In this post How to drill China, I hope to encourage you to think outside the box with those thrift store teacups you’ve been saving.
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This is the type of bit I used. Jamie bought it for me for Christmas at Home Depot. It is a diamond bit. I found a great deal for a set of diamond bits (amazon affiliate link).
This was my first attempt at drilling glass. I’ve learned several things since this.
Items needed for drilling china
- Thrift store china like saucers and teacups
- Old towel
- Water
- Plastic tub
- Diamond Drill Bit
- Heavy Duty Drill
How to drill china
1 Add a rag and water to the bottom of a plastic tub
I placed my bowl in a container of water on an old rag to keep it from trying to turn as I drilled.
2 Use a diamond drill bit
You need to use water when you use a diamond bit to keep the glass cool.
3 Drill slowly allowing the water to keep the china cool
Isn’t it cute? It is a little difficult to get the hole right in the middle of a round object.
The clamp is holding a piece of scrap wood because the tub was wanting to “walk” across the table.
How does my phone seem to end up in so many pictures? 
4 on large items use the rim of the plate to hold the water
This plate was too large to fit in the tub, but no problem. Almost all of the dishes I have cut have a rim that naturally pools the water needed for cooling.
Do NOT try to drill glass or china without cooling it with water.
I cut all of these pieces and didn’t break a single one!
I used this small bowl for the “base” of my lamp. The base needs to have an extra hole for your cord.
This is a lamp I curbed. I used the guts of this lamp for my new teacup lamp.
This is a dry fit to see how everything “stacks up”.
I connected my glass pieces with Gorilla Glue Epoxy.
I didn’t intend to paint my pieces, but I used my least favorite pieces as my guinea pigs because I expected to break a bunch of cups and saucers. Because I didn’t like the variation of the patterns, so I decided to paint it.
I really think I like the simplicity of the white.
This was my prototype. I have made a couple more since this one. It’s not really hard to do, but some pieces can take more almost 3 minutes to drill. Because I want to take care of my drill I let it cool down a little between those pieces.
Mandi @ Vintage Revivals has a great tute on how to drill glass. Here are a few more details about teacup lamps. I put mine together a little differently than Mandi.
gail
Great work! I am impressed with your work. I want to give this a try. Thanks and keep sharing.
Thanks for your comment Amanda! Good luck with your project.
gail
Drill 3 minutes ? My teacups took more like 7-10. I tried glass & tile and diamond bits, battery and corded drill, different torque. Sometimes resorted to a nail – not recommended, it chips the outgoing side but that didn’t matter for a little planter. Maybe bits are tires?
So sorry you had a difficult time. This project is not for an impatient person for sure. A drill press would be the best option to get this project done quickly and easily. I think the diamond bits work the best, and water is a must! You didn’t mention anything breaking… well maybe with the nail. 😉
Thanks for your input, it’s appreciated.
gail
I was so excited to find this article when trying to figure out how to build a windchime out of a tea cup and saucer. Much to my dismay, however, there were some very critical steps missing on how to actually USE the diamond drill bit. I ended up having to read several articles online and watch several videos before I found out how to make it work. You could/should have added bracing the china article against the side of the tub; starting the hole with a piece of masking tape on the spot; and starting the drill at a 45 degree angle until a groove was made. Once I found those ideas, I was finally successful with my project. Thanks for the diamond drill bit idea.
I’m glad you were successful with your project. Thanks for your input. I didn’t use tape.
gail
Love the light!! Would like to know what electrical parts you use. Thanks,Katie & me
I use rods, nuts and bolts from thrift store lamps. New lamp parts at the hardware store are very expensive.
hope this helps!
gail
I love the lamp. I want to make some cup and saucer bird feeders as well as convert some bowls to plant pots. What size diamond drill did you use?
Valorie,
The diamond drill bit would depend on what project you’re doing and what size rod you’re using. You might want to consider buying a variety pack.
good luck, have fun, be safe! remember to keep your piece wet while you’re drilling.
gail
i want to drill a very small hole in a china teacup (also glass ones) kind of behind the handle-to attach a crystal-imagine a velour ribbon tied on the handle and the crystal hanging sort of inside the cup-esp the ones that are decorated inside
what would I need?
Diane,
You would need a tiny diamond bit to put in your drill. The key is to keep it wet. You can have someone constantly spray water on it with a spray bottle, or set it in a small tub of water. I would suggest using a clamp of some sort–NOT holding the cup with your hand. You don’t want to add bling to your hand/fingers. I would also recommend trying your least favorite cup first. Good luck, be safe!
