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DIY 5 minute decal transfer on a coffee mug – learn how to quickly decorate your coffee mugs with your favorite images and make your mornings more chic and beautiful
I still can’t believe that half of November has already gone and we are rapidly approaching that time of the year! I’m still trying to get used to fall … and my Pinterest is already dressed up for the holidays!? When did that happen? :)
We had some pretty cold and rainy days around here and I didn’t feel like doing much. I needed a break from everything and I took a short (mostly social media) break to clear my head a little bit. Do you feel like taking a break from social media now and then? I needed one desperately.
I enjoyed my break whole-heartedly, resting, reading, watching movies, coloring and sipping hot drinks with Mr. Dreamy! :) One of the things I love about fall is the feeling of coziness it gradually provides when you only need those heart warming hot drinks and soups to cope with the ugly weather outside.
I love my coconut oil coffee but I’m obsessing over turmeric golden milk lately! And I accidentally discovered that you can make your own Earl Grey tea latte (London Fog) at home when I found a bag of Earl Grey tea that our friends from UK brought us. Have you tried any of them? They are too good not to share! :)
And speaking of new hot drinks, why not enjoy them in some pretty mugs, right? :) You already know how much I love using decals and how much I love the graphics from The Graphics Fairy! So this time I used an old French postcard, with stamps and everything and created a 5 minute decal transfer on a coffee mug. Quick, easy and beautiful, my favorite type of project! :) 
DIY 5 minute decal transfer on a coffee mug
I already shared with you all about waterslide decal paper transfers with lots of step by step images, examples on how to use them and many tricks and tips, so I’m not going into much details again.
But you can pretty much see the whole process in the pictures below, it was that quick and easy! :)
You simply print the image on the decal paper (I usually print multiple images so I don’t waste an inch of this precious paper), cut it using your scissors, put it in water (yes, you only need water!) and apply it on the mug by simply sliding the white paper underneath. Then you remove the air bubbles using a paper towel … and you’re done! :)
I just love this type of small projects that help you add a little bit of chicness into your every day life! Make one, two (or twenty) mugs for your home … and your new amazing mornings! :) Make some for your family and friends, with your favorite images (or theirs), the sky is the limit here, my friends!
They would make such an amazing gift for any special occasion, don’t you think?
And speaking of favorite images … to make things easier for you I created a printable with not only ONE, but TWO AH-MAZING postcard images so you can decorate some chic Frenchified mugs yourself!
I’m sharing the printable over at The Graphics Fairy (as part of our super exciting collaboration, yuhuuu!!!) so make sure you grab your digital copy too! I’m thrilled about having the chance to share on Karen’s blog these printables, because I’m in love with her graphics ever since the beginning … of all decorating times! :)
Don’t forget to pin for later and share! ↷
And if you have any questions, just leave them below:)
LATER EDIT 1
I’ve used the same transfer technique to decorate another chic French mug, that I usually use for large lattes in the morning! :) This Earl Grey Tea Latte (with a secret ingredient) is still my current obsession, you have to give it a try!
Because this mug has a curvy shape, I cut the decals into smaller pieces – diagonally, around the writing – and applied them gradually, one by one.
And this START TODAY coffee mug … you can download the printable and learn how to make it here –> Start Today 5 Minute Decal Transfer
LATER EDIT 2
Where to buy the waterslide decal paper?
I usually use the waterslide decal paper from Forever (suitable for laser printers) if you find this type of paper, I really encourage you to use it, I had the most amazing results with it so far!
UPDATE:
I finally found a company in the US that sells the exact type of paper I’m using from Forever! I even contacted them … and they confirmed! Yoohoo! :)
You can find them on Amazon, here is the link –> waterslide decal paper for laserjet printers.
If you can’t find this exact type of paper, I’m listing below a few similar products (affiliate links), for your convenience.
I haven’t used them myself, just remember to always check the manufacturer’s instructions before buying and applying the decal paper, most of them recommend different ways of applying this type of paper.
WATERSLIDE DECAL PAPER
- Waterslide Decal Paper 10 Sheets Pack, Clear or White, Inkjet or Laser Printer
- Laser Waterslide Decal Paper WHITE 10 Sheets Package
- Waterslide Decal Paper, Clear For Inkjet Printer, 10 Sheets
LATER EDIT 3
Here are a few FAQ from my readers (and my answers) that you might find helpful:
Q: I imagine these should be washed by hand and wouldn’t hold up well in the dishwasher?
