Handmade Holiday: Decoupage Tile Coasters

Christmas is exactly one week away, and between lots of cookie orders I’ve been putting together my handmade Christmas gifts. It definitely was a big endeavor of mine, especially with being away on vacation for a week, but I choose simple yet thoughtful gifts that wouldn’t require much time, like the first handmade gift I shared, a painted mug which I packaged with fine tea for a dear friend. Coasters are great for a newlywed couple or new homeowners. When you make them yourself it is a functional gift that becomes even more personal when you take the time to design something that matches their style or favorite hobbies. This handmade gift how to, is so simple you can do it even during this hectic week, and extremely affordable. You just need plain tiles, a printed design or photo from a computer, and a few delicate strokes of decoupage and time to dry.I went for a sports theme, as my boyfriend’s brother is a big Dallas Cowboys football fan. I wanted to make these coasters a bit more classier, pretty enough for his new wife to want to use and display in her living area, rather than just have them in the man cave. Use words and quotes, old family photos, or pretty tissue paper to create coasters unique as your loved one, and like a universal mug, the possibilities for these gifted coasters are endless.

You’ll Need

• Tiles {found at Home Depot}
• Multi-Surface Decoupage Gloss Finish or Mod Podge {I like Martha Stewart Crafts brand, they’re are non-toxic and dishwasher safe}
• Soft Bristle Decoupage Brush
• Design or Photos printed on regular printer paper
• Scissors
• Craft Paper or Newspaper for Workspace
• Craft Paint {optional – use one for glass or ceramic}
• Felt or Rubber Non-Slip Circles

Clean your tiles of dust, with rubbing alcohol. Print your designs or photos onto regular paper, and cut out to size.
Apply a thin layer of decoupage onto tiles and back of printed designs. Place design onto tile carefully, as desired, and lightly run finger over to remove any air bubbles.

Allow to dry for 1 to 2 hours, then apply 3 thin coats of decoupage allowing 1 to 2 hours to dry between coats. It’s important to keep you layers of decoupage thin, so your finished coasters look clean. If you make a mistake, or have any drips, clean with soap and water.

I choose to paint the edges of my white tiles, since they were unfinished. If you choose to do the same, tape off the top for clean edges. Use 3 coats of paint, allowing about 30 minutes to dry between coats. Once paint on edges completely dries, carefully peel off tape, and brush a thin layer of decoupage around sides. Allow to dry overnight.
Bake tiles at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. This allows them to become permanent and water-resistant, to any spills from glasses that will be placed a top. Place your non-slip rubber or felt circles in each corner of the tiles.
Stack them up, and tie them together with ribbon to gift. Handmade coasters make the perfect gift for anyone on your list.