DIY Coaster Creations!

Posted by Katie on May 7, 2012 in Do it yourself, Saving, Uncategorized | 10 comments

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, have you decided on a gift? I just finished making coasters for my little sister as a college graduation gift when it dawned on me, these would also make the perfect Mother’s Day gift! The entire project only cost me about $35, so not only are you creating a one of a kind gift, you don’t have to break your bank account doing it! I documented the process so you can see step by step how to create your own masterpiece!

D.I.Y Custom Drink Coasters:

Supplies Needed (I got everything at Michaels except the ceramic tiles):

• White Ceramic Tiles (Home Depot, I got 6 for $1.01)
• Mod Podge
• Foam Brush
• Cork tiles
• Glue (I chose Gorilla Glue – should be strong enough to hold cork onto bottom of ceramic tile)
• Clear Acrylic Coat Spray Sealer
• Paper (any kind you’d like to decorate the coaster with! Consider printing out family pictures for mom)
• Ruler
• X-acto knife

 

Step 1:
Cut out the first paper you’re going to use into a 4″x4″ square. This allows for a slight white border around the paper. (NOTE: I cut one piece into a 4″x4″ square, then cut out shapes from a second piece of paper with an X-acto knife. See below for instructions on layering paper).

 

Step 2:
Using the foam brush, cover the ceramic tile with a thin layer of Mod Podge

Step 3:
Place the 4″x4″ paper in the center of the ceramic tile. Push down on the paper to make sure no glue bubbles form underneath, then allow mod podge to dry (5-10 minutes)

Step 4:
Using the foam brush, cover the entire ceramic tile and cut paper with another layer of Mod Podge to seal the paper to the tile. Then let the Mod Podge dry (10-15 minutes).

 

Step 5:
Repeat Step 4 at least 2-3 more times. You want to build up the layers of Mod Podge to ensure a thick seal is created.

Step 6:
Cut out a 4″x4″ square of cork (I used an X-acto knife and ruler)

 

Step 7:
(Follow the instructions for the glue you choose to bond the cork to the tile) Place glue on the cork (I spread the glue with another foam brush), then place the cork on the bottom of the tile, in the center. Press the cork and tile together for 60 seconds then let the glue dry. Depending on the glue you chose this can take minutes up to 2 hours.

Step 8:
Once the glue has dried, take the coaster outside and spray even strokes of clear acrylic sealant over the entire tile. Allow to dry, then repeat this step 2-3 more times.

Step 9:
That’s it! Gather your coasters and either put them in a box to be wrapped or find some pretty ribbon to tie around the coasters and present the gift to mom.

 

NOTE ON LAYERING PAPER:
I decided to cut out different shapes/designs and layer multiple pieces of paper for an extra customized look. I’ve found the best way to avoid bubbles is to choose one piece of paper to be the 4″x4″ base (Follow steps 1-3 above). Then, when you place the first layer of Mod Podge over the tile and paper, place the second layer of paper(s) you cut out on top of the Mod Podge before it dries. Push down on all edges to avoid bubbles forming. Once the glue dries you then follow step 4 – finish. At first I tried using double sided tape to hold the cut out paper onto the 4″x4″ but I found that created many air bubbles. It’s easiest to just glue both sheets together!