How to Use Acrylic Markers Beyond Paper and Canvas
You might not be the artsy friend. You might think you can’t draw. But creativity doesn’t need to begin with a blank page. It can start with a chipped vase, a favourite baseball cap, a smooth stone picked up on a walk, or a skateboard deck waiting for a new look.
Sometimes creativity is less about making something from scratch and more about seeing an everyday object differently.
If you've ever wondered how to use acrylic markers beyond paper or canvas, the answer might be closer than you think.
Acrylic markers make it possible to work directly onto the objects around you, adding colour, line, pattern, and personality without needing a full studio setup. Unlike traditional craft markers, acrylic markers contain highly pigmented acrylic paint, making them suitable for a wide range of surfaces and creative styles.
Whether you're looking to personalise something you already own, create a thoughtful handmade gift, or simply try a new way of making art, here are three approachable projects to get you started.
Transform a Glass Vase into a Handmade Gift
Glass might not be the first surface that comes to mind when you think about painting, but acrylic markers work beautifully on smooth, non-porous surfaces.
A plain vase, recycled jar, or glass vessel can quickly become a one-of-a-kind decorative object with just a few simple marks. Try loose botanical motifs, colourful geometric shapes, playful line work, or abstract patterns inspired by your favourite colours.
Before You Begin
Before you begin, clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dust, fingerprints, or oils. If you're planning a more detailed design, sketching ideas on paper first can help you experiment with composition before moving to the glass itself.
One of the joys of working on glass is the way transparency becomes part of the design. You can leave areas untouched, layer colours, or create bold blocks of shape that interact with light throughout the day. Simple motifs such as flowers, leaves, dots, and repeating patterns often work beautifully on curved surfaces.
Finished pieces make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, teachers, Father's Day, or anyone who appreciates something handmade. For added durability, consider sealing your design with an appropriate varnish once the paint has fully cured.
Sometimes all a surface needs is a little colour to feel entirely new.
Personalise a Cap, Tote Bag, or Canvas Pouch
Acrylic markers aren't limited to hard surfaces. Fabric accessories like baseball caps, tote bags, and canvas pouches offer a fun opportunity to create something you'll actually use.
Rather than aiming for a perfect illustration, think about simple ways to make an item feel more personal. A favourite phrase, a repeating pattern, abstract shapes, stars, flowers, doodles, or bold graphic lettering can all work beautifully.
This project sits somewhere between art and design. You're not creating something to hang on a wall—you're creating something that becomes part of your everyday life.
If you're decorating a tote bag or pouch, place a piece of cardboard inside before you start. This helps prevent paint from transferring through the fabric and gives you a firmer surface to work on.
Start by sketching lightly if you prefer a plan, or dive straight in and let the design evolve as you go. Acrylic markers make it easy to build up colour gradually, add details, and create crisp lines without needing brushes, palettes, or additional equipment. Working in layers can help colours remain bright and defined, especially when creating bolder graphic designs.
Customising fabric items can also be a great group activity. Invite friends over, put on some music, and spend an afternoon transforming ordinary accessories into something uniquely your own.
Try Rock Painting for a Low-Pressure Creative Project
If the idea of decorating a vase or wearable feels a little intimidating, rock painting offers a wonderfully simple place to begin.
All you need is a smooth stone and a few colours.
Because rocks are small, there's less pressure to create something elaborate. They invite experimentation, whether that's simple patterns, colourful dots, abstract shapes, tiny landscapes, lettering, or miniature illustrations.
Choosing the Right Pebbles
Look for smooth, relatively flat pebbles, which provide an easy surface to work on. Start by sketching your design lightly with a grey or white pencil, depending on the colour of the stone. Once you're happy with the layout, use your acrylic markers to build up colour, adding outlines and details as you go.
Rock painting can be surprisingly meditative. The curved surface encourages you to slow down, and the compact format makes it easy to finish a project in a single sitting.
How to Use Acrylic Markers Beyond Canvas
One of the best things about acrylic markers is how they encourage you to look at everyday objects differently.
A vase becomes a canvas. A tote bag becomes a design project. A rock becomes a miniature artwork. The possibilities don't stop there—frames, jars, decorative objects, skateboards, and found materials can all become surfaces for creative exploration.
You don't need a studio. You don't need years of experience. Sometimes all it takes is a marker, an object, and the willingness to see what's possible.
Want to Go Bigger? Try a Skateboard Deck
Some surfaces naturally invite bold ideas, and skateboards are one of them.
Whether you're customising an old deck or creating a completely original design, acrylic markers are a great way to combine illustration, colour, pattern, and personal expression on a larger scale. The durable surface lends itself to graphic artwork, layered designs, and striking visual statements.
Want to go further? Acrylic markers also work beautifully on skateboard decks, making them ideal for bold graphics, illustrations, and custom designs. Check out for our guide to creating your own skateboard art.
