Have you ever broken a favorite plate and felt a little heartbreak with it? Broken china mosaic art turns life’s little accidents into stunning keepsakes, filled with color, pattern, and soul.
Whether you’re drawn to vintage floral designs or bold geometric shards, these mosaic projects offer a creative way to breathe new life into chipped dishes and forgotten ceramics.
From charming garden decor to delicate wall hangings, each piece tells a story that’s both personal and timeless. These 22 ideas will inspire you to see beauty in the broken and create something unforgettable.
#1. Framed Rooster Mosaic with Broken China
I’ve seen many mosaics, but few command attention like this one. It feels folk-artful and elegant, perfect for farmhouse kitchens, garden walls, or rustic cafés.
Materials Needed
- 1 large wood frame with backing
- Broken floral china (various curves and sizes)
- Tile adhesive
- Grout (optional)
- Black or dark green tile
- Optional: wood paint
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Sketch or stencil a rooster shape onto the backing.
Step 2: Sort china shards by color and pattern. Arrange feathers with care, layering curved pieces for movement.
Step 3: Glue each shard in place, section by section.
Step 4: Fill background with dark tiles; grout only if needed. Frame and seal for display.
#2. Broken China Mosaic Light Switch Plate
Even the smallest corner of your home can be transformed into something beautiful. This light switch plate turns forgotten china into a tiny gallery of charm.
Materials Needed
- 1 plain switch plate (plastic or wood)
- Small china shards (15–20 pieces)
- Tile adhesive
- Grout (neutral tone, ~¼ cup)
- Optional: decorative bead
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Arrange your china shards to fit around the switch opening and screw holes.
Step 2: Glue each piece in place; allow to dry.
Step 3: Grout carefully between the pieces, avoiding the switch slot.
Step 4: Wipe clean, let cure, and add embellishment if desired.
#3. Broken China Mosaic Birdbath
This garden birdbath feels like a fairytale centerpiece. The shimmer of pastel china under sunlight makes even the birds pause a little longer.
Materials Needed
- 1 old birdbath or shallow basin
- Broken china pieces (80–100 shards)
- Waterproof tile adhesive
- Outdoor grout (about 1 cup)
- Decorative stones (optional)
- Small ceramic bird (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Lay out the china pieces inside the bowl to test placement.
Step 2: Glue the shards in place with tile adhesive; let dry 24 hours.
Step 3: Grout the surface evenly, pressing between shards; wipe off excess with a damp sponge.
Step 4: Add decorative stones or a ceramic bird before the grout sets. Let cure fully before using outdoors.
#4. China Mosaic Christmas Tree Ornament
I made a few of these last Christmas, they became keepsakes for friends, each one a little different, a little magical.
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden or ceramic tree shape (4″–6″ tall)
- Floral china shards (15–20 small pieces)
- Faux pearl string
- Small decorative gems
- Tile adhesive
- Grout (light gray, ~¼ cup)
- Hanging wire or ribbon
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Arrange your shards on the tree, leaving room for pearls and the topper.
Step 2: Glue everything in place, including decorative accents.
Step 3: Grout gently around pieces; clean off excess with a damp cloth.
Step 4: Let dry completely, attach a ribbon or hook, and hang with love.
#5. Mosaic Cinder Block Flower Planters
These mosaic planters bring energy and life to dull corners. Sun rays, petals, and dancing tiles turn plain cinder blocks into joyful garden art.
Materials Needed
- 6 cinder blocks (standard hollow size)
- Colorful tile and china shards (varied shapes/sizes)
- Outdoor tile adhesive
- Outdoor grout (2–3 cups, white or gray)
- Optional: acrylic sealer
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Plan out the pattern for each block like flowers, sun, or random mosaic.
Step 2: Glue down each piece, working section by section; let dry fully.
Step 3: Grout generously between tiles, then wipe clean.
Step 4: Stack blocks into a tiered display, add soil and flowers, and seal if desired.
#6. Teacup Succulent Wall Art with Broken China Mosaic
There’s something soul-soothing about rescuing broken pieces and making them whole again.
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden board (approx. 10″x14″)
- 2 vintage teacups
- Broken china pieces (60–80 shards)
- Tile adhesive
- Premixed grout (about 1 cup)
- 2 small succulents
- Potting soil (a handful)
- Gloves, sponge, rag
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Arrange the broken china around the board, leaving space for the teacups.
Step 2: Glue down the shards and let dry 24 hours.
Step 3: Attach the teacups securely with strong adhesive; let cure fully.
Step 4: Fill the teacups with soil and plant the succulents.
Step 5: Grout the mosaic, wipe off excess with a damp sponge, and let it set.
#7. Mosaic Tree Stump Side Table
This stunning piece fuses raw nature with radiant glass art. A weathered tree stump becomes a work of furniture with a crown of shimmering mosaic.
Materials Needed
- 1 dried tree stump (cleaned and leveled top)
- Glass or ceramic tiles in various shades (blue, green, purple)
- Tile adhesive
- Grout (gray or black, ~1 cup)
- Clear sealant
- Optional: small stool
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean and sand the top of the stump flat and smooth.
