How To Turn A Broken Mug Into Adorable Bookshelf Decor

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A broken mug doesn't have to mean the end of your favorite coffee companion. In a TikTok posted by @sqydstudios, the shattered ceramic mug gets a clever second life as a striking piece of home decor. Instead of tossing it into the trash, the creator covers the broken edges with preserved moss and outfits the inside with tiny furniture and other decor to look like a whimsical room fit for a fairy. The result is a minimalist, sculptural statement piece that keeps waste out of the landfill and is perfect for styling a bookshelf or desk.

In order to bring this fairy reading nook to life, the first thing you'll need is the broken mug itself. The project will work best with a large mug that is broken in a way where the majority of the mug is intact. But there should be a section broken off that allows you to see the inside of the mug. It also doesn't hurt if the mug has a whimsical design or pattern on the exterior that you can use to inspire the interior decor. In addition to the broken mug, you'll need a strong glue like E6000 Adhesive that can be used for mixed media, as well as preserved moss, which can be found at craft stores like Michael's. And finally, you'll need some tiny furniture and decor to bring the interior to life.

Since your broken mug likely has sharp edges, the first step you'll want to take is dulling them for safe handling while you craft. You can do this for very little money by using something like this YNZDRWA Sanding Sponge. For an even more precise sanding, add a rotary tool to your collection of home improvement gadgets for less than $20 with this WEN Rotary Tool Kit from Amazon.

Once the edges are smooth, decide if you want to customize the mug exterior or leave it as-is. Use acrylic paint for an easy and affordable way to bring your own personality to the project. Whether you embrace the original creator's strawberry theme or make it completely your own with a unique color scheme, let it dry completely before moving onto the tiny interior details.

While you could source tiny furniture and decor from sellers on a site like Etsy, the best way to ensure everything fits in your exact mug is to make it yourself. And a fun, budget-friendly way to do that is by using air dry or oven-bake clay. Here you can really let your creativity shine — design your ideal room with some seating, a table, a fun lamp, and truly whatever else you want to be there. Once the clay items are dry or baked, use your glue to secure everything in place. Then, make finishing touches on the outside by gluing moss along the broken mug edges.

Fairy-core aesthetic not your vibe? Don't fret: There are other ways to upcycle old coffee and tea mugs into bookshelf decor that matches your style. If your broken mug is split cleanly or has minor cracks, consider embracing the ancient Japanese art of kintsugi, a creative way to reuse broken dishes in your home, which highlights rather than hides imperfections. This method involves repairing ceramics with epoxy mixed with metallic powders — typically gold — to celebrate the piece's history and flaws. Several at-home kits are available online, making this a doable weekend project that adds a story-rich piece to your shelf display. Once your mug is all patched up, use it on your bookshelf as a storage container for paperclips, matches, incense sticks, or a bouquet of dried flowers. You can even make your own soy candles and use the repaired drinkware as a vessel. 

Another easy transformation for a broken mug is to turn it into a petite planter. Whether it's missing a handle or has a hairline crack, mugs make great homes for small succulents or trailing vines like string of pearls. If the mug doesn't have a drainage hole, simply add a layer of pebbles or activated charcoal under the soil to help with moisture control. These mini planters add texture and greenery in a size perfect for bookshelf styling.