Craft: Fun Mug

This is one of the many crafts in Craft Adaptations for Adults with Vision Impairments [1] (Revised 2007), the first publication in our New Independence! series, available for purchase in March 2007 as a download from the VisionAWARE web site.

[2]Season: All. Level: Beginner. No glue required. Inexpensive

Materials for Craft

• One plastic mug with acrylic sleeve
• One piece heavy bond paper or construction paper 3½" wide x 10" long (any color)
• One 2" x 12" plastic stencil (any pattern)
• Selection of permanent or paint markers
• Scissors
• Transparent tape (optional)

For Adaptation

• One 3½" x 10" cardboard or plastic template to fit the acrylic sleeve
• Five or six paper clips
• Tray or cup to hold markers
• Double-sided or masking tape
• Pre-cut magazine pictures
• Glue stick

Preparing Adapted Materials

• Cut a 3½" x 10" template from cardboard or plastic.
• Use double-sided or masking tape to stabilize the containers for paper clips and markers.
• Separate the markers by color and label with Braille, large print, or a tactual system.

Making the Craft

1. Remove and separate the plastic mug insert from the clear acrylic sleeve by grasping the entire mug at the base while twisting and pulling both sections apart.
2. Remove the pre-printed stencils that come with the mug. Save them for another project. (See Other Adaptations to Consider.)
3. Use paper clips to fasten the template to the heavy bond or construction paper.
4. Cut slowly around the template. Remove the paper clips from the template and paper.
5. Choose a stencil and identify the different shapes/designs in the stencil pattern. Select marker colors that will contrast with the paper and are appropriate for the stencil design that you have selected.
6. Place the stencil in the desired location on the paper. Use paper clips to fasten the stencil to the paper, making sure that the clips do not extend into the openings of the stencil pattern.
7. Color inside each stencil opening, working from left to right.
   Hint: First, outline each opening in the stencil pattern; then fill in each opening by using overlapping side-to-side strokes. Hold the stencil firmly to prevent it from slipping.
8. When the stencil pattern is completely filled in, remove the paper clips and place the stencil to one side. Keep the paper right side up.
9. Place the paper into the clear acrylic sleeve, making sure that the decorated side is facing outward. The paper seam should be aligned with the handle. If necessary, use a small piece of transparent tape to hold the paper in place.
10. Slide the plastic mug insert into the clear acrylic sleeve. Apply pressure until both sections lock together.
11. Your mug is ready to use! Be sure to check the care instructions on the box.

Other Adaptations to Consider

• Cutting around a template may be difficult for persons with arthritis or neuropathy. It may be necessary to provide assistance with this step.
• Do not use an art knife for cutting. This could prove especially dangerous to an individual with neuropathy.
• If it is difficult to feel the stencil outline, the craft can be adapted by using pre-cut magazine pictures and a glue stick to create a "collage" on the pre-printed liner paper that comes with the mug.