On my recent visit to Turkuaz Motif, I picked up some Turkish ceramic tiles to experiment with. They were just $8 each on special, and I thought that they’d make wonderful trivets to replace our worn and grotty bamboo ones…
I stopped in at Clark Rubber on the way home and bought a sheet of 3mm thick self-adhesive neoprene. The backs of the tiles are unfinished, so I gave them a quick wipe with a wet cloth to remove any loose particles (to improve adhesion)…
Five neoprene feet were stuck onto each tile (as far as DIY projects go, this one was ridiculously easy)…
As the pattern on this particular tile is centered, it can be used on its own, or the set can be tessellated in a variety of ways…
. . . . .
On our back deck, we have blue cushions and lights…
I bought four asymmetrical Turkish tiles to use as a trivet. The blue is an almost perfect match, and they can be laid out with a central floral motif…
…or in a cross arrangement…
I’m very chuffed with how well they all turned out! If you have access to attractive tiles and a little bit of time, these would make fabulous Christmas gifts!
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
Gorgeous… but I am in the throes of tidying cupboards… and realising we have way too much stuff!
Ah yes, I know that feeling. As a result, I never tidy cupboards. ;-)
They are sooooo pretty :-)
Thanks Sandy! xx
Celia, the tiles look gorgeous! I love how you rearranged the tiles into the cross formation (I didn’t realise that was possible!). You are such a clever girl!
Moya, I now find myself wondering what the other tile sets you have on the wall might look like rearranged.. :)
Clever you. How pretty they look and I like the different patterns as you re-arrange them.
Jan, thank you, they’re so much fun to play with – like a puzzle! :)
I love the colours and patterns of Turkish tiles. At one time we had ideas of using them for a fireplace surround but it didn’t work out that way. You’ve given me wonderful ideas for future projects and DIY gifts though :)
ED, I’m thinking of all the folks I can give a trivet tile too now. Just the best gift for under $10! :)
Cool how these tiles can be arranged in so many different patterns.
Thanks Norma, playing with them makes me very happy! :)
What a bargain! Turkish tiles are always so colourful and eye catching. They are a perfect match for your cushions too.
Nancy, thank you, they’ve really added to the back deck! Pete said I was being overly precious about the table, but it’s made of expensive hardwood, so I’m happy to be able to offer it just a little bit of protection!
Absolutely beautiful tiles used in such a wonderful way! Never mind about presents ~ methinks I would selfishly want to keep all for myself! And don’t tell me dear old Clark Rubber is still ‘going’ – our family firm made all their above ground swimming pools for decades :) ! And that goes way, way back . . .
Eha, Clark Rubber going strong! They’re an Aussie institution! :)
I know – Doug Clark who began the place was a good business/family friend at the time! You know he would only employ the female sex in his admin positions ~ thought they were smarter and worker harder! They did for him too!!!
They look great Celia and they’d be so useful! I see them covered in cheese… (hmm am I starting to dream of brie??)
Claire, not sure how food safe the glazes are, as they’re designed to be wall/floor tiles. Hey, are you allowed to eat brie, mama-to-be? :D
Outstanding! Beautiful tiles and great uses of them!
Kathryn, thank you! They were great fun to experiment with!
Fabulous! And I love the blue. We have blue on our verandah too. You are very crafty, Miss C xx
Charlie, you should grab a set – their shop isn’t far from you! :)
What a great idea, Celia! You are way more than a pretty face!
Not even, some would say. :) xx
Love the patterns! This is an awesome way to bring some colour to the table.
Leah, the patterns are just fabulous, aren’t they! Unfortunately, it now has me thinking about haunting tile shops to see what they have on offer.. :)
Fantastic DIY project :)
Thanks T, very basic DIY actually, but like kindy craft! :D
I so often see beautiful tiles but have never thought to really put them to good use. I love this idea. :-) Yours is very lovely.
Thank you! I’m going to be on the look out for pretty tiles from now on – my poor husband is a tad concerned. :)
Beautiful! Very pretty and creative arrangements!
Manuela, thank you! Hope you’re having a wonderful and not too freezing December! x
G’day How gorgeous and what a great idea Celia, true!
