DIY Personalized Coaster Set

My daughter Samantha is making simple inexpensive coasters today. You could get really creative with these: 

I don't think it's an understatement to say that I LOVE these coasters.  I never used to be a coaster kind of girl.  Probably because the ones we had at home were these wooden ones with cats painted on them from 1989.  But now, I see the beauty of coasters because these, well, they have beauty.  Like little works of  art. And I made them all in a couple of hours and it costs about $3 to make a set.

Here's what you'll need:

ceramic tiles/ scrapbook paper/ Modgepodge/ scissors/ ruler/ felt stickers

First, I decided on my design and cut out my pieces.  For the quilt one, I started with a 1 1/4" square and arranged the rest of the "quilt" around it, seeing what I could fit onto the tile.  You can do this with any kind of quilt block or pattern; just make sure you arrange everything on the tile and you like the way it looks.

Next, I spread a thick layer of Modgepodge on my tile.  It should be thick enough that the Modgepodge doesn't dry before you set your pieces, but thin enough that your pieces won't be totally submerged/soaked.

Arrange your pieces on the tile.  Be quick! They need to be in place before the modge podge starts to dry.

Let the tile dry for a little while.  Then, begin spreading thin layers of Modgepodge over top of your paper.  Watch out for any bubbles or bumps and smooth them out as best you can.  Spread about 5 layers of Modgepodge, letting them dry for about half an hour in between each coat. (Be careful, because I found out the hard way that while the paper is damp with ModPodge, it can tear and scratch easily....)

When the tile is dry and you like the way it looks, attach your felt stickers to the bottom so they won't scratch your tables.  I found these pretty easily at Wal-Mart. You could also just glue on scraps of wool or felt.

And you're done!  Aren't they adorable?  You can do them in any kind of pattern or print, and I think they make a very sweet housewarming present! I can't wait to make more to add to my collection. 

What kind of patterns would you put on your coasters?

Happy Weekend!

Samantha