Tile Coasters

We recently purchased some new living room furniture, which was a MUCH needed upgrade from our grandparent's hand-me-down furniture we had been living with for 3 years (picture a 70's orange and brown floral couch, an over-stuffed blue sectional, and a pink recliner... EEK!). So with this furniture upgrade came the need for some coasters to protect our beautiful new tables. I found this tutorial on Pinterest for coasters made from ceramic tile, and made a quick trip to Michael's and Lowe's for supplies to whip up these beauties:

They were super easy to make, very durable, and hardly cost anything! I was SO happy with how they turned out, I decided to make another set for my mom who I'm going to see this weekend...Road Trip!

Here's how I made them:

I purchased 4 - 4x4 ceramic tiles from Lowe's for $0.74 each.

I had previously purchased scrapbook paper with my mom in mind (she loves all things beach!) so I cut those into 3 3/4" x 3 3/4" squares so you could still see 1/4" of the tile as a border.

Using a small foam brush, I applied a layer of Mod Podge to the top surface of the tile and positioned a paper square in the center. (Be sure to smooth any air bubbles under the paper). I let them dry about 10-15 minutes and applied another layer of Mod Podge over the paper, overlapping onto the sides of the tile. (The ridges or brush strokes you see when you first apply the Mod Podge will fade as it dries, but try to make it as even as possible).

After another 10-15 minutes, I repeated the process until I had 3 or 4 layers of Mod Podge on the coaster then let them dry completely. (How many times can you say Mod Podge in one post?)

P.S. If you're lazy like I am, don't wash your brush into between coats. Just wrap it in plastic wrap!

Then I sprayed on a couple coats of Valspar clear gloss sealer to give them extra durability and water-proofing.

I picked up some thin cork sheets from Michael's and cut them into strips. I glued the strips onto the edges of the tile using E-6000 glue (that stuff is amazing!). You could probably just use little squares of cork in the corners of the tile, but I wanted be certain that they wouldn't scratch up my momma's tables!

And there you have it, some beautiful, custom, cheap coasters! Even if you don't often use coasters in certain rooms, what a pretty way to dress up a table!

I wrapped them up in twine and placed them in a pretty seashell box I had been saving. (Am I the only one who saves every box and gift bag they receive?) It's the little touches that make a gift so special!

As I said before, I'm heading to my mom's house this weekend to surprise my sister and spend an ALL GIRL'S weekend together. Massages, movies, vineyards, and lots of food! I can't wait! I'll share with you soon the gift I made for my little sister for our girly get-together!

But for now, I think it's time to enjoy a nice cup of coffee and snuggle with my boys!

Here is where I link up to some great parties!

If you would like to follow me, you can find that information below. I love making new friends! Leave me a comment and let me know!

Subscribe to Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Pinterest

"My entry into the Tuesday Confessional link party sponsored by Appliances Online and their Fridge Freezers."