How to Use Broken Pottery

Pottery chunk art

Pottery is an art that has been around for ages. That means broken pottery has been around just as long. Just because your favorite planter broke into a dozen chunks, it doesn’t have to be junk. You can use broken pottery for a number of creative endeavors.

Things You'll Need

• Pottery pieces
• Razor or paint scraper
• Sandpaper
• Paint and paint pens

Instructions

1. Prepare the pottery pieces: Hose them down to remove built-up dirt and other debris. Use a razor or paint scraper to remove any caked-on gunk. Sand any rough edges with heavy-duty sandpaper.

2. Create mini art chunks. Paint a base coat or leave the pottery au naturel. Use paint pens to draw random faces, animal shapes, skeletons, flowers or whatever else the shapes of the pottery pieces suggest.

3. Make stepping stones. If your pottery hunks are thick and broad enough, place them strategically through a gravel patch. Test their durability by first jumping on them to make sure they do not crack.

4. Manufacture a mosaic. Smaller pottery chunks work well glued to bird baths, vases, jars or even lampposts, as seen in parts of New York City. Clean and sand the surface. Apply a thick glue or specially designed mosaic adhesive (available at your local craft store) and secure your pottery chunks in place. Allow to dry fully before use.

5. Go for the border. You don’t need fancy stones to make borders around trees, shrubbery, a walking path, or flower or garden beds. Use your broken pottery instead.

6. Build a miniature village. Some pottery pieces will scream out to be used as little houses, huts and other village structures. Set aside a small area of your yard. Rake the surface level. Adorn the pieces as needed with paint pens, creating little windows, doors and signs. Arrange them to create a community.

7. House a critter. Broken pottery can often be used in small animal and reptile cages. The creatures love to hide beneath or climb atop the chunks. Just make sure there are no sharp edges that can cut them. Also, make sure the pottery pieces are secure so they will not fall over and crush the pet.

Tips & Warnings

• Broken pottery artwork makes for great little gifts.

• Use the chunks as decorated paperweights.

• Larger decorated chunks can prop open a door.

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• Don't go smashing all your planters on purpose just so you can make artwork.