The humble Sharpie: a marker that’s as ubiquitous as it is versatile. While it might be a go-to for school notes and grocery lists, Sharpies hold a surprising amount of artistic potential.
With a permanent ink flow and a vast array of colors, they can be used to create stunning art projects on a variety of surfaces.
So, ditch the boring and unleash your inner artist with these 20 Sharpie art projects, ranging from beginner-friendly to creatively adventurous!
Functional Flair
Sharpie Mugs:
Personalize your morning mug with inspirational quotes, intricate designs, or even portraits (just be sure to use mugs labeled for heat-safe ink).
Decorated Coasters:
Protect your furniture and add a pop of color with Sharpie-designed coasters. Use rubbing alcohol to create a watercolor effect, or draw intricate mandalas.
Spruce Up Storage:
Plain storage jars become works of art with Sharpie labels. Write names of spices, create pantry organization labels, or decorate them with whimsical patterns.
Canvas Shoes Transformation:
Breathe new life into old canvas shoes. Paint a galaxy scene, draw geometric patterns, or unleash your inner pop artist with bold colors. Seal your design with a fabric protector for extra durability.
Phone Case Makeover:
A clear phone case becomes a blank canvas for your Sharpie creativity. Draw your favorite characters, create a collage of patterns, or write inspirational messages.
Home Decor Delights
Dotted Delight Flower Pots:
Transform plain terracotta pots into vibrant planters with a Sharpie “polka-dot” treatment. You can create a uniform pattern or a more whimsical, scattered look.
Stained Glass Magic:
Turn plain glass jars or picture frames into beautiful “stained glass” art. Use a variety of Sharpie colors to create intricate geometric patterns or floral designs.
Galaxy in a Jar:
Create a mesmerizing miniature galaxy inside a jar. Use a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol to blend colors and create a swirling effect.
Dreamcatchers with Flair:
Personalize a dreamcatcher with Sharpie designs. Draw symbols for protection, good dreams, or anything that speaks to you.
Wind Chime Symphony:
Recycle empty coffee cans and CDs. Paint or decorate the CDs with Sharpies and string them together for a colorful and musical wind chime.
Artful Expressions
Rock Art Revolution:
Find smooth pebbles on your next walk and transform them into mini canvases. Paint animals, faces, or inspiring messages. These make great conversation starters or desk decorations.
Abstract Explorations:
Let loose and create abstract art on canvas or paper. Experiment with blending colors, using different Sharpie tip sizes, and creating bold strokes.
Doodling Delight:
Keep a dedicated “doodle journal” and fill it with your Sharpie creations. Doodles can be abstract, representational, or a mix of both.
Zentangle Tranquility:
Learn the art of Zentangle, a structured doodling method that creates mesmerizing patterns. Sharpies are perfect for the intricate lines and repetitive shapes involved.
Comic Book Creation:
Develop your own comic strip with Sharpies! Sketch characters, create speech bubbles, and design page layouts for a unique and personal story.
Beyond the Paper
Tie-Dye with a Twist:
Use Sharpies for a more controlled tie-dye effect on white fabric. Draw patterns directly onto the fabric before dyeing, creating a unique and vibrant design.
Sharpie Marbling:
Create beautiful marbled patterns on paper or fabric with Sharpie ink and rubbing alcohol. Drip ink colors onto a shallow dish filled with alcohol, then gently lay your paper or fabric on top to capture the swirling design.
Shrinky Dink Delights:
Turn your Sharpie drawings into miniaturized charms with Shrinky Dink plastic. Draw on the plastic, bake according to package instructions, and watch your designs shrink into tiny masterpieces.
Sharpie Leather Art:
Embellish leather wallets, phone cases, or keychains with Sharpie designs. This is a great way to personalize a store-bought item or create a unique gift.
Wood Burning with a Twist:
While Sharpie isn’t a true wood-burning tool, it can be used to create a similar effect on light-colored wood. Draw your design with a Sharpie and then carefully “burn” over the lines with a heated tool (use caution and proper adult supervision).
Sharpie Art Tips and Tricks:
- Test on Scrap Material: Before diving into your final project, always test your Sharpie on a scrap piece of material to ensure the ink adheres properly and doesn’t bleed.
- Sealing the Deal: For projects that will see a lot of wear and tear, consider sealing your Sharpie art with a clear acrylic sealer spray. This will help prevent fading and smudging.
- Layering Like a Pro: Sharpie ink can be layered for richer colors and depth. Start with lighter shades and gradually build up darker tones.
- The Magic of Rubbing Alcohol: Rubbing alcohol is a great tool for creating watercolor effects with Sharpies. Draw your design, then lightly dab with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol to blend and soften the colors.
- Embrace the Imperfections: Sharpie art is all about creativity and self-expression. Don’t worry about making perfect lines or achieving a polished look. Embrace the imperfections and let your personality shine through.
Sharpie Art Inspiration:
- Online Galleries: Explore online platforms like Pinterest and Instagram for endless Sharpie art inspiration. Search for specific project ideas or browse general categories like “Sharpie art” or “Sharpie crafts.”
- Art Museums: Museums aren’t just for traditional art forms. Many contemporary artists utilize markers and other non-traditional media in their work. Seeing how artists use bold lines and colors can spark creativity for your own Sharpie projects.
- Coloring Books for Adults: Adult coloring books offer pre-made designs that can be a great starting point for Sharpie art. Experiment with different color combinations and techniques to create unique interpretations of the designs.
Fun with Friends and Family:
- Sharpie Party: Host a Sharpie party! Invite friends and family over, provide a variety of Sharpie colors and materials, and let the creativity flow.
- Community Art Projects: Use Sharpies to create collaborative art projects in your community. Paint a mural on a local wall, decorate public benches, or organize a Sharpie art competition at a local festival.
- Gifts from the Heart: Handmade gifts are always special. Use Sharpies to personalize mugs, phone cases, or picture frames for your loved ones.
The Final Stroke
Sharpies are a versatile and accessible art tool that can be used to create stunning and unique projects. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, there’s a Sharpie art project waiting to unleash your creativity. So, grab your favorite Sharpie colors, explore these ideas, and get ready to make your mark on the world (or at least your notebook)!
