Upcycle Old Coffee And Tea Mugs Into A Gorgeous Display Tray With A Creative DIY

Coffee and tea mugs tend to pile up at the back of the cupboard. Distant relatives gift them for Christmas, events give out personalized cups as freebies, you can't resist a really cute collection when it goes on sale. Whatever the reason, there is always a surplus. But what if you could turn those old mugs into something you actually cherish? Don't toss old or broken coffee mugs — use them to create a unique statement decor piece. You can kill two birds with one stone by upcycling them as decorations for a plain or aging display tray. Smash the cups into little pieces that you can then organize into gorgeous mosaics, setting them in place with tile adhesive and tile grout. 

This is a simple project, perfect for beginning DIYers who want to dabble in mosaics. You can customize the look based on the mugs you choose. Use the project to preserve a special mug that you break accidentally, or simply choose mugs from the thrift store that have unique designs. The pieces don't have to be a specific shape or size since they'll be applied rather spontaneously, and you don't have to create specific designs with the pieces (unless you want to, of course). Dish materials and finishes also won't be much of a concern because this tray will primarily be used inside and won't need to be weather-resistant. The only thing you need to be mindful of is the thickness of the different mugs. Mixing thin porcelains with thick ceramics might look interesting at first, but it will turn into a nightmare come grouting time.

For this craft, grab an old tray from your home, or scour thrift stores for cheap tray options. You can also pick up extra mugs that don't have any sentimental attachment, or get out those old mugs you haven't touched in years. Prep the surface of the tray by removing any damaged overlays with a scraper tool, and smooth out the surface with sandpaper or a sanding sponge. Common mistakes you're making when sanding wood projects can be avoided by being thorough and consistent across the entire tray surface. When you're done, clean the surface. Tack cloths are an inexpensive tool to fight hard-to-reach dust. As for grease, a white cloth and a gentle cleaner like dish soap or mineral spirits will do the job. 

To safely crack your mugs, wrap them in a towel before hammering. If you think you'll be doing more mosaic projects, invest in a wheeled glass nipper for more precise cutting. Before laying down your art, test a few layouts so you have a general idea where each piece will be placed. You'll want to cover the tray's surface. You might also paint or stain the sides of the tray to coordinate with the mosaic pieces. 

With a trowel, spread tile adhesive on the tray one small area at a time, attaching the cracked dishes as you go. After it dries, go in with tiling grout. Spread it evenly across all of the pieces, covering every little gap. Don't worry, this peanut-butter-like mix is supposed to go all over the surface. Remove the excess grout and clean with a damp sponge. After 24 hours, use a damp scrub brush to wipe off any residue, and you're done. Congratulations, you've just turned clutter into gold!