This DIY tile turned trivet project is SO easy – but looks so good!
Remember how Handy Hubby & I spent our fourth wedding anniversary in Budapest, ceramic painting with friends? Above are the fruits of my labour: two painted tiles. I picked something flat, easy to pack, and cheap (in case I ruined them). The ratty brushes and watery paint we were provided meant we were doomed to fail at any finer work, so despite all the sketches done the night before (I’m type A, even when I’m being artsy), I went the abstract route. The turquoise ended up more teal and the apple and mint green hardly showed up at all, but I still love them. They’re a sweet reminder of the trip. In Hungary they are sold to be mounted or framed for a wall art, but I’m using them as trivets.
This can also easily be done with decorative store bought tile (places like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore always have a great selection of tiles, usually priced per piece), renovation leftovers for something sentimental, or a plain white tile decorated with a ceramic marker. The possibilities are endless!
Supplies:
Ceramic tile
Felt
LePage Gel Epoxy (I love this adhesive. It’s versatile, dries quickly and has a strong hold)
Pencil
Scrap of cardboard
How to make a tile trivet:
1. First I checked that the felt won’t leave dye stains on surfaces by dipping a scrap piece in water and wiping it on a paper towel. This trivet won’t be washable, only wipeable, but I still didn’t want to accidentally stain my favorite table cloth if a little water is spilled underneath.
2. I cut the felt about a quarter inch smaller than the tile, so it wouldn’t peak out from the edges.
3. I marked where the felt would be glued onto the tile with pencil. The epoxy dries quickly, so I had to work quickly and this helped with positioning the felt.
4. I poured the two part epoxy right onto the tile and mixed it right on the surface. Using a piece of a cardboard cereal box, I smoothed out the epoxy to all four edges, spreading it ever so slightly beyond where the felt would go to make sure the edges adhered perfectly (it dries clear).
5. I placed the felt square on, pressed and smoothed it flat. This epoxy left no bumps or ridges. I was worried a glue gun or other glues might leave bumps and lumps.
6. It dried in 5 minutes, but I always let projects cure overnight. I’m really pleased with how well the red felt coordinates with my paint splotches (I pilfered from my Mom’s felt stash, so my colour choices were limited).
I’ve already put these trivets to good use.
More Ideas for DIY tile trivets:
Take a look at this Martha Stewart tutorial for decorating tile with a stencil made of lace. Alternatively, a plain tile can be dressed up with fabric, scrapbook paper or even kid art, like in this Prudent Baby tutorial.
Leftover slate tile becomes a modern table accessory with a stripe of neon paint, as seen on Madigan Made.
Such a cute idea. I like the abstract of yours.
Thanks!
I did a similar project with a friend's kids – I got the kids to paint tiles, and then I made trivets (the same way, except I used cork instead of felt) that the kids then gave to their mother, grandmother and other family members as surprise gifts – everyone loved them!
Oh, so sweet! Such a thoughtful and practical gift. I can imagine that family members were super excited to receive them!
You know I love a project that's beautiful, functional and easy. Nice!
That is definitely a blush worthy compliment. Thanks 🙂
That looks fantastic. I remember I did this with the kids after we had ceramic tile put down in the kitchen. It is an ivory tile and there were a few extras. We painted smiley faces and designs then used them as trivets.
Was there any kind of topcoat on the tile after you painted it? Wondering if a hot pot would interfere with the surface (if tacky) or otherwise just ruin the colors. Your trivets look stunning especially with the red felt under!
It was kind of a glaze and they fired it there for me. Thanks so much!