Step 2: Create a radial or sunburst pattern with tiles, gluing pieces in place.
Step 3: Grout carefully, press into gaps, and wipe excess with a sponge.
Step 4: Let cure, then seal for weather protection if used outdoors.
#8. Broken China Mosaic Bee Pins
These tiny bees are pure joy. Made from delicate china shards, each one becomes a wearable keepsake. Their wings flutter with florals, and their colorful bellies add whimsy to coats, bags, or gifts.
Materials Needed
- Bee-shaped metal bezels
- Small china shards
- Colored glass
- Jewelry adhesive
- Decorative buttons or beads
- Optional: brooch pin back or magnet
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Fit and glue china shards into the wing spaces of your base.
Step 2: Add colorful segments for the body and a button or bead for the head.
Step 3: Let dry fully, then attach a pin back or magnet if needed.
#9. Blue China Mosaic Cat Wall Art
The mix of blue-and-white patterns makes it feel both classic and playful. I’ve done one like this as a tribute to a pet, it was oddly healing.
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden or ceramic base (about 8″x10″)
- Blue-and-white china shards (40–60 small pieces)
- White tile pieces
- Tile adhesive
- Grout (gray or white, ~½ cup)
- Optional: picture hanger
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Sketch the outline of a cat on the board.
Step 2: Arrange and glue down the cat using china shards; fill the background with white tiles.
Step 3: Once dry, grout the whole surface and gently clean with a damp sponge.
#10. Colorful Mosaic Flower Pot
This flower pot is a party of colors. Every angle offers a surprise from rich blues to sunny yellows, it’s a celebration in ceramic.
Materials Needed
- 1 plain terracotta pot
- Mixed ceramic or tile shards (50–70 pieces)
- Tile adhesive
- Grout (white or gray, ~¾ cup)
- Optional: grout sealer
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean the pot surface and plan a rough layout of the shards.
Step 2: Glue each piece onto the pot, working in small sections; let dry.
Step 3: Apply grout over the entire surface, pushing between shards.
#11. Vintage China Mosaic Birdhouse with Teacup Porch
I made one as a Mother’s Day gift, it brought actual birds and tears of joy.
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden birdhouse
- Broken floral china pieces (60–80 small shards)
- 1 vintage teacup
- Tile adhesive
- Grout (light tone, ~1 cup)
- Strong glue
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Arrange and glue the china shards over the roof and walls; let dry 24 hours.
Step 2: Grout gently, filling all gaps; wipe clean with a damp sponge.
Step 3: Attach the teacup firmly to the base as a perch or decorative ledge.
#12. Heart-Shaped Mosaic Keepsake
This piece speaks from the heart. A personal photo framed by delicate china pieces and the words “LOVE LIFE” makes it a one-of-a-kind treasure.
Materials Needed
- 1 heart-shaped wood or ceramic base
- Small photo (trimmed to fit)
- Floral and decorative china shards (20–30 small pieces)
- Letter beads
- Tile adhesive
- Grout (neutral tone, ~¼ cup)
- Ribbon
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Secure the photo in the center of the heart with glue.
Step 2: Arrange and glue china shards around the image, leaving space for letter beads.
Step 3: Add the beads to spell out your message; let everything dry.
Step 4: Grout gently around the pieces, avoiding the photo, and wipe clean. Attach a ribbon for hanging.
#13. Mini Mosaic Flower Bouquet Plaque
Made from floral china fragments and shaped like a blooming bouquet, it’s perfect as a keepsake, gift, or even a fridge magnet if you add a backing.
Materials Needed
- 1 small wood or ceramic base (approx. 3″x4″)
- Floral china shards (30–40 small pieces)
- Strong craft glue
- Grout (black or gray, ~¼ cup)
- Optional: magnet strip
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Sketch or plan a bouquet shape on your base.
Step 2: Glue floral shards in place to form blooms, stems, and ribbon.
Step 3: Grout the spaces, then wipe gently with a damp cloth.
#14. Hanging Mosaic Bird Ornament
This little bird brings charm with every flutter in the breeze. Made from floral and geometric dish shards, it’s a cheerful nod to upcycled beauty.
Materials Needed
- Bird-shaped base (wood, MDF, or ceramic, ~5″–7″)
- Patterned dish shards (orange, turquoise, white)
- Tile adhesive
- Grout (light gray or white, ~¼ cup)
- Twine or ribbon
- Optional: small jump ring
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Lay out your shard design on the bird shape, focusing lighter tones on the face and colorful shards on the wings and tail.
Step 2: Glue each piece carefully; let dry fully.
Step 3: Grout gently between shards and clean with a damp cloth.
Step 4: Thread twine through a pre-drilled hole or attach a hanger to display.
#15. Mosaic Hopscotch Tiles for Garden or Patio
This mosaic hopscotch set turns a classic childhood game into garden art. Each tile is a burst of color and pattern, combining play with creativity.
