DIY - Photo Coasters

I made set of photo coasters a couple of years ago.  They were fun and really easy to do.  There is a lot of drying time involved, so it's great for a day when you are hanging about the house.  These instructions are pretty basic - don't be afraid to get creative.  These make great gifts and can be customized for any occasion!

Supplies

4 - 4.25” by 4.25” ceramic tiles

1 piece of 8x10 felt

Mod Podge

Paint brush

Scissors

Knife (crafting blade or xacto knife)

Hot Glue Gun and glue sticks

4 - 4x4 photos

You can find the ceramic tiles at your local hardware store.  I purchased mine at Home Depot for about 30 cents apiece.   The color of felt is to your preference.  This will cover the bottom of the tile to give it a clean finish, and to protect your tables.  Mod Podge can be found at your local craft store, as well as the rest of the items.  For this particular set of instructions I am using four 4x4 photos to use on my coasters, but you can also use scrapbook paper, newspaper or magazine clippings, maps, sheet music, or any image you want to print out from your computer on your coasters for your own unique set.

Step 1

Open the Mod Podge, and using your paint brush, brush the glue on the back of the image.  Make sure you cover the entire back of the photo evenly – you may want to put some newspapers down or have paper towels handy when you get to the edges.  Then place the photo in the center of the smooth side of the coaster, glue side down.  Don’t worry about placing it perfectly – you will be able to center it after you put it on.  If you get any glue on the front of the image, just wipe it off with a paper towel.  Move it aside to dry and continue gluing your images onto the other 3 coasters.  Then let them all dry for about 20 minutes. 

Step 2

After letting the coasters dry and ensuring the images are secure enough on the coasters that they won’t slip around, you will now need to paint a couple of layers of the Mod Podge on top of the photos. 

Using the paint brush, dip it again into Mod Podge and brush on top of the image.  You want a smooth, thin layer here, so be consistent in your brush strokes – back in forth in straight lines.  Below is a photo of what the coaster will look like immediately after putting a layer of Mod Podge on.  Don’t worry, it will dry clear!

Let it dry completely – about 30 minutes.

Then repeat this step two more times. for a total of 3 layers.  

If you are really concerned about things spilling on your coasters (The Mod Podge does not make them water proof, but offers them a bit more protection), then you can purchase a water proof spray to use on them.  I did not do this part on my first set of coasters that I made, and I have had them in a house with children and pets for two years with no major issues.

Step 3

Cut the piece of felt in half, and then cut each half in half again so that you have 4 pieces (it doesn’t have to be perfect yet!)  

You can then either measure and mark the smaller pieces of felt to the size of the coaster and cut, or if you have a sharp enough crafting blade or knife, you can place the coaster on top of the felt and trim around (make sure to use a cutting mat to protect your table if you use a blade!)

After you have cut your felt the size of the coaster, glue the felt to the bottom of the tile, using the hot glue gun.  After the glue cools, put the tile down, with the felt touching the table and trim any felt that is sticking out the sides using the craft knife.

You’re done!

Thank you for reading, enjoy your coasters!