Friday, August 19, 2011

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!

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