DIY Coasters for ALL the Holidays
It’s that time of year when we pull out the storage bins of Autumn/Holiday Decor. The front entrances get dolled up with mums, pumpkins and skeleton wreathes. The dish towels, place mats and throw pills are changed out with seasonal colors or patterns. We even swap out our candle scents. Coconut and Pineapple get replaced with Spiced Apple Toddy, Marshmallow Fireside and eventually Frosted Cranberry. But with all the seasonal decor swapping we forget about something we use on the daily… our coasters!
I have a set of coasters that live in my home year round, but I also have a few festive ones to bring out once the weather starts to chill. This easy DIY craft will have you making coasters for ALL the holidays.
*Tip: While the steps are not difficult, there is quite a bit of drying time in between layers of glue so give yourself a few days to complete this project.
Materials Needed:
Scrapbook paper
Ceramic Tiles
Modge Podge
Thick Paintbrush
Felt or Cork
Glue Gun
Glue Sticks
Fine Grit Sandpaper
Scissors
Pencil or Pen
Matte Clear Coat Spray Paint
Instructions:
Step 1: Trace around a tile on the back of each piece of scrapbook paper and coordinating felt. Cut out enough scrapbook and felt squares for the number of tiles you want to make.
*Tip: If your scrapbook paper has a pattern or has some color variation, decide which section or orientation you prefer before tracing and cutting. For example: a piece of scrapbook paper might have vertical stripes, but by laying the tile on an angle on the paper you get diagonal stripes on your coaster instead of vertical. Play around with orientation and see what jumps out at you.
Step 2: Cut out the scrapbook paper and felt squares.
Step 3: Brush a thin layer of glue on the top of a tile. Place the paper square on the tile then do another thin layer of glue on top of the paper. Repeat for all tiles and let dry.
Step 4: Brush a second coat of glue on top of the paper. Repeat for all tiles. Let the tiles dry for 24 hours before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Once the tiles are have dried completely, take a fine grit sandpaper and sand around all edges. Along with the edges, I also sand down the top corners and where the paper meets the tile. The gives a vintage look to the coasters.
Sometimes the paper may not stick when you start to sand. If this happens, no worries. Just peel off the paper, cut another square and start the process over again.
Step 6: Once you’re happy with the sanding, brush a thin layer of glue over the edges of the tile. Let the tiles dry another 24 hours before moving on.
Step 7: After 24 hours, in a well ventilated area, spray an even layer of clear coat across each tile to seal the coaster. Repeat with a second layer of clear coat. Allow at least 15 minutes between coats.
Step 8: Add hot glue around the perimeter on the bottom of the tile. Lay the coordinating felt square over the hot glue and press down with fingertips.
Step 9: Pour yourself a cup of coffee or glass of wine and enjoy your new coasters!
Be as creative as you want!
The fun doesn’t stop here. These coasters make great gifts! Make a set for brother that just bought a house or give them as a Christmas gift for your friend that loves to entertain. Use family photos printed on cardstock and they are a perfect Mother’s Day gift. Personalize individual coasters for your favorite co-workers to leave on their desks. You can include a set in a fundraiser gift basket or make some for your church craft fair. I’ve even made coasters with motivational quotes for a corporate meeting. The options are only as limitless as your imagination!
So go run to your local craft store or use the paper scraps you already have and get to DIY’ing. Don’t forget to share your coaster creations with me on Instagram! I can’t wait to see what you’ve made.