[Giveaway] DIY Coasters

Tutorials for how to make your own ceramic tile coasters have been popping up all over the place, and I love the idea! These make wonderful gifts because you can personalize them any way you like. Check out this step-by-step tutorial, and leave a comment to enter to win the set of 4 below:

The best thing about these coasters is that they are very inexpensive to make. I bought eight tiles from Home Depot at 14 cents a piece! The Mod Podge and Polyurethane Spray are a little more pricey, but they will last a long time. I was able to get four squares out of one sheet of scrapbook paper, so I only had to purchase two sheets! Keep in mind, you don’t have to use scrapbook paper. You can use photos, wrapping paper, napkins, or any memorabilia like concert tickets, etc. The possibilities are endless. Let’s get started.

STEP 1: Cut your paper to fit your tile. I measured a 10.5 centimeter square, then cut the paper along a ruler with an X-Acto knife. Your paper can go all the way to the edges of the tile, or you can leave a white border.

Step 2: Next, sand the sides of each tile to smooth out the sharp edges and rinse them under water to remove any debris.

Step 3: Pour the Mod Podge into a plastic bowl and dip your sponge brush about halfway in. Paint a thin layer directly onto your tile and quickly place your piece of paper on top. Press out any wrinkles starting from the center and moving toward the edges. Repeat with each tile.

Step 4: Allow the Mod Podge to dry for 15 minutes so your paper doesn’t slide around.

Step 5: Apply a coat of Mod Podge over the scrapbook paper, brushing in one direction. The Mod Podge will dry clear, but you’ll be able to see the brush marks a bit so don’t get crazy!

Step 6: Once the first coat has dried, apply a second coat going the opposite direction.

Step 7:  Apply one more coat and wait for the Mod Podge to dry clear.

Step 8: Take your coasters outside and spray each with a coat of Polyurethane. This will make them waterproof and give them a nice shiny finish. Make sure it’s not dusty, or you’ll end up with little pieces of dirt in your finish!

Step 9: Allow the tiles to dry for 30 minutes and then apply a second coat of the Polyurethane. Then, bring the coasters back inside and allow them to dry for at least an hour. Don’t stack them up before they are completely dry! I made this mistake and had to re-spray them.

Step 10: Flip your coasters over and press a felt pad into each corner. You can make your own felt pads, but the ones I used were only $2.99 from Home Depot and they worked perfectly.

And here is the finished product!

This coaster sure looks good underneath this tasty cotton candy martini:

Don’t forget to comment below for a chance to win a set of these great coasters! I’d love to know how yours turn out.  (A winner will be chosen at random. Contest closes Feb. 5, 2012.) This contest has now ended. Thanks for entering and congrats to our lucky winner Virginia P.

Tagged as: DIY coasters, homemade coasters, how to make coasters, make your own coasters