A Plain Dollar Tree Mug Became a Tiny Snowy Village

A clear Dollar Tree mug gave me enough room for a winter scene: miniature decorations in a bed of faux snow, with a white snowflake rising above the rim. The same Sparkle Mod Podge also dressed up a plain plate with a Christmas printable. Both pieces are for display.

Make the frosted mug

I started with a clear mug and a pack of little Christmas miniatures from Dollar Tree. I brushed on Sparkle Mod Podge and added FloraCraft Diamond Dust for the frosted look. Plaid recommends thin coats of Sparkle Mod Podge and letting one coat turn clear before adding another.

A little Diamond Dust in the base became the snow around the miniature pieces. I placed the miniatures inside, then added a Dollar Tree snowflake. The photographs show the snowy scene from above and the finished mug on a vintage scale.

Diamond Dust is ground-glass glitter. Follow the package directions and FloraCraft’s advice to keep it away from children. Keep the decorated mug out of drinkware service.

Put the ornament printable on a decorative plate

Print the Christmas subway-art ornament design, cut out the shape, and secure it in the middle of a plain Dollar Tree plate with craft glue. I brushed a thin coat of Sparkle Mod Podge over the paper and plate and added a light dusting of Diamond Dust.

Let the finish dry before handling or setting the plate on a display stand. It makes a holiday gift for display, with no food served on the decorated surface. I had used the same sparkle finish earlier on a polka-dot Christmas vase.