Make a set of 6 super customizable, fabulous coasters for less than $1! Cheaper than dirt ;)
Remember my awesome new table? Well I'm trying my best to keep it awesome, but my kids apparently have other plans. Their obsession with ice water is clearly evident with the amount of water stains I have to treat daily. Definitely time for some coasters and decided to do a mini project for them.
You'll need:
4" tiles (only 15 cents each at Home Depot!)
photos, magazine cutouts, or coloring pages, etc.
Mod Podge - glossy or matte up to you :)
paint brush
felt
spray lacquer
1. Attach Felt to Tiles
It doesn't really matter what it looks like, it's just to make sure you don't scratch up surfaces. I used hot glue to adhere the felt.
2. Apply Base Coat of Mod Podge
Using the paint brush, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the top of the tile.
3. Place Photo onto Tile
Carefully place your photo/ magazine clipping / whatever onto the tile. Making sure that your hands avoid any Mod Podge, gently smooth out the photo. Start at the center and work your way out until the photo is fixed and has no visible bubbles.
4. Apply Mod Podge to the Photo
Start from the focal point of the picture and work your way out. Only brush as many times as you need to in order to cover the photo, too many brush strokes will start to make the ink bleed. Don't be nervous, it will look cloudy and streaky.
{Design Options}
crosshatch- Apply first coat in vertical strokes, wait for it to dry,then apply a second coat in horizontal stokes.
matte- Apply first coat as usual, wait for coat to become "tacky" press a coffee filter evenly onto the photo and remove. Allow to dry.
glaze effect- Using rubber stamp ink and a cotton ball or a wad of paper towel, apply the color of your choice to the corners of your image. Once completely dry apply Mod Podge. Be sure to cover the image first, then any areas with ink!
other textures- experiment with paper towels, dry sponges, or even clothing (jeans are great!)
Note: the brush will pick up color each time you apply Mod Podge, so be sure to "empty" your brush between coasters.
4. Spray with Lacquer to Protect Them
After allowing the Mod Podge to cure for a couple of days, spray them down with a clear, spray lacquer to protect the finish. Here are a few from our set. Hopefully the kids will actually use them! These would make a great gift A) because they're awesome and B) because it cost me literally $.90 to make a set of 6. Yes, 90 cents. 'nuff said.
As always, if you make some send me pics! I'll post them up for all to see :)