Don't Throw Out Broken Mugs, Try This Whimsical DIY Project Instead

Whoops, it happened again. You broke another coffee mug, and it seems like the only option is to toss it in the trash. However, that is the last thing you should be doing — don't throw away a broken mug as there are all kinds of creative projects to give them new life. If you're someone who enjoys incorporating a touch of whimsy into your décor, you're going to love turning a broken mug into the perfect fairy garden. Unless you've been living in a secluded cottage in the woods, you've likely heard of fairy gardens. They're adorable, miniature settings that welcome fairies to come and visit them. People make them at the base of trees, in flower pots, and inside birdbaths.

Fairy gardens are all about intertwining your imagination with your crafting skills. Although some pull out all the stops and create elaborate worlds, you can build a magical environment simply out of a broken mug. Now, the mug can't be shattered by any means. But if just a piece or two broke off the side, it will work excellently for this DIY project. In addition to plants, you're also going to need teeny decorations to complete the garden. Consider using items like rocks, gems, acorns, shells, trinkets, or itty-bitty figurines to make it super charming. What matters most is that it melts your heart any time you look at it.

If your mug broke while there was coffee inside it, carefully wash the pieces with soap and warm water. Once dry, glue tiny rocks or shells along the section of the mug where it's broken. This is optional, but it will help hide the sharp edge. Next, fill the base of the mug with potting soil or dirt. Gently push the extra pieces of the mug down into the soil, creating a terrace-like structure in the soil. It should essentially divide the fairy garden into a couple of different areas. Add a little more dirt to the new section if needed.

Using your fingers, add a few teeny faux plants or flowers. If you'd like to use the real kind, it's a good idea to drill a drainage hole into the mug prior to the project, so that the plants are able to thrive. Here's where you can get extra imaginative. Decorate your garden with other objects you believe your fairy friends will like. Build a ladder out of sticks, make a path out of gems, or line the rim with bottle caps. You can even craft a small welcome sign.

Since you're working with a small vessel, you'll have to be selective with your décor. However, if you'd like to extend your world, simply set your mug on top of a plate or tray for more room. You can also add it to a larger fairy garden built in a flower pot. Place your fairy garden on a window sill or anywhere you need a whimsical accent in your home. It's a fun and relaxing activity for those who are young or young at heart. Not to mention, it really is a fantastic way to upcycle a broken mug.