2.14.2011

DIY: Coasters

One of the gifts I gave my bridesmaids was these home-made coasters. Coasters are a great way to add a personal touch to any room - and they are easy to make! I was in Hobby Lobby last week and as I passed by the Valentine's Day cardstock I just could not turn down heart candy paper or the vintage Valentine paper. I thought coasters would be a great way to subtly bring in some Valentine's Day decor. 


Although Valentine's Day is already upon us, that doesn't mean you can't do this project! Just take a stroll down the cardstock aisle and pick paper that matches your living room, the next holiday or season, or a friend's living room for a gift. 

Trust me when I say this is an easy project - it's just a bit of cutting, gluing, and waiting  - that's it! It does take a couple days (to get through the drying process), but that's the worse part - especially if you are like me and want things right now. So for almost nothing you can add a personal and functional touch to your living area! Here we go!

Need:
Cardstock of choice ($0.29 - half off!)
Paper cutter (or scissors if you can cut straight lines) (already had)
4 4x4 white tiles ($0.13 each)
Mod Podge (glossy or matte - your preference) (already had)
Small sponge brush (already had)
Sealer (already had)
Felt dots ($2.96)

Total Cost: $3.77

Directions:
1. Measure exact length of tile and cut four pieces. I didn't want any white peeking around the edges, so I cut the pieces the exact measurement of the tile. If you would like a bit of a white boarder, just cut the paper 1/8'' shorter.


2. Wipe off each tile piece with alcohol. This cleans the surface from dust, dirt, and finger prints - which will help the paper to stick more cleanly. 

3. Pour Mod Podge into paper plate. Use sponge brush to apply a generous layer of the glue onto the tile. Then apply one of the pre-cut pieces of cardstock - be sure to center the paper. Press the paper firmly - start in the middle and work your way out to eliminate air bubbles. Also, pay attention to the edges as it is important for the edges to adhere well. 

4. Allow the layer to dry (about 10-15 minutes). Then apply a top layer of the Mod Podge. Be sure to apply glue in one direction as there will be stroke marks. 

5. Repeat applying Mod Podge layer 2-3 times - until you are satisfied. I do a total of three top layers. Let these layers completely dry over night (about a 24 hr period is best). 

6. Set up in a well ventilated area - outside is ideal, sealer can be very strong and extremely harmful to inhale. Follow sealer instructions. The one I used required an initial layer of quick, short sprays and then a couple more layers of slower, thorough spays (about 15 minutes between each layer).

7. Allow sealer to completely dry (again, at least 24 hours). 

8. Apply felt dots to each corner of the bottom of the tile. 

Then your coasters are complete. Wrap up the set or place them around your living room and you are in business! 

19 comments:

  1. this is amazingly creative, very cute!
    http://cgdn.blogspot.com/

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  2. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

    emily

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  3. I LOVE these!! Such a great idea!!
    I should have never thrown out my old ugly coasters, I could have just recovered them!

    Be Sure To Enter My Exposed Envy Giveaway!

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  4. Love this! Thanks for sharing...Mom and Mother in law may be getting some handmade gifts from the kiddos this year!

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  5. This is such a great idea Linley! Thanks for sharing :)

    Love, L.

    frills-and-lace.blogspot.com

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  6. What an adorable idea! I sooo need to try that.

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  7. Love the coasters. I'll have to give that a try for gifts!!!!
    Where do you get your white tiles?
    bekah-- Matters of Merrymaking

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  8. Such a good idea. I love Modge Podge!

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  9. This is such a great project idea! It would be simple to make a whole lot of different ones at the same time and just paint one at a time. Thanks for the idea and tutorial! :)

    http://one-girl-vs-world.blogspot.com

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  10. @Bekah - you can get tiles from any home improvement store. these particular tiles are available (for sure) at Home Depot and Lowe's.

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  11. Love love LOVE this! I have to make some little gifts for a group of girls I work with and couldn't think of what to do and NOW I DO! Bless you and your creativity.

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  12. Wow what a cute idea, I had to pay like 15 bucks for my coasters and they are really plain!

    visit heyrecklessmind.blogspot.com

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  13. Oh my gosh, Linley. these are SO CUTE. I'm going to have to make these when I have some time. It'd be perfect for personalized photo coasters, too, right??? :)

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  14. These are so cute! I'm always eyeing up pretty scrapbooking paper! I need to make some of these.

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  15. Linley you are a DIY genius!!! There should be an award for that... hmmm I might have to make one so I can award it to you :)

    Rochelle

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  16. I just made these for my friend for her birthday. I printed pictures of her artwork (she paints) and used them instead of scrapbook paper! I can't wait to give them to her on her birthday, they turned out so awesome! I already have a million other ideas for other friends birthdays with pictures of all of us together. Thank you so much! :)

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  17. Impressive! I really like this blog.
    Thanks for sharing this information…
    Photo coasters

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xo,
Linley