DIY Ceramic Photo Coasters

My mother always told me that her favorite Mother’s Day gift that I have ever given her was a handmade memory book that I created in the 5th grade. Twenty five plus years later and she still has it!

When I asked her why she kept it for so long she told me that it was because I had put so much effort and heart into it. To this day, this is the reason why homemade gifts will always be my go-to when I want to gift something extra special.

With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day right around the corner, what could be better than a homemade gift from the heart? These DIY Ceramic Coasters only cost a few dollars to make and will serve as both beautiful memories and functional home décor.

Here's what you'll need to get make your own..

Materials:

White Ceramic Wall Tile 4.5 inches x 4.5 inches I grabbed mine from The Home Depot) *Afflink*

Felt (any color)

Mod Podge – water-based glue, sealer, finish

Flat Sponge brush

Clear Finish Matte Protectant Spray

Glue gun with glue sticks (not pictured)

Photo Prints (I used MyPostCard Instant Photo Prints and they were the perfect!)

Directions:

Step 1: Trim your photo print to a square that fits the ceramic tile. I used colored prints, but black and white would make a beautiful aesthetic.

Step 2: Wipe the ceramic tile with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or dust. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge using a sponge brush. Use sweeping strokes in one direction for a clean look.

Step 3: Work quickly to stick and position the photo onto the tile. Tip* Place a book or something flat and heavy on top of the tile to keep the corners of the photo down and prevent curling. Let dry a few hours, then apply your first thin and even layer of Mod Podge on top of the photo. (It will appear white but will dry clear).

Step 4: After the first layer has completely dried (about 24 hours). Apply a second coat of Mod Podge, using the sponge brush to fill in any gaps between the photo and the tile (see photo). Let dry another 24 hours before applying a third and final coat of Mod Podge.

Step 5: In a well-ventilated, shaded area, lay out your coasters on top of a drop cloth or scrap newspaper and spray with a coat of clear protectant spray. Make sure to spray from a slight distance to prevent it from puddling. Let dry a few hours and apply a second coat. This is what helps the coasters stay water-proof. Apply a third coat for extra protection.

Step 6: After they have completely dried, cut out a square of felt that is slightly smaller than the tile and adhere to the back using hot glue.

Voila! DIY Coasters that will last for years to come.

NOTE: Make sure to give yourself a few days to complete this project as drying times between layers may vary. I typically waited 24 hours between each layer of Mod Podge to make sure it was completely dried, and used quick-drying protectant spray so I only had to wait a few hours in-between each coat.

This project takes a bit of patience and time but the end result is something your loved ones will enjoy using in their daily lives.

Do you prefer to give homemade gifts or store-bought? Let me know in the comments!