I originally wrote this DIY tutorial for Mother’s Day this year, but you could make these letters all year round, and will also make a great Christmas present.
Using vintage plates and cups that have been chipped or cracked, you can create a lovely gift which they can display on a dressing table, mantelpiece or by hanging on a feature wall. These are fun to make and would look great made from their favourite china that is no longer good enough to use.
Top Tip:
Alternate mosaic letters with ones covered in vintage fabric or off-cuts of wallpaper to create contrast.
Materials:
- Wooden or cardboard letters which can be bought from craft shops
- Vintage china which is chipped or cracked.
- PVA glue
- Tile adhesive and grout
- Picture hanging D hooks to hang
- Paint
Equipment:
- Tile cutters or small hammer
- Paintbrush
- Tile adhesive comb or spatula
- Safety glasses
- Fine sandpaper
Step One:
Apply PVA glue to one side of the letter so the tile adhesive sticks better. Leave to dry.
Step Two:
Using the tile cutter or a hammer, break the ceramics into small pieces. Ensure you protect your eyes from splintering china. The broken pieces should be of various sizes and shapes with as much colour on each one as possible.
Step Three:
Apply the tile adhesive slowly onto small sections of the letter and start to apply the broken ceramic, remembering to leave small gaps for the grout. I have chosen to edge the letter in the edging from the plate to give definition to the sides. Don’t cover the whole letter with adhesive in one go as it will take time to choose the pieces you want and you don’t want it to dry out. When fully covered, leave to dry, until each piece is firmly stuck.
Step Four:
When dry, apply the grout over the whole area and leave for a few minutes to settle. Then, wipe the excess off with a damp cloth. Be careful not to get the area too wet especially if the letter is made from cardboard.
Step Five:
Prepare the sides by gently sanding any excess grout with fine sandpaper. Paint the sides and back with paint and leave to dry. If you want the letters to hang on a wall, fix picture hanging D rings to the back.
To make wallpaper letters, simply draw around the letter onto the back of the paper and carefully cut out. This can then be glued using the PVA to the front of the letter.
Kate x