I love what you have done with teacups. I want to try this project. What kind of drill did you use, a Dremel?
HI Gail,
I love this tea cup lamp…my question..and it may seem silly but I have no clue…. i assume you are spraying the china…how are you avoiding drip or pooling spots on the china?
Yes, I used spray paint on my lamp.
many light coats is my favorite way to spray paint (out of a can)
shake well, be sure to hold the can far enough from your project.
Very nice looking drilling. I’ve just got my first drill and am a bit scared of it so excited to hear about different projects. To ask what might seem like a stupid question, isn’t there a risk of electrocuting yourself if you drill into a plate that’s submerged in water? Thanks.
Danielle,
I think this project may not be for novice drill users. 🙂 Only because it is difficult to get the drill to stay in one place, and keep a steady trigger hold. My drills are probably my favorite tools–right up there with my saws. I think once you get use to your drill, you will wonder how you ever lived without it.
As for electrocution, I would say it may be a possibility if your drill has a cord. All of my drills are battery operated. Whenever you use any plugged in device near water, you should use caution. I feel that drilling into water with a battery operated drill is perfectly safe.
thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on this blog post about drilling china.
gail
Great tutorial, Gail! I always do it in the kitchen sink with the water slowly running over the bit. I never thought to use a plastic tub with water! Genius! Don’t you just love the diamond bits? I have several in different sizes. Love the lamp and especially the white!
This is really cute Gail! A great way to use up any odd pieces you have or can get at the Hosparus Thrift Shoppe for 50 cents a piece! I haven’t tried drilling china yet, but i might have to attempt it since you explained it so well!!!
Thank you for the brilliant tutorial and great tips!
How did you manage to drill the side hole on the bottom dish, is there a particular technique. I’m worried drilling at an angle might cause the dish to crack?
Yasmin x
Yasmin,
It’s really no different on the side. You just have to make sure that you keep it wet, or have it under water to keep it cool. 🙂
good luck, have fun!
gail
Hey really liked this diy. What type of paint do you use to paint your glassware? Thanks so much! 🙂
Sorry about that just realized another person asked the same question I seen the answer thanks
Sorry about that just realized another person asked the same question I seen the answer thanks
Sorry about that just realized another person asked the same question I seen the answer thanks
Hello. I love this idea but I have two questions.
1) How do you keep your spray paint from dripping? It seem that no matter how far I spray it drips grrr.
2) You didn’t really show HOW you put the lamp inner piece together.
Thanks a bunch
Tootles~
Sandy,
I use several very light coats when I spray paint. Try the new Colormaster version from Kyrlon! great nozzle. This post was mostly about drilling the glassware. Check out THIS post https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/2011/04/teapot-lamps.html to see how I put the lamp together. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment Sandy.
gail
At the very beginning of your tutorial you mention a bit that you used, but I don’t see a photo.
“This is the type of bit I used. Jamie bought it for me for Christmas at Home Depot. This is a variety pack, mine came with just the larger bit.”
I enjoyed the project. Thanks.
Another hint to making your lamps.You could use a 1/4″ all thread through the whole stack ; with your cord taped along side of the rod at intervals, and use 1/4″ fender washers (top & bottom ). Drill another 1/4″ hole beside the original 1/4″ hole ( to make the overall hole elongated ). On the rod top and bottom; use 1/4-20 lock nuts with 3/8″ or 1/2″ neoprene washers between the fender washers and the glass. Just snug the nuts and don’t over snug;due to breakage. When it starts getting a little harder in turning the nuts;STOP!!! I say all of this related to a 1/2″ hole; cause it looks like that is the size you are using. Note: Be sure to allow enough all thread at top for mounting harp and socket . PS: You can also use cheap clear silicone at the points of where U were using the epoxy. Mount all of this together; including all thread, nuts, and both washers. This way U don’t have to wait for any thing to set up. Apply silicone as U go. The rod. nuts and washers will hold all together as U are finishing up the project. Silicone dries up in a couple of hours and cures in 8 hours. The rod makes it more rigid as well as it keeps it together. I have been making 2 tiers single tea cup Bird Feeders. The 2 tiers have a saucer inverted at top for a dome or roof ( how ever U want to call it ). I also make tea cup feeders with saucer position at bottom of cup ( with eye bolts 3″ or 4″) to accommodate the size. I also opened a new line of 2 Tiers and 3 Tiers servers as well as candy dishes.
