How to Cut China Plates Into Mosaic Tiles
Creating a mosaic is similar regardless of the material used---mirror, stone, tiles, glass. Using a suitable base, small pieces of the material are placed into a grout that hardens and holds the material in place. Mosaic material can be bought pre-cut or can be purchased or found whole and broken into smaller pieces by the artist. Traditionally, the smaller pieces of material were called "tesserae" and were typically small squares of ceramic tile. China plates found at yard sales or resale stores can be used to create modern "tesserae".
Things You'll Need
- China plates
- Gloves and safety goggles
- Porcelain tile cutters (also called nippers)
- Medium grit sandpaper
- Drop cloth or covering
- Plastic bag or pillow case (optional)
Instructions
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1
Set up a work area and cover the work surface to catch any flying slivers or bits caused from the cutting process.
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2
Put on gloves and safety goggles. Pick up the plate in the opposite hand from the one using the cutters. Hold the plate as if serving from it---thumb on top and fingers on the bottom of the plate.
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3
Choose a spot and place the plate between the open nippers.
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4
Gently close the cutter until both sides of the nippers touch the plate. Squeeze the handles together to nip the China plate. This is the first cut of the plate.
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5
Move around the plate cutting as outlined above. Make each piece smaller, if desired, by nipping each cut piece again to create smaller pieces. Aim the nippers in the direction to be cut.
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6
Use sandpaper to smooth rough edges.
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Tips & Warnings
China plates with patterns may require some logistical cutting to preserve desirable portions of the pattern.
Practice on already damaged plates to get the feel for cutting China. The more practice the better control over the cutting process.
Prevent flying shards by holding the china inside a plastic bag or pillow case to make the cut.
