DIY: Pajama Inspired Cocoa Mugs

With Winter just around the corner, why not warm up someone you love with a set of these easy to create cocoa mugs? The pajama print is reminiscent of toasty flannel pajamas and the cocoa recipe included in this project is sure to be a hit with your family! Also, these mugs are simple enough to create that even the littlest members of the clan can participate with adult supervision.

For this project, you will need:

- Four to six, four inch coffee mugs (such as the ones found here at Ceramic Art Space)

- Several sheets of 7 Gypsies "Stripe Bleu" print paper (found in stores or online at Memory Villa)

- Mod Podge

- Small bowl

- A popsicle stick

- Bright red acrylic paint

- An artist's paintbrush

- Acrylic finishing spray

- Plenty of newspaper to cover your workspace

For the homemade cocoa, you will need:

- Three cups milk

- One cup chocolate chips

- One cup half and half

- Three quarters cup sugar

- Large saucepan

Begin your mug project by first washing and drying each ceramic piece thoroughly. Cover your workspace thoroughly with newspaper to make cleanup much easier. Fill the small bowl halfway with water and set aside.

Next, cut the 7 Gypsies "Stripe Bleu" print paper in strips large enough to wrap around the entire mug. Apply a generous amount of Mod Podge directly onto the ceramic. Set the print paper into the bowl of water and leave it for a few seconds, just until the paper quits curling and begins to "rest" on the top of the water.

Gently pluck the paper from the water and adhere to the ceramic. Add another generous amount of Mod Podge over the top of the paper and gently smooth with your fingers. Using the popsicle stick, smooth out any bubbles on the paper.

Repeat with the remaining four mugs and allow them to dry for two or three days until the Mod Podge has fully set. Next, with red acrylic paint and an artist's brush add the word "Cocoa" to each mug. Allow the paint to dry overnight before applying a coat of acrylic finishing spray. Remember, these are a very fun creation but when dry they are hand wash only!