Easy DIY Gingerbread Decor from a Thrifted Mug

Gingerbread continues to be on trend for the holiday season, and I am all about it. The gingerbread decor trend is a festive way to embrace the spirit of the holidays. It takes inspiration from the classic gingerbread houses and treats, creating a whimsical, cozy vibe in home decor. Today I am sharing an easy hack from a thrifted mug to create an easy DIY gingerbread decor accent piece. 

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Inspiration for the Gingerbread Decor Mug

OK, who’s not crushing on the gingerbread collection at Pottery Barn? I’m obsessed, but it is on the spendy side so I decided to create my own piece, inspired by the Pottery Barn look. I love the neutral brown color combined with the simplicity of the white icing design of all the Pottery Barn pieces. That’s the look I’m going for here, and I am super happy with how it looks. Three bucks and homemade works for me!

When I saw this mug in a local thrift shoppe, I knew it would make the perfect foil for gingerbread inspired decor. I love the profile, which gives all the cafe au lait vibes and you can’t beat the price. This adds to my collection of DIYed gingerbread decor, which you can see here {faux tile gingerbread men DIY} and here {faux gingerbread houses DIY idea}. I have a few more gingerbread inspired projects coming your way this season, with a gingerbread styling in the curio cabinet in the kitchen to display all the nostalgic homespun decor.

How To Create your Own DIY Gingerbread Decor from a Thrifted Mug

Supplies

• 1 Over-Sized Mug
• Rustoleum Warm Caramel Spray Paint
• Puffy White Paint

Crafting Pro Tip: As I recommend with all my projects, read all the instructions through once and then re-read everything again. This way, you are familiar with everything you need and know what to expect.

Instructions

• Read instructions thoroughly and assemble all supplies & tools
• Remove any price tags or stickers from mug and clean thoroughly
• Using spray paint, coat mug liberally and allow to dry completely

• Once first coat of paint dries, repeat and coat mug thoroughly with a second coat
• Allow mug to dry fully (I always suggest to allow it to dry & cure overnight)
• With puffy paint, apply design on mug including dots, swirls, windows etc.

• Allow puffy paint design to fully set on mug before handling
• Voila! Enjoy your new adorable and affordable gingerbread decor accent

Warning: The spray paint is not food safe! This is purely a decorative accent piece and should NOT be used for food or drink consumption of any kind.

Tips & Tricks

The warm caramel color by Rustoleum is the perfect gingerbread color. I have used it on a few different projects, and it never disappoints. I am on my first can of spray paint still, so it goes a long way. Another can will be needed soon though, since I have a few more projects to complete. I cannot wait to share them with you!

Practice using the Puffy paint on a scratch piece of paper first to get the hang of drawing and determine your design options. I actually drew a few different sketches of ideas before I started to have somewhat of a plan. Although once you start applying the puffy paint on the finished piece, creativity might guide you. Have fun and make it yours. I used the Pottery Barn designs as a guide, but ultimately used what I also like and felt comfortable drawing (this girl knows her limitations).

Be patient when applying the puffy paint and allow to dry between applications. I inadvertendly smeared some spots. Also a major snafu almost caused me to scrap the whole project altogether. I was facetiming with my daughter, while I was allowing an application of the puffy paint to set… and the wind picked up outside… sending some dried flowers flying… scaring the dog outside. So much going on at once and…and I knocked over the mug messing up a layer of the puffy paint icing. Ugh!!! I wiped away as much as I could and reapplied and moved on and here we are.

Closing Thoughts

So I know gingerbread is having a big moment right now for holiday decor. I actually belong to a Facebook gingerbread group and so many folks find fantastic decor at Home Goods and Michaels, and Ross and Marshalls and so on. I have visited a handful of these retailers and have had zero luck. Zilch. Nothing. Nada. So what’s a girl to do? Create her own! I love crafting my own decor anyway, so it works for me, but it would be nice to find something in the wild. lol.

Hobby Lobby is the only place I saw somewhat of a gingerbread statement, but unfortunately the aisle was totally depleted, and most items sold out. I guess I am late to the game. If you are a gingerbread fan, but have a hard time finding pretty and affordable pieces too, then I hope this helps you make your own accent decor from a thrifted piece. It’s an economical and environmentally sound alternative, which I am all about. Follow along for more unique crafty inspiration. Thanks for being here friends.

Shopping the Easy DIY Gingerbread Decor Accent Look

• Rust-olueum Warm Caramel Spray Paint
• Tulip Puffy White Paint
• If DIY is not your thing, you might like this set of gingerbread mugs.

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