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When I saw some cute photo coasters on my friend’s coffee table a while ago, I knew I had to try and make some myself. Photos are such a fun way to personalize something ordinary like coasters. Since so many people use coasters, why not make them fun?:-) I decided to make some myself back in the spring for Mother’s Day gifts for our mothers, but then I realized that I never shared them here.
With Christmas upon us, I figured now was a good time to share in case you are looking for a meaningful gift without breaking the bank. (The cost of this project goes down drastically after the initial investment, so this is a great one to make to give to a few different people). I am so not a crafty person, but this project was not difficult at all. If I can do it, then I know you can too.
Here’s what I used to create some cute and personalized photo coasters:
- pictures
- square tiles (ideally a tile with a rough surface)
- Mod Podge*
- small paint brush
- felt
- spray adhesive*
- clear top coat spray* {the kind I used is not available}
- newspaper or magazines
Step 1: Prepare your pictures
I printed my photos at home on computer paper. You may want to use a photo paper or laser printer if you’d like to ensure the best quality for your photos. I cut my photo to the same size as my tiles. They don’t have to fit perfectly on the tile, since the Mod Podge* will ensure the photo adheres well to the edges of the tile.
Step 2: Glue photos to the tile
I poured a quarter-size amount of Mod Podge* on my tile and used the paint brush to spread it across the top of the tile. A thin coat should be fine because a little bit goes a long way. Then, I placed the picture of top of the tile and pressed it down so it adhered well. Make sure you smooth out any bubbles and then let dry.
Step 3: Seal the photo
After the glue was dry, I poured another quarter size amount of Mod Podge* on the top of the picture and spread it across the surface. I spread it all the way to the very edge of the tile to make sure the edge of the photo would adhere well to the tile. I used enough that the surface of the tile looked white and the photo was no longer visible (It dries clear, so don’t worry!). Let it dry completely until it is dry to the touch.
I covered the photo with a second layer of Mod Podge to make sure my layer was good and thick.
Step 4: Add felt to bottom of the tile
I cut out felt squares to be slightly smaller than the size of my tile so that it wouldn’t be visible when the coasters were turned over and being used.
I sprayed the adhesive* onto the back of the tiles (I did this outside to ensure proper ventilation) and then placed the piece of felt right on top. Press it down to make sure it adheres well. I lay the tile down with felt up in the air and let the adhesive dry about an hour or so before continuing. Otherwise, you might have sticky fingers!
Step 5: Add a protective layer
I sprayed a thin and even layer of the topcoat* over the top and edges of the tiles. Let this dry for an hour or so. I sprayed a second coat on the tiles to make sure they were well protected. Let everything dry well overnight.
Once they are completely dry, you are ready to use them or give them away! I stacked them on top of each other and then tied them up with some burlap twine*.
Do you enjoy making homemade gifts?
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