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.