Looking for the perfect wedding gift for the happy couple? This guide shows you how to bedazzle a pair of Mr & Mrs mugs with Serinity non-hotfix flatback crystals, for a stunning, personalised present that will be cherished for years. It is a fun, creative way to add glamour to an everyday item.
It is an easy, beginner-friendly project. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Time: 1 to 2 hours, plus 24 hours to cure
- Crystals used: Serinity flatbacks in Crystal Golden Shadow, sizes SS7, SS9, SS12 and SS16
- Best crystal type: Non-hotfix flatbacks, glue-set to the mugs
Watch the tutorial
See this project come together. Watch the full make below, then scroll down for the kit list and step-by-step instructions.
What you'll need
Quantities suit a calligraphy design across a pair of mugs, so scale to yours. Add the crystals, glue and tools to your cart from the cards below. The picker and tray in our tools and accessories range are reusable across every project.
- Mugs of your choice (your own)Your base, see note below1 pair
- Serinity Non-Hotfix Flatbacks SS7, Crystal Golden ShadowThin lettering50
- Serinity Non-Hotfix Flatbacks SS9, Crystal Golden ShadowLettering50
- Serinity Non-Hotfix Flatbacks SS12, Crystal Golden ShadowThicker strokes25
- Serinity Non-Hotfix Flatbacks SS16, Crystal Golden ShadowThickest strokes25
- E6000 Plus Glue KitAdhesive with syringe1
- Wax Crystal Picker PenPlacing crystals1
- Magic Sorting TrayOrganising sizes1
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
From £2.47 Excl. VAT
£1.95 Excl. VAT
£5.12 Excl. VAT
£9.53 Excl. VAT
Not sure how many crystals you need? Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by surface area.
How to bedazzle Mr & Mrs mugs
Step 1: Gather your supplies and prepare the mugs
Wipe any dust off the mugs with a damp cloth and let them dry. Tip your crystals into the sorting tray, keeping each size to hand.
Step 2: Prepare the glue
Fill the glue syringe with enough E6000 for your project. The neatest way is to put the end of the syringe inside the nozzle of the glue tube and pull the plunger while gently squeezing the tube, which transfers the glue with minimal mess and air.
Step 3: Guard against air bubbles
If a small air bubble forms in the syringe, hold it upright so the bubble floats to the top, then gently push the plunger until only glue remains. Fit the needle tip to finish.
Step 4: Plan your design
Follow the calligraphy or wording on the front of the mugs with your crystals, ranging across the sizes. You can use any design and follow the same steps, though quantities will vary.
Step 5: Apply the glue
Pipe a thin layer of glue along the writing and leave it for five to ten minutes to get tacky. Take care not to use too much, or it may run, and work in small sections, since a mug is a curved, three-dimensional surface.
Step 6: Place the crystals
Use the wax picker to place the Golden Shadow crystals, keeping them close together with as few gaps as possible. Start with the size that best matches the thickness of the lettering, for us SS7, and once that fills the stroke proportionally, switch up or down through the four sizes to follow the font.
Step 7: Leave to dry
Tidy the edges with a little isopropyl alcohol if needed, then leave the mugs to dry overnight. Allow a full 24 hours to cure before the first use.
Frequently asked questions
How do you bedazzle a mug?
Clean the mug, then pipe a thin line of glue along your design and place flatback crystals on with a wax picker. Because a mug is curved, work in small sections so the glue does not run, keep the crystals close together, and let them cure fully before the mug is used or washed.
How do you follow lettering or calligraphy with crystals?
Match the crystal size to the thickness of the writing. Start where the lettering is thinnest with a small size such as SS7, fill along the stroke, then switch up or down through the sizes as the calligraphy gets thicker or thinner, so the crystals follow the shape neatly.
Can you wash a rhinestone mug?
Hand wash only, in cold water, and never put it in the dishwasher, as heat and harsh cycles will loosen the glue. Let the mug cure fully, around 24 hours, before its first wash or use, and keep the crystals below the rim so you never drink over them.
What glue works on a ceramic mug?
A strong, flexible adhesive like E6000. Clean and dry the mug first, apply a thin layer, and let it sit for five to ten minutes until tacky before placing crystals on the smooth, curved surface so they grip rather than slide.
How many crystals do I need and which sizes?
It depends on your design and lettering. This pair used Crystal Golden Shadow in SS7, SS9, SS12 and SS16 to follow the calligraphy. Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by area, and order a little extra to allow for mistakes.
Can I change the colour?
Yes, match the couple's style or your theme. We used elegant Crystal Golden Shadow. These are our own Austrian-made Serinity flatbacks; you can also use premium Swarovski, Czech-made Preciosa or budget Estella.
Make it your own
Personalise the wording, add a date, or match the couple's colours. For more celebration sparkle, see our crystal champagne bottle and Stanley cup projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
