Handmade Tile Coasters

Create durable tile drink coasters customized with photos or colorful patterned paper.

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All you'll need:

• small ceramic tiles (15 cents each at home improvement stores)
• felt (25 cents at craft stores), cut into squares slightly smaller than the tiles
• paintbrush
• images: try patterned scrapbook paper, photos, post-it notes, or even tissue paper for a unique look
• your trusty Mod Podge
• adhesive suitable for ceramics (to attach the felt) -- not pictured below
• glossy varnish (not water-based)

Step 1:

If necessary, trim the paper and the felt to fit the front and back of the tiles, respectively.  The nice thing about using Post-it notes is that they're already the perfect size!

Step 2:

Using Mod Podge and a paintbrush, attach each paper piece to its tile.  Work any air bubbles out from under the paper.

Step 3:

Using Mod Podge and a paintbrush, coat the top and sides of each tile to seal the image.  I recommend applying only one coat -- or two very thin coats.

Step 4:
After the Mod Podge has dried (give it at least 15-20 minutes), apply the varnish.  Only apply one or two coats, allowing it to dry between coats.  Because Mod Podge is water-soluble, it will not protect your coasters from condensation -- so this step is important!

Step 5:
Once the varnish is completely dry, attach felt to the bottom of each tile with glue to protect furniture surfaces. (Note: do not stack the coasters until the glue has completely cured; otherwise the fumes may cause damage to the varnish of the coaster below!)

And there you have it -- you're done!