exactly how they needed to place their little fingers.  I highly suggest letting your child practice first!!!

Then we dove in head first and applied our painted fingers!  I had my kids dip their finger in the paint, then dab it a couple of times onto the paper plate so they didn’t have globs of paint on the mug.

Don’t be afraid if your fingerprints look like strange blobs at first.  It’s amazing what a little permanent marker can do.  Above and below you can see the difference with our ant and squirrel.

And here is our little chick before…

And after…

To cure by baking, set the mug in a cold oven and heat to 350*.  Bake for 30 minutes, then allow the mug to cool in the oven.

I used my kid’s favorite colors to mark them so my hubby will know whose creature is whose, but you can always use permanent marker to write the names and ages under the fingerprint.  I would absolutely suggest that you add the occasion and the date to the bottom of the mug at the very least, so that years from now, your hubby will remember when and why you gifted him such a sweet mug.

I used my permanent marker and added “Daddy’s Little Creatures” to complete the gift (all permanent marker should be added before baking as it needs to cure as well).  I’ve gotta say, I love this.  It is so much more fun and thoughtful than your standard “World’s Best Dad” mug that you just pick up at the store.

What are you making/gifting for Father’s Day?