DIY subway tile name plates

Camp crafts

All you scrapbook fanatics are going to love these. The girls at camp took this idea and ran with it. I wish I had photos of all their great plaques. These subway tile nameplates to stick on your bedroom door were inspired by a reader, Josie, who asked me for suggestions for what to do with some leftover white tiles that were given to her. I thought of the ceramic nameplate that I’ve had since I was a child, and decided white subway tiles would make excellent nameplates. We decoupaged scrapbook paper and added stickers, rhinestones, ribbon, etc., but you can use whatever artist’s medium your heart desires. Paint? Glitter? Knock yourself out.

How to make subway tile door name plates

DIY name plates supplies

Supplies and tools

  • white subway tile (26 cents each at The Home Depot)
  • alphabet stickers (I used leftover stickers from my advent calendar project)
  • other stickers, chipboard letters, rhinestones, etc.
  • paint, markers, glitter, etc. (optional)
  • variety of scrapbook paper
  • Mod Podge or other decoupage glue
  • scissors
  • 1/4-inch-wide ribbon
  • hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
  • four Scotch foam mounting squares
  • paint brush and disposable plate/cup
  • wax paper

Choose your design

1. Choose your design using cut paper, stickers, etc. I bought white alphabet stickers and colored the letters I needed with a black Sharpie.

Wax paper tip

Tip: Lay out your alphabet stickers on wax paper first so you can visualize your design (and ensure that your name will fit on the tile).

Glue the elements to tile

2. Protect your surface with wax paper. Apply glue to the front of the tile. Adhere your background piece, smoothing out bubbles immediately. Then paint glue onto the back of the smaller pieces of paper and stick them onto the tile. Let dry about 30 minutes.

Wrapping the tile

Tip: To wrap the paper around the edges of the tile, cut a piece of paper about 7×4 inches, place the tile in the center, then cut out a notch from each corner. Or print this template onto the back of your paper and cut/fold where labeled.

Back of wrapped tile

Glue the front of the tile first, adhere the paper, then apply glue to the sides. Tuck in the tabs and fold over the edges.

Apply top coat of glue

3. Add stickers, etc. Apply top coat(s) of glue. Let dry about 10 minutes after each coat.

Add rhinestones and ribbon

4. Sick on rhinestones or other decorations. Hot glue ribbon around the outside edge of the tile, if desired.

Apply adhesive squares

5. Stick one foam mounting square at each corner on the back. Then peel off the backing, and stick it on your bedroom door.