We’ve been in desperate need of coasters for awhile now, but every time we look at them in the store, they are either ugly or too expensive. So I, being the crafty beaver I wish I was, decided to make my own! I found this cool idea on another blog, so unfortunately, I can’t take all the credit, but they turned out pretty darn cute, and most importantly, they serve their purpose! Bonus: they are really fast and easy to make.
Here’s what you need:
-Square ceramic tiles (mine were 16 cents each and 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″ from Home Depot)
-Decoupage glue
-Scrapbook paper
-Foam brushes
-Felt for backing coasters (I just used the little felt circles that you put under furniture to protect the floor from scratching, and adhered them with super glue)
-Paper cutter
-Heavy-duty glue (I used super glue)
-Waterproof acrylic sealer, in a spray or paint can
Here’s what you do:
1. Clean the tiles with alcohol to remove smudges/fingerprints. (Jorden sanded the edges of the tiles for me so they wouldn’t be so sharp!) Be sure you’re working on a non-stick surface like plastic or vinyl. The decoupage glue WILL stick to newspaper or cardstock! (That’s it’s intended purpose.)
2. Cut your paper into squares 1/4″ smaller than your tile. Have a stack of these cut to expedite the process.
3. Brush the tile with decoupage glue. Use a generous coat, since you want all parts of your paper to bond permanently. You must work quickly, as it begins drying immediately. Decoupage glue is NOT very forgiving!
4. Center your paper on the tile. Press the paper to the tile firmly, beginning in the middle and working your way outwards, eliminating air bubbles. Pay extra attention to the edges. These must adhere well, otherwise the paper will peel. Allow this layer to dry, 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Apply a layer of decoupage glue to the top of the paper. Make sure your brushstrokes are uniform and run in only one direction, as you will be able to see them (lightly) when the glue dries. Allow this layer to dry 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Brush another layer of decoupage glue over the coaster. You can make your brushstrokes in the same direction or the opposite direction (horizontally). The latter will produce a hatchmark effect.
7. Continue adding layers of decoupage glue until you are satisfied with the look. I used two. Then repeat the process of sealing with waterproof acrylic sealer, brushing on a layer and allowing it to dry. If using spray sealant, follow directions on the can. With either, make sure you are in a well ventilated area and you follow the precautions on the product! I wait at least one day before adding the sealer to make sure that my coasters are thoroughly dry. Each sealer has a different curing time; check yours for the appropriate number of hours/days it will take to dry. (I used spray sealant, which worked well, but it smelled TERRIBLE!)
8. When the coasters are completely sealed and dry, cut the felt to the appropriate size to match your tiles. Use the heavy-duty glue to affix the felt square to the bottom of the tile. Most heavy-duty glues require adequate ventilation! Again, be sure to follow manufacturer’s directions and precautions. The same process applies to the use of rolled cork board. Wait a few days before packaging to make sure that the adhesive no longer has an odor. (Like I said, I used little felt circles, which worked really well and were waaaaay less work).
And that’s how it’s done! Super easy, and super cute. Here they are in the making:
Here there are, all finished, ready to serve and protect our wood furniture. I made 10 total, two of each design:
And here is one in action! So cute, isn’t it?
They were supposed to match in the red, gold, and brown theme in our living room, but now that I look at them, that didn’t really happen. Oh well, they are cute and colorful, and they work. I love them. And they saved us money and were fun to make. BONUS! Aaaaand, I only super-glued one finger…I was pretty proud of that.
PS – Happy 2 month anniversary to my amazing husband! It’s been a wonderful two months, that’s for sure. 
