~ CRAFTS ~ Custom Tile Coasters

I've been having a lot of fun doing crafts lately, usually in the afternoons after work, while Micah is taking a nap or jumping in his jumperoo.

One of the fun things that I've made is customized coasters. They're super easy, and look really nice (at least I think so!). Here is a little tutorial if you want to try to make them:

What you need:

• Four 4" tiles (I used travertine, because I like the holey texture of them)
• Four pieces of scrapbook paper, which coordinate with whatever theme you'd like to use
• Mod Podge
• Polyurethane
• A paintbrush or a foam brush

The first step is to choose your scrapbook papers. I like to have them all coordinate, and look matching. Here are some that I've used:

Once you've chosen your paper, wipe any dust off the tiles. They tend to be fairly dusty, and you want to get rid of it so that the paper will stick to the tile better. Next, you cut the scrapbook paper to fit the top of the tile. I usually trace one of the tiles onto the back of the paper, and then adjust so that each piece fits exactly. With the travertine, the edges aren't perfect, so you have to cut the paper to adjust for the little holes and dents.

Next, spread a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the top side of the tile.

Press the paper onto the Mod Podge, starting in the center and working toward the edges to remove air bubbles.

Then you take it outside, or a well ventilated area, and spread a layer of polyurethane onto the tile. This will seal the paper so that water won't ruin it. We all know that water and paper don't mix well!

When you put the poly on, it really make light-colored papers look like they're blending into the tile - very cool looking!

Let it dry for at least 24 hours so that it's completely hard, not tacky, and cover with another layer. (It's probably alright with just one layer of polyurethane, but just to be sure it's completely protected I like to add an extra layer).

When it's dry, put a little felt circle, available at Wal-Mart, on each corner of the bottom of the coaster, so that it doesn't scratch the table you use it on, and it's finished!

Now you have a customized set of beautiful coasters! Enjoy!

**I have spilled water on mine a lot, and you can't even tell. I've been using them for two months and they still look brand new. That polyurethane really does the trick in protecting the paper.