Materials Needed
- 10 sturdy boards or concrete pavers (12″x12″ each)
- Mixed tile or china shards (varied colors)
- Number stencils (1–10)
- Outdoor tile adhesive
- Outdoor grout (multi-color, ~2–3 cups total)
- Optional: clear weatherproof sealer
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Mark each number on its tile using a stencil or chalk guide.
Step 2: Glue colorful shards around the numbers, leaving space for grout.
Step 3: Grout carefully between tiles and around each number; wipe clean.
#16. Hanging Mosaic Garden Orb
This piece catches the light like magic. The deep cobalt blue, scattered across a globe of broken china, brings elegance with every breeze.
Materials Needed
- 1 smooth glass orb or old lamp globe
- Blue-patterned china shards (50–70 pieces)
- Clear-drying tile adhesive
- Black grout (1/2 cup)
- Hanging hardware
- Optional: decorative beads
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Glue china pieces onto the orb, spacing them slightly apart; let dry.
Step 2: Grout the gaps with black grout, then gently wipe off the surface.
Step 3: Attach a sturdy loop or hook at the top for hanging.
Step 4: String decorative beads above for extra charm, and hang in a sunny spot.
#17. Mosaic Pineapple Wall Art from Recycled China
This bright and juicy pineapple turns leftover ceramics into a tropical statement piece. It’s bursting with playful colors—sunshine yellow, zesty orange, bold green.
Materials Needed
- Pineapple-shaped base (wood, ceramic, or MDF)
- Yellow, orange, and green china or tile shards
- 2–3 glass gems (for detail)
- Tile adhesive
- Grout (light brown or white, ~½ cup)
- Optional: wall hook
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Sort tile pieces into two groups: top (green) and body (yellow/orange).
Step 2: Glue the shards in place starting from the top, layering greens as “leaves.”
Step 3: Fill in the pineapple body with warm-colored shards and accent with glass gems.
Step 4: Grout gently, wipe clean, and let cure.
#18. Mosaic Flying Birds
These cheerful little birds feel like freedom captured in ceramic. They’re light, full of life, and made from plates that once held family meals.
Materials Needed
- Bird-shaped base (wood or MDF, approx. 6″–8″)
- Floral or solid-color dish shards (varied patterns)
- Tile adhesive
- Grout (light gray or white, ~¼ cup)
- Optional: hanging hook
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Lay out the plate shards on your bird shape, placing floral pieces on wings and bright tones on the belly.
Step 2: Glue each shard in place; let dry fully.
Step 3: Grout gently between the pieces and clean with a damp sponge.
#19. Floral China Mosaic Chicken Wall Art
This quirky chicken bursts with charm and personality like a patchwork quilt of forgotten dishes brought back to life.
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden chicken cutout (approx. 12″–16″ tall)
- Broken floral china (80–100 small shards)
- Strong craft glue
- White grout (1 cup)
- Hanging hardware (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Arrange the shards by color and pattern to define the chicken’s head, feathers, and tail.
Step 2: Glue the pieces down, fitting them closely like a mosaic puzzle.
Step 3: Once dry, apply grout gently over the entire surface, wiping off excess.
#20. Mosaic Vase Flower Panels from Broken China
Each one is bursting with character from yellow daffodils to soft snowdrops, all framed in blue-patterned pottery pieces.
Materials Needed
- Plywood or MDF cutouts (vase shapes, 6–12″ tall)
- Floral tiles
- Blue-patterned china shards (for vases)
- Tile adhesive
- Grout (gray or white, ~1 cup total)
- Optional: clear sealer, hanging hooks
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Sketch flower shapes and vase outlines on each panel.
Step 2: Glue down flower parts and vase shards carefully; let dry.
Step 3: Grout each piece, wiping clean after a few minutes.
#21. Vintage Teacup Mosaic Mirror Frame
This mirror feels like something from a romantic old cottage. Delicate rose-patterned china, a mini teacup, and pastel grout bring so much personality to a plain mirror.
Materials Needed
- 1 round or oval wood-framed mirror
- China shards (60–80 in soft florals)
- Small decorative pieces (mini teacup, flowers)
- Tile adhesive
- Grout (light pink or ivory, ~1 cup)
- Optional: pearls, ceramic roses
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Plan your layout around the mirror frame, mixing shards and 3D details.
Step 2: Glue each piece in place; let dry fully.
Step 3: Grout gently over the frame, avoiding decorative accents.
Step 4: Clean with a soft cloth, let cure, and hang where it catches morning light.
#22. Garden Mosaic Mirror with Teacup Accent
With broken china roses, butterflies, pastel tiles, and a tiny teacup at the bottom, it’s as sweet as it is stunning.
Materials Needed
- Round mirror with wide frame (approx. 14″–18″)
- Pastel china shards (floral, butterfly, stripe patterns)
- Mini ceramic teacup
- Tile adhesive
- Grout (light gray or white, ~1 cup)
- Hanging hardware
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Plan your layout, mixing decorative shards with soft colors around the frame.
Step 2: Glue down all china pieces, saving the bottom center for the teacup; let dry.
Step 3: Grout gently, wipe clean, and polish the mirror surface.
Step 4: Attach the teacup securely at the base and mount with sturdy hanging hardware.