A: In this form, the mugs will have to be hand washed and treated more gently, like a unique item made by you! :)
You will have to fire them in a kiln to make them dishwasher safe, if one would think of making things professionally.
________
Q: Love your idea. Wonder if you could seal with dishwasher safe Mod Podge?
A: Glad you like it! The only thing I know it works for sure is a kiln, a special oven that fires the image into the surface. But a kiln can get pricey :)
I haven’t used Mod Podge myself, but if you do, please let me know if it works.
________
Q: I wanted to try some decal paper on glass and mugs but I always had the fear the water and cleaning might ruin them. Does the decal holds well? Did you add any varnish to protect?
A: You will have to wash the mug by hand with warm water, the decals won’t hold in a dishwasher or if using high temperatures when hand washing it. As far as I’ve learned so far, only a kiln will make the decals dishwasher safe.
I haven’t used any varnish to seal the decals on porcelain (I only use varnish when I apply decals on wood or a painted surface), but I sometimes burn them in my oven to better fix them on glass or porcelain. You can check my TIPS AND TRICKS from the article I mentioned earlier – All about waterslide decal paper for more details.
Smile often,
Diana
If you make some projects inspired by any of my posts, please use them for personal use only. And don’t forget, on Instagram you can hashtag them using #bydreamsfactory or tag me using @bydreamsfactory. Have fun! :)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links so you can easily find the products I love. See more of my favorites {HERE}.
Sharing with lovely people at these awesome parties.
Sharon H
OH this is such a nice idea, and timely too. I’m going to be be getting home from knee replacement around Dec 7th and won’t be able to do much more Christmas stuff by then. This would be a great project to work on while I’m recuperating, thanks! And yes, please…..I love Earl Grey tea so I’m looking forward to that recipe!
Diana / Dreams Factory
Glad you like it, Sharon, this would be a great project to try while recuperating!
I hope everything goes well with your knee replacement and you’ll get well soon!
Randi
What a fun/cute idea! I have just begun playing around with image transfers and so far I love it. Will have to try this technique too!
Diana / Dreams Factory
I’m a huge fan of decorating just about everything with my favorite images, I know what you mean! :)
Danyelle
I imagine these should be washed by hand and wouldn’t hold up well in the dishwasher?
Diana / Dreams Factory
In this form, the mugs will have to be hand washed and treated more gently, like a unique item made by you! :)
You will have to fire them in a kiln to make them dishwasher safe, if one would think of making things professionally.
Mary Beth
Such a beautiful mug! I love this technique and can’t wait to try it. Thanks for the inspiration. xo
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thank you, Mary Beth! Can’t wait to see yours! :)
Jann
So beautiful! Love the idea. If only it could be done on plates too.
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thank you so much, Jann!
You can use this technique to decorate almost any surface, including plates – as long as they are used for decorative purposes.
Make sure you check the article I mentioned in the post for more inspiration.
Frani
Love your idea. Wonder if you could seal with dishwasher safe Mod Podge?
Diana / Dreams Factory
Glad you like it, Frani!
The only thing I know it works for sure is a kiln, a special oven that fires the image into the surface. But a kiln can get pricey :)
I haven’t used Mod Podge myself, but if you do, please let me know if it works.
Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique
Another gorgeous project Diana. Thank you for linking it up to Shabbilicious Friday. Loved the fall inspiration post too!! I’m delighted to be featuring your sweet postcard coffee mug at tomorrow’s party.
Hugs xxx
Vanessa
What a great project. I love to make some of these as gifts and pass them out. Thank you for sharing at Dishing it and Digging it link party. It’s great having you and hope to see you again this coming Sunday.
Sandra L Garth
Tumeric milk is my favorite these days and I need a pretty mug for it. Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, have a great weekend.
Susan
I LOVE this idea. This year with a tight budget, this might make cute holiday gifts for some family friends. Thank you for sharing.
