Discovering or collecting old teacups brings a unique joy. While there are numerous inventive ways to reuse old teacups within your home, you might find yourself lacking the space to showcase them without occupying precious countertop or wall areas. Whether you’re a collector or simply have a surplus of teacups needing a purpose, crafting them into a front door wreath is a chic method of upcycling. There are countless ways to experiment with this DIY project, ensuring that no two wreaths need to look alike or adhere to a specific design. This is where your creativity merges with your love for teacups, crafting home decor tailored to your tastes.
One of the most delightful aspects of collecting teacups is the vast variety and assortment you can have, with no two needing to match. For your wreath, mismatched teacups and mugs are actually advantageous as they introduce color, dimension, and texture to the final piece. Experiment with your collection to determine which pieces you’d like to display, then set these aside for your project.
Glue or wire your cups (and saucers) to a wreath form
To transform old mugs or teacups in this manner, you’ll need a wreath form to which you can attach the cups. The form should be robust enough to bear the weight, and you’ll need wire or hooks to affix the cups. Wire wreath frames can be found at Dollar Tree or purchased online (such as the Upstout Store Wire Wreath Frame). If using lighter teacups and mugs, Gorilla Super Glue Gel can bond the ceramic and porcelain to the wreath frame—just ensure each one dries thoroughly. Use a sturdy clip to keep the cup in place while the adhesive sets.
To enhance the depth and coverage of this decor piece, incorporate saucers and small plates behind some teacups. These additions will make the wreath appear fuller and more textured. Arrange the cups, saucers, and mugs in random patterns, upside down or tilted; or attach the cups upright or even stack them. Feel free to break small saucers into pieces that fit between the cups. Another option: if using saucers, attach wire to their backs with Invisible Plate Hangers from Hobby Lobby, then secure the saucers to the wreath form before gluing cups onto them.
Use a greenery wreath for a fuller, more natural finish
The aforementioned options make teacups the focal point of your wreath. Alternatively, try a more understated design that still highlights your cups. Purchasing a pre-made greenery wreath and adhering cups to it creates a straightforward hanging decor piece suitable for any aesthetic, especially with neutral mugs or cups. Glue saucers spaced around the wreath, then affix cups to the saucers on their sides for a unique yet stylish finish. This method allows people to appreciate the cup’s shape and pattern while eliminating negative space between cups.
If you choose this method, you’ll have extra space on your wreath for additions like flowers, ribbons, or bows, or even vintage or thrifted teaspoons that complement the theme. Choose themed mugs from your collection or explore thrift stores to create multiple wreaths for different seasons. Of course, sticking to neutral mugs is perfectly fine, allowing your wreath to remain relevant year-round. If constructing a wreath entirely from cups, ensure you use a durable fabric, rope, or ribbon to tie around the top of your wreath for hanging, and use over-the-door hangers for secure placement. For lighter wreaths, a command hook can suffice. If you’re interested in further cup upcycling ideas, learn to transform old coffee mugs into a centerpiece with this DIY.