It's Day 20 and today I'll show you how to make your own coasters!
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This project is a lot of fun and incredibly easy! I bought coasters from a shop on Etsy last year and that got me thinking (in the words of my mom!) "I could make these!" And I did!
Believe it or not, it's also one of the cheapest projects I've made! I think they'd be great hostess gifts or to bring to a party along with a bottle of wine.
The first thing I did was go to the hardware store and buy tiles. I had never bought tiles before and I have no idea how to say "tiles" in German, so it was interesting! Apparently they come in a sheet of 12 here. How are they sold in the States? The entire sheet only cost about $2 so I was thrilled. I can make three sets of coasters for less than $2 a set!
I wanted mine to be seasonal, so I chose paper seemed wintery without being traditional green, brown, or red. My paper is a pack of 60 sheets (4.5x6.5inches) called "The Luxury Stack." I already had it in my collection of scrapbooking goodies, so I was able to just sort through and find four papers I liked. I had to cut them down to fit the tiles. My tiles are 10x10cm, which is roughly about 4x4inches. I cut my paper about 1/4 inch smaller to fit nicely on the tile. Use a paper cutter if you have one. A nice straight line is really necessary so if you're cutting with scissors, be careful!
Lay your tiles out and clean them. I used my Basic H2 All-Purpose cleaner. (I use it to clean just about everything!)
I experimented with the Mod Podge because I wasn't sure what would be the best way to stick the paper to the tile: painting only a thin coat or painting a thick coat. Painting a thin coat was, by far, the way to go. It was much easier to position and smooth the paper. The thick coat left me with air bubbles and Mod Podge dripping over the side. It was definitely not fun!
So paint a thin coat of Mod Podge on your tile and lay your paper on the tile. Make sure it's centered! Let it dry about 20 minutes (or, if you're impatient like me, only wait 10!) and then paint a thin layer on top of the paper. Make sure your brushstrokes are always in the same direction! Once you pick a direction, stick with it for the entire process. You'll need to put about six coats on the paper, waiting at least 10 minutes in between each coat.
Once the final layer is dry, spray the coaster with a waterproofing sealant. You don't want to ruin your coaster the first time a drink sweats! Let that dry according to the directions on the can.
You'll want to add either felt or cork to the bottoms of your tiles. I added felt, but it's super thick. I didn't have many options so it will have to do! Cut it 1/4 inch smaller than your tiles as well. Stick the felt on the back of the tile and you're done!
These are adorable wrapped in a bow or in tissue paper as a gift, party favor, or wedding favor. You can make them any color or theme you want and they're super cheap!
I'm using mine this holiday season. I love them! I'm so happy with how they turned out! And I still have 8 more tiles to play with in the future…!
Lay your tiles out and clean them. I used my Basic H2 All-Purpose cleaner. (I use it to clean just about everything!)
I experimented with the Mod Podge because I wasn't sure what would be the best way to stick the paper to the tile: painting only a thin coat or painting a thick coat. Painting a thin coat was, by far, the way to go. It was much easier to position and smooth the paper. The thick coat left me with air bubbles and Mod Podge dripping over the side. It was definitely not fun!
So paint a thin coat of Mod Podge on your tile and lay your paper on the tile. Make sure it's centered! Let it dry about 20 minutes (or, if you're impatient like me, only wait 10!) and then paint a thin layer on top of the paper. Make sure your brushstrokes are always in the same direction! Once you pick a direction, stick with it for the entire process. You'll need to put about six coats on the paper, waiting at least 10 minutes in between each coat.
Once the final layer is dry, spray the coaster with a waterproofing sealant. You don't want to ruin your coaster the first time a drink sweats! Let that dry according to the directions on the can.
You'll want to add either felt or cork to the bottoms of your tiles. I added felt, but it's super thick. I didn't have many options so it will have to do! Cut it 1/4 inch smaller than your tiles as well. Stick the felt on the back of the tile and you're done!
These are adorable wrapped in a bow or in tissue paper as a gift, party favor, or wedding favor. You can make them any color or theme you want and they're super cheap!
I'm using mine this holiday season. I love them! I'm so happy with how they turned out! And I still have 8 more tiles to play with in the future…!
These are Great!!! :) So pretty and easy! Great idea Andrea! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your tutorial! I bought some of these off Etsy for my sister's new apartment... I would love to make them myself! Such a great idea!
ReplyDeletelove these!
ReplyDeleteI love these and want to try it but I have no idea where to even look for the waterproofing sealant. Suggestions? thanks!
ReplyDeleteKathryn, any clear coat spray should do the trick! I bought ours at a local hardware store, but I'm sure you can find it anywhere that sells spray paint. :)
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