Fit to Be Tiled

A plain window box becomes a pretty indoor garden when trimmed in tile. Create a distinct border for a simple mirror with tile. Refresh cabinetry with the addition of a colorful tile behind the drawer pull. Transform a cabinet door into a mosaic.

• To save money, use only a few decorative tiles mixed among plain ones that are the same size.
• Use a notched trowel to spread adhesive; it removes the excess and creates ridges that "grab" the tile. Press the tile firmly in place, giving it a slight twist into its final position. Do not slide tiles.
• Let tile adhesive cure for 24 hours before applying grout to ensure adhesive is thoroughly dry. After pressing grout into cracks with a grout float, wipe away excess with a damp sponge. Let dry for several hours; then, buff away the remaining film with a damp cloth.

Perk Up a Planter

Steps:

1. Measure the window box and select the size and pattern of tiles desired. A 30 -inch long planter and six-inch decorative tiles were featured. These dimensions allowed five tiles and border pieces to be used and no cuts were necessary.
2. Paint the box a complementary color to the tiles. Lay box with surface to be tiled facing up.
3. Experiment with tile layout until satisfied. Remove tiles and spread adhesive over surface. Set tiles in adhesive and let dry for 24 hours. Grout was not applied to the featured project. If desired, use a premixed unsanded grout following manufacturer's instructions.

Frame a Mirror

Steps:

1. Have a piece of plywood cut to size slightly smaller than the total width of a 12-inch mirror tile and border tiles. This will create a cleaner edge so the plywood will not be visible when viewing the side of the finished mirror.
2. Using a trowel, spread tile adhesive on one side of the plywood. Center mirror on plywood.
3. Place corner tiles at each of the four corners of the mirror. Line perimeter of mirror with six-inch border tiles. Wipe excess adhesive from face of tiles with damp sponge. Tip: Go through a dry run before applying adhesive to make sure the tiles fit together nicely.
4. Attach picture-hanging hardware to backside of plywood.

Update a Drawer Pull

Steps:

1. Remove the existing drawer pull. Drill a hole through the center of the back of the tile using a special glass and tile drill bit. Tip: To find the exact center of the tile, draw pencil lines connecting opposite corners of the tile, making an X.
2. Position the tile so its hole lines up with the hole in the cabinet front. Re-install the old drawer pull with the tile behind it.

Note: It may need a longer screw to accommodate the added depth of the tile.