DIY Photo Coasters

Are you constantly plagued by water rings on your furniture? Looking for easy and quick DIY gift ideas? Seeking more opportunities to show off your child/pet/amateur photography skills? Well, this here little project solves all three of these dilemmas.

Remember these coasters from a couple of months ago? Well, this is along the same lines…but even easier since you don’t have to cut scrapbook paper (not that cutting scrapbook paper is difficult, but you know). I ordered the photo prints using the Shutterfly mobile app. Have I mentioned how awesome this app is? You can order prints directly from your Instagram, Facebook, or Iphone camera roll, no need to upload them to the app first or anything!  These 4×4 prints were .25 a piece. I used 4-1/4 tiles from Home Depot, which fit the prints perfectly (and gave them a cute little border!).

The prints I used are from my Instagram photos – a couple of handsome Jack and a few scenic ones from a trip to Greece last year.

DIY Photo Coasters - Tulips & A Terrier

You will need:

  • 4×4 Photo Prints
  • 4-1/4 inch tiles (.16 each at Home Depot!)
  • Mod Podge
  • Foam applicator/brush
  • Craft felt (I was able to get 6 coasters out of one sheet)
  • hot glue gun
  • scissors/pencil
  • Clear protective spray (not pictured)

Apply a layer of mod podge to the smooth side of one tile and the back of one of the photos. Press photo onto tile and try to center it as much as possible to even out the border. Nothing too challenging here. When I was down to my last two tiles, I noticed that I actually had more photos than tiles. This is so typical! I always screw up simple things like counting! I guess I’ll just have to grab two more tiles the next time I’m at Home Depot

DIY Photo Coasters - Tulips & A Terrier

Let these dry for about 20 minutes or so. Once dry, use a pencil to trace the shape of the tile onto the felt. Since all of the tiles are the same size, you can use one and just keep tracing the shape as many times as you need. I would make the felt a bit smaller than the tiles so that it’s not visible when the coasters are in use.

DIY Photo Coasters - Tulips & A Terrier

Use the hot glue gun to glue the felt onto the rough side of the tile. Apply a coat of mod podge onto the photo to seal it onto the tile and let dry. I switched over to the matte formula for the top coat. I wanted the coasters to have a bit of a vintage look. Also, I accidentally got some glitter into my pot of gloss mod podge and didn’t want glitter on the coasters.

DIY Photo Coasters - Tulips & A Terrier

 

Once the mod podge is dry, give the coasters a quick layer of the protective spray. I actually didn’t use a spray my first time making coasters and noticed that they would stick to things from time to time, so I definitely recommend spraying them.  Once that’s dry, you’re done!

You might think that I used a postcard or something here but I actually took this picture! This is the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion in Greece. It’s probably one of the most spectacular sights I’ve ever had the chance to experience.

DIY Photo Coasters - Tulips & A Terrier

The sunset off at Cape Sounion was pretty amazing in itself. I’m still kicking myself for not investing in a new camera before my trip…

DIY Photo Coasters - Tulips & A Terrier

Last summer we had gotten Jack one of those kiddie wading pools. Since he loves playing with the hose, we thought he might enjoy splashing around in a pool. This was not the case. He had the saddest expression on his face, like he was being tortured or punished or something. We think he must have viewed it as a big bath or something. This was his first and last time in the pool.

DIY Photo Coasters - Tulips & A Terrier