Turn a Tile into a Trivet in One Step
This DIY tile turned trivet project is SO easy – you can literally turn a tile into a trivet in one step! Bonus points for me because I decorated the tile first, but any pretty tile will work.
Hubby & I spent our fourth wedding anniversary in Budapest, ceramic painting with friends. Above are the fruits of my labor: 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. You can grab any tile for this (just make sure you like how the edge look because they’re exposed).
Supplies for DIY Tile Trivet:
- 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:
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.
I cut the felt about a quarter inch smaller than the tile, so it wouldn’t peak out from the edges. 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.
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).
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.
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 color choices were limited).
I’ve already put these trivets to good use.
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!