Although autumn usually arrives later where I live — I do live in Florida, after all — the last few days have felt cooler and breezier. That shift has me looking forward to fall, a change in mood from just a couple of weeks ago.
To embrace the season, I recently created a simple, cozy DIY for Tuts+ that evokes campfires and hot cocoa: a personalized DIY campfire enamel mug.
This project is an easy way to transform plain enamel mugs into thoughtful keepsakes. Add a short phrase, a name, a small illustration, or a simple doodle to make each mug unique. They’re especially fitting as holiday gifts for outdoorsy friends and family.
The technique for decorating these mugs is straightforward. There’s a useful trick I shared in the tutorial that helps when drawing on a curved surface, which makes lettering and small designs easier to execute cleanly.
Materials are minimal and the process is forgiving, making this a great project for beginners or anyone who wants to make personalized gifts quickly. With a few permanent or enamel-safe markers and some steady strokes, you can create charming, rustic-looking mugs perfect for chilly evenings.
These mugs also work well as part of a themed gift: pair one with a small tin of cocoa mix, a packet of instant coffee, or a reusable spoon for a ready-to-gift package. For a more personalized touch, include the recipient’s favorite outdoor activity or a short inside joke that will make them smile every time they use it.
Care-wise, consider labeling the bottom with washing instructions if you expect the mugs to be used often. Some marker finishes hold up to gentle hand washing better than dishwashers, so a note can help preserve your artwork.
Concept, photography, and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff.
Are you planning any camping trips this fall? Or will you make a few of these mugs to bring a bit of the outdoors into your home?