6. Broken China Mosaic Stepping Stones
A dropped dinner plate is an opportunity. Pressed into concrete, broken china becomes mosaic stepping stones that make a path feel like a piece of art rather than a utility route.
What you’ll need:
- Broken plates, cups, and tiles (check charity shops for cheap mismatched pieces)
- Ready-mix concrete or mortar
- Moulds — old cake tins, plastic trays, or washing-up bowls
- Cooking spray or oil for release
- Tile nippers, gloves, safety glasses, and a sponge
- Grout and a sealant
Spray your moulds, then pour in concrete to about 4cm thick and tap the mould to release air bubbles. Leave it to firm up for 30 to 60 minutes — the concrete should hold a fingerprint without collapsing. Press your china pieces in, leaving a few millimetres between them for grout, then cover with plastic and cure for 24 to 48 hours.
Once cured, pop the stones out, rub any sharp edges with a whetstone or sandpaper, grout the gaps, and seal the surface.
Time: two days including curing. Difficulty: moderate.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep the pattern loose. A random scatter of colours looks far better than an attempt at a neat geometric design, and it hides imperfect shard shapes.