Cynthia Chilson Finger
Your mugs are lovely! I’m wondering if the local art studio would let me rent their kiln. They’re so pretty I would want to use them every day. Thanks for sharing, Cynthia
Katrin
This is such a fun idea and I had no idea it was so easy!! Looks amazing! Thank you so much for sharing at Sweet Inspiration this week!!
Katrin
Diana, I love the mug so much, I will feature it at our Sweet Inspiration Party tomorrow!!
Pili
Love that mug Diana! I wanted to try some decal paper on glass and mugs but I always had the fear the water and cleaning might ruin them. Does the decal holds well? Did you add any varnish to protect?
Diana / Dreams Factory
I’m happy you like it, Pili!
You will have to wash the mug by hand with warm water, the decals won’t hold in a dishwasher or if using high temperature when hand washing the mug. As far as I’ve learned so far, only a kiln will make the decals dishwasher safe.
I haven’t used any varnish to seal the decals on porcelain (I only use varnish when I apply decals on wood or a painted surface) , but I sometimes burn them in my oven to better fix them on glass or porcelain. You can check my TIPS AND TRICKS from the article I mentioned in this post All about waterslide decal paper’ for more details.
Hope that helps! :)
Michelle
So many possibilities, wow Debra, thank you. The graphic you used is one of my favorites too. If you don’t mind me asking, how does the decal hold up after washing?
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled
I’m eager to check out your transfer tutorial. Looks easy and definitely would make for fun gift ideas! Visiting from Sweet Inspiration party.
Melanie - Bellenza
This would make a lovely teacher gift for the holidays! Spotted this as a feature on Sweet Inspiration #35 link party.
Debbi Haynes-Jacintho
Oh my goodness, these are so lovely !! Can you please tell me where you got the postcard graphic you used for your transfer ??
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thank you, Debbi! Now you can download the postcard graphic I used for this project (plus another beautiful one), you can check the updated posts for details.
rk
Lovely mugs indeed! Simple and classic! I followed the link to transfer paper but they don’t show prices. Also, I searched for ink jet transfer papers but I found only this: http://www.forever-ots.com/product-category/transfer-media/ink-jet-printers/ This doesn’t look like decal paper, it may be just image transfer like iron on transfers. Please provide a link directly to inkjet decal paper if possbible. Sorry but I didn’t find the site very friendly to find products/prices. Thanks in advance.
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thank you, Rk!
I buy their products from a local distributor in my country, I cannot help you with more info regarding their online prices.
You will have to contact them directly if you need more details, maybe you could leave them a message on social media or write them an email?
Pam
Hi I love this mug. Where did you find the mug itself? The shape is beautiful.
Michael Copson
Coffee mug is a good for presentation, it is stylish and sophisticated. I preferred that and I really think that can impress people easily.
Danny Hyslop
When applying decals this way, I use a spray sealant which takes about ten minutes to dry and usually provides long lasting results.
Angela Maciel
WOAH! This is such a nice idea and full of creativity.. Thanks for sharing gonna try this out
Carey
Love love love the decal mug. Where did you get the mug itself? It’s the perfect shape for the decal!
Diana / Dreams Factory
Carey, I know what you mean, I’m still in love with that mug!
I might have bought it from a local supermarket, I’m always keeping an eye open for pretty cups and mugs that can be decorated with decals! :)
Sienna
Did you create the decal yourself? If you did, how did you do it? Do you use a particular program? It looks so realistic and pretty. I would like to know because I want to try making personalized mugs for Christmas this year, but have no idea on how to go about making decal designs.
Diana / Dreams Factory
Most of the time I make the decals myself, Sienna.
I use Photoshop both for editing my images and creating the designs. Maybe you could give it a try with some free fonts that you love from dafont.com.
You can also use Picmonkey or Canva to create the designs – online editing programs that offer a few templates that can be used as starting points.
Hope that helps :)
Jamie
I really Love this Coffe mug
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thank you, Jamie! I love it too! :)
Catherine William
Coffee Mug looking stunning in decals. I love the ideas and your creativity. I really appreciate your effort, I just install custom window decals and it also looks stunning. I surely buy this mug, Thanks!!!
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thank you so much, Catherine! So happy you like my projects!
Timothy Smith
Wow!
Beautiful mugs.
Diana / Dreams Factory
Happy you like them, Timothy!