DIY Network

Clay Tile Trivets and Pendants Revamp a thrift-store trivet. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-509

Turn tacky trivets from the thrift store into stylish accessories with Michele Beschen. The B. Original host shows how to use self-hardening clay to create new tiles loaded with personality. She even throws in hints on creating a clay pendant.

Working with self-hardening clay makes this an easy, no-kiln project. Scroll down to get started.

Make some terrific trivets...

Or just a pretty pendant.

advertisement

Clay Tile Trivets

Materials:

souvenir trivets
decorative metal wall hangings or other items with raised images
self-hardening clay
craft knife or straight blade
2-part epoxy or contact cement
shellac and brush

	Figure A
	Figure B

Note: Remember, self-hardening clay is not suitable for cooking or serving food and is not waterproof unless sealed after it dries. Read the label on the clay package and follow the specific instructions for the product.

• Check the thrift stores for souvenir trivets that have a tile inside. It doesn’t matter what’s on the tile; the project just uses the trivet frame. Also keep an eye out for any brass wall hangings or anything else that might make cool patterns in clay.

• Remove the old tile from the trivet. Generally, these pop out if pushed from the back of the trivet.

• Roll out a slab of clay that is slightly larger and thicker than the old trivet tile. The old tiles are typically about 1/8" thick.

• Use the back of a '70s-style brass wall hanging or other raised-pattern item to make an impression in the clay. Simply lay the clay slab over the design and press it evenly into the pattern (figure A). Remove it carefully (figure B) and place it face-up on the work surface.

• Lay the trivet frame face-down on the clay and press gently to create lines for the outside edges of the new tile (figure C).
  

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• Cut out the new tile along the lines (figure D).

• Loosen the tile from the work surface and let it dry flat for two to three days.

• Protect the piece with at least two coats of shellac.

• Use a few dabs of 2-part epoxy or contact cement to secure the new tile in the trivet frame.

Clay Pendant

Materials:

decorative metalwork or other item with raised images
self-hardening clay
craft knife or straight blade
shellac and brush
string, leather cord or chain

Figure E

• Take a look at the metalwork or other raised-image item and find an interesting design.

• Roll out a small slab of clay and press it over that part of the design.

• Lay the clay face-up on a work surface and cut around the design loosely with a knife.

• Create a small hole at the top of the piece for a string, cord or chain.

• Loosen the clay from the work surface and let it dry for two to three days.

• Paint if desired. Protect the piece with two or more coats of shellac.

• Add a string, cord or chain (figure E) and wear your creation with pride!