Love things different and unique too!
Cheers! Joanne
Jo, they are unusual, aren’t they! They work well too!
It looks good Celia! Is the Neoprene the non-slip stuff?
Rose, the neoprene is the black stuff on the bottom of the tiles, it’s usually used in wetsuits. It’s a smooth variety, not textured to be non-slip, if that’s what you’re asking?
These are absolutely gorgeous!
Kari, thank you! They were fun (and a little therapeutic in a crafty sort of way) to make!
This is creative arrange, I loved them dear Celia, Thank you, love, nia
Nia, you have the most wonderful ceramics in your country! We’ve come home with so many beautiful Turkish pieces in the past few weeks – so much colour and life in all of them!
They look so lovely, what a clever idea!
Stefanie, thank you – and thanks again for putting me onto the sale!
You are very welcome Celia :)
Those are stunning! What clever idea. :)
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Misky, thank you, I’m thinking of making trivets as gifts for my foodie friends this year!
They are lovely! Long ago, I made trivets from tiles but just stuck 4 to a backboard. I wish I’d thought of leaving them separate.
Since they are long ago history (too many housemoves.) I will keep my eye open for tiles the next time we are in the potteries.
Pat, they’re very useful separate, but I can see the advantage also in having a big trivet glued together and ready to go!
Oh those colors are so vibrant and such a beautiful pattern. They are perfect for your back deck. I love colorful tiles and appreciate the walk through of what you did since I’ve been playing with an idea of getting an unfinished wooden tray, then sort of painting it in a distressed fashion and putting tiles on the inside bottom.
Di, that sounds like a lovely project! Would it make the tray very heavy though?
Possibly, would depend on how big & how many tiles. I was thinking of something to put how dishes on & then carry out to the porch. Another idea I had was to transfer a photo to fabric, stiffen the fabric & glue that to the bottom of the tray. So many ideas, so little play time. I LOVE craft projects – can you tell?
They’re so lovely! What a fabulous idea!
Thanks Clare! Hope you find it useful! :)
They are gorgeous Celia. It could double as a game after a meal – how many patterns can you make!
Jo, we actually have a couple of tessellating games – you’ve just reminded me to dig them out! :)
Brilliant idea Celia! I like that you can rearrange the tiles to suit your needs each time. Such very pretty colours, but I may be biased as my whole house is painted beautiful blue :) xox
Becca, the first set is particularly flexible – I bought quite a few of those, so there’s a six-piece arrangement on the dining table at the moment! I bet your house is absolutely gorgeous in blue! :)
Very nice, Celia! Each is pretty in its own right but when used together, they really are quite striking. I have to say that, with more snow expected overnight, seeing your patio furniture was a welcome sight, a reminder that this, too, shall pass. :)
John, do stay warm, it’s starting to get hot over here, and the thought of snow is quite appealing! :)
Always full of good ideas , our Celia. They are a lovely colour and I am sure you will get much pleasure from them on your well used back deck
Thanks love, they’re great fun and really brighten up the outdoor space! See you soon, I hope! :)
Gorgeous designs Celia, I’m a bit of a sucker for anything royal blue/turquoise and these are definitely my style! Just gorgeous
Lisa, you’d love Moya’s shop – definitely worth a trek if you have time before they close. They’re opening Saturdays and Sundays in the lead up to Christmas as well! :)
These are FAB! Way better than regular old trivets… such lovely colors too (love turquoise & red). I would love to receive a set of these as gifts! Great idea :)
Em, I’m very partial to the symmetrical tile as well – a set of six is now sitting permanently on our dining room table! The design comes from Iznik ceramics in the 16th century!
years ago I bought some beautiful cards when I was visiting Istanbul, they are photos of beautiful tiles – the colours of green, red and blue and simply beautiful, I’m sad to say I’ve never seen the tiles on sale as I know I’d snaffle them up and like you would use them as a trivet. a lovely post celia
Thanks Claire! I hope you find some on sale – I’ve seen them on Amazon UK and a couple of other UK sites, but at frightfully expensive prices!