Thank you for your detailed suggestions! 🙂 I rarely buy new parts. I’m a use what you got (repurpose and upcycle) kind of girl. If a curbed or thrifted lamp has allthread, that’s what I would use. 🙂
I only made a few of these lamps.
Thanks so much! It sounds like you make cute stuff!
gail
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You made it look easy,im gathering up the supplies and try my hand at it. Did you spray paint it?
What type of paint did you use to cover china/glass? Did you prime first?
This is just beautiful! Thank you for sharing your technique!
Love the teacup lamp. What a cute idea. Popping in from Domestically Speaking!
I love that you painted the lamp white, so pretty!
I need to get a diamond drill bit now. I’ve been using a regular bit and putting a piece of painter’s tape where I’m going to drill to keep the bit from slipping.
That is one big paint stash and so organized. We have a toxic round up every spring and that’s where my old paint cans end up. I have no storage 🙁
I love this! Fantastic for a cute office!
I love this lamp! You did an awesome job on it, especially unifying it will one color. You are way more organized then me with the paint labeling, very smart. I can’t wait to see the other lamps you did.
OMG, I cannot tell you how happy I am with this post lol. I have been wanting to make one of these and have been wondering how to do it. Ive seen articles and pictures online but none of them compared to this “how to” I can’t wait to make one!! Thank you!
I LOVE it all white! That just took it from cute to WOW!
I’ve been curious about drilling into glass and ceramic. It’s nice to know that none of your pieces broke.
LOVIN’ it! Super cute!
well thats a cute lamp,, i like it better painted too. Cant wait to see what else you’ve been up to. come over and enter my giveaway when you can.
I laughed at all the paint cans, but only because I was feeling bad about the space my dozen or so cans were taking up in the basement. I wish people would give me paint and drill bits.
The all white lamp is my favorite. Love it.
Please drop by our blog and enter to win three antique half gallon blue canning jars. http://www.theoldblockhouse.blogspot.com
*sigh*
I heart this.
I am itching to make a lamp. My hubby says I’ll break the china. I’m going to try it when he’s at work. He’s such a skeptic.
That is so neat. I saw a teacup lamp in a catalog a while back, but it was way too expensive for my tastes. I love that you’ve made one!
Love, love the beautiful white lamp, how resourceful you are and WOW what a paint stash.
Keep up the fantastic work, love popping by to see what you’ve been up to (dont always comment tho)
Thanks for the tutorial! Never know where your ideas could crop up in my own work! Thanks!
Lesley
You know I am going to have to come up with some sources for old latex paint. I don’t paint a lot but Sean and I have some summertime art projects we want to do for his room. I think we may get Evan involved as well since they do share a room. I saw it on Poppytalk and it reminded me of a project we did when I was in grade school. Basically you have an object which you slowly pour latex paint over until it forms a puddle at the bottom adding different colors as you go. It is a slow process but so cool! Once dried you end up with a series of “rings” of different colors. Can you tell I was a child of the 60’s and 70’s? ha ha!
Have a great day! Thanks for the tips on drilling glass! Oh the possibilities!
Hi Gail – great start on that lamp…look forward to seeing what shade you use to finish the look.
Laughing about the paint can collection. Funny how that stuff just multiplies!
Michael
bluevelvetchair.blogspot.com
Didn’t break any of them? Wow that’s amazing! You make it look so easy. Love the way they all stacked up. The white is lovely!
Love the lamp! And I, too, am a paint hoarder! My husband cringes when I say, “wanna go to Lowes or Home Depot?”. He knows we aren’t coming out of there with less than 2 cans of some color. 8>)
I LOVE the lamp! Painting it was sooo the right choice! I hope you will post a picture of it with a shade, I bet it is gorgeous!
I had to laugh about the “phone”, somehow my phone (and I have the same one) ends up in all of my pictures too! LOL
Have a great day!
Susan
Good work, girl! It’s going to look fabulous! Did you say what kind of shade it’s going to have? Oh and I’m the same with you about paint hoarding (but not as organized as you!) and I get all mine free at our recycling depot.
I love the white too! You make that look so easy. Adding it to my must try list.
Yay! Great idea!
Love the simple structure and the crisp white.
Looks great;)
Lovely greetings and big hugs;)
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