• Turn an ordinary mug into something special, with a little paint.Mug Or Cup image by MrGreenBug from Fotolia.com
  
  Painting a mug is a fast way to make a gift for someone special. Ceramic stores offer individuals the chance to paint their own mugs, plates, vases and other pieces with any design of their choosing. The main problem with these stores is they’re fairly expensive. You’ll often find that it’s far cheaper and easier to buy blank mugs and paint your own design in the comfort of your own home.
  
  

To-Do List

• Make a mug with its own "To-Do" list on the front by painting the mug in a pale yellow color, similar to the color of a legal pad. Alternatively, leave the mug white and draw the design on the front. Use masking tape, which peels off easily, to create even spaces around the mug. Wrap the tape around the mug and then wrap a second piece above that, leaving a gap in the middle. Paint blue lines on the mug, using the spaces between the tape. Once the paint dries, number your lines with a paint pen and use the pen to write “To-Do List” at the top.
  
  

Hangman Mug

• Create a Hangman mug by first painting your mug in your favorite color. Let the paint dry and use paint pens to draw the hangman’s noose and stand. Write "Hangman" on the top of the mug and all 26 letters of the alphabet on the side to cross off as you play, and then seal the mug against water. After the mug dries, slip a dry-erase marker inside. You can play Hangman on the mug with the dry-erase marker and it will easily wipe off when you’re done.
  
  

Splatter Mug

• A splatter mug gives you the chance to go wild and use as many colors as you like. Start by covering your work space with old newspapers or an old cloth to protect against the paint. Dip your paintbrush directly into one color of paint and fling it at the cup. Repeat with different colors and seal when you’re finished.
  
  

Tic-Tac-Toe Board

• Use black paint to paint a Tic-Tac-Toe board directly on your mug. You need two horizontal lines and two vertical lines, crossing to create nine separate spaces. Write the name of the game across the top of the mug and seal to protect the mug and the user. Include a dry-erase marker for playing on the mug.