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Monday, December 30, 2013

How to Make DIY Photo Coasters

How to make personalized photo coasters perfect for gift giving! 


Now that Christmas is over I wanted to share one last personalized DIY gift.  I love making personalized gifts for Christmas and try to make one every year that my kids can give to their grandparents.  In the past, I've made photo books, calendars and personalized pendant necklaces.  This year, I decided to make simple and affordable DIY coasters.
how to make DIY photo coasters

SUPPLIES NEEDED TO MAKE DIY PHOTO COASTERS
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- 4x4 white ceramic tiles (I got mine from Home Depot for $0.16 a piece)
-Photos or scrapbook paper
-Metal file
-Foam brush
-Scissors or paper cutter
-Cork sheet (I bought thin sheets of cork from Michaels)

HOW TO MAKE PHOTO COASTERS

STEP ONE: 
Cut pictures down to size so they fit on top of the white tiles.

Cut pictures to fit on top white tiles

STEP TWO: 
Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the top of each ceramic tile.  Gently place a picture on top of the wet Mod Podge, making sure to smooth out any air bubbles.  Once the Mod Podge is dry, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the top of the picture.  Don't worry, Mod Podge dries clear. 

Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to top of tile

Lay picture on top of tile

Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over pictures

Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over pictures

STEP THREE:
When the Mod Podge is dry, apply 2 coats of poly to seal the picture.  Mod Podge is not waterproof, so you need to use poly in order to keep water and other liquids from damaging the pictures

***Update***  Plaid now makes a dishwasher safe Mod Podge that can be used instead.

STEP FOUR:
Sand the edges of the tiles to smooth out any rough spots.

STEP FIVE:
Trace the tiles onto the cork sheets then cut out the cork.  I purchased adhesive cork sheets for $1.99 from Michaels.  They worked well, but I also glued the edges to make sure the cork stayed put.
Trace tiles onto cork

Glue cork to the back of tiles

cork applied to the back of ceramic tiles

STEP SIX:
Stack and wrap tiles in jute for a pretty gift!

how to make handmade photo coasters

DIY coasters with photos

Since these DIY tile coasters were given to family I used pictures of my kids.  You can always swap out pictures for scrapbook paper and give them to teachers, neighbors, family or friends.  


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How to make DIY photo coasters

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  1. How many layers of dishwasher safe mod podge do you need to put on top of the picture?

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    Replies
    1. Hi! I would apply two coats just as you would if you used water-based poly.

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  2. We made these this weekend. Cannot wait to give as gifts!! I did sand the sides before I applied the pictures

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