For Christmas this year I really struggled with what I was getting my mom. I like to do things that are personable and homemade. This year I decided to make her homemade coasters. And, here's how I did it.
What You'll Need:
- Mod Podge (glossy or matte depending on what kind of style you're going for)
- 4x4 tiles (I bought mine from Lowe's last minute - this gift was done two days before Christmas, if you're doing this for a gift I suggest starting a couple weeks early! I'll tell why down below*)
- Pictures cut down to 4x4
- Sandpaper (optional)
- Sponge brush
- Small felt pads (like the ones used for the bottom of stools, tables, etc.
- Credit Card (optional)
Directions:
- I printed my pictures out at a standard 5x7 because I didn't find a place that could do them any smaller, I then cut my pictures down to 4x4. I used pictures that wouldn't cut off the subject so this was fine, I suggest doing the same! If you are wanting to do a polaroid look cut the pictures down to about 3.25x3.75"
- Next put Mod Podge on the back of your photo with the sponge brush, and place it on the top of your tile. This is where the credit card comes in. Get any bubbles out with the card or something like it. Be careful, it will be slick and you also don't want to ruin the quality of your picture.
- LET IT DRY. I let mine dry for a good 30 minutes, which seemed fine.
- Then apply the top coat. Even strokes, all in the same direction. It dries clear for those who don't know, so don't freak out like my husband did!
- LET IT DRY. For this coat I would say to let it dry for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Now, your sandpaper comes in. I weathered the edges with the sandpaper to give it a more authentic look. NOTE: if you got black tiles, I suggest skipping this step. It doesn't look as nice. I learned from experience, don't make the same mistake I did!
- Another top coat, like four-five more times. Letting them dry between each. This is why the process takes so long and should be done days/weeks before hand if it's a gift. This is not a project for the impatient!
- The final step was putting the felt pads on the bottom. I put four on each corner. They help with sliding and also not ruining the furniture you'll be using the coasters on.
And, your finished! You have personalized coasters! I will be making some of my own hopefully here soon. I have a new idea I would love to try out!
IMPORTANT! Also, with drying time, after the last coat let it dry for ONE WHOLE ENTIRE WEEK before putting a drink on it. It will put a circle on your coaster. And, you will be sad.
*Look around for tile that you like! I got chunky, expensive tile that I didn't like. I did this gift last minute so I didn't really have a choice. Get some tile that is thin, you will like it much better.
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