DIY Matryoshka & Owl Coasters


I know DIY mod podge coasters have been done a million times, but I needed some new coasters so I thought I’d share. Maybe you haven’t tried it yet, if not you really should.  These are SO easy and so professional-looking that they make an ideal gift, and they cost less then for a whole set.  You just need some cheap tiles, some paper, a little felt and mod podge.  Get the full DIY after the jump…

DIY Mod Podge Coaster Tutorial

1.  Purchase some tiles.  I bought six of the cheapest tiles I could find in glossy white, it was under $2.

2.  Trace your tiles onto your paper.  I used these cute matryoshka and owl wrapping papers I found at the art supply store, but you can use any paper other than something printed on your inkjet printer (it will get all smeary):

Cut out the squares with an exacto knife about 1/8″ to 1/4″ smaller then your square on each side, depending on how much tile you’d like to see as a border:

3.  Doing one tile at a time, apply a light coat of Mod Podge(i used glossy) with a sponge brush, then center your paper on top.  Use your fingers to press the paper nice and flat.  Don’t lift it up once you get it on or it will rip and be a big ole mess.


Let them dry for 20 minutes.

4.  While they are drying, cut out six squares of felt for the bottom of your coasters:

5.  With your sponge brush apply another light coat of mod podge to each tile.  Let the coat dry for twenty minutes.  Repeat this process five or six times.

6.  When your tiles are dry, turn them over and glue the felt squares to the back.  I used rubber cementbut I think tacky glue would work.  You could also use those felt dots that normally go on the bottom of furniture legs, or cork:

7.  You can use your coasters the next day but don’t put anything hot on them for a month, that’s how long it takes the mod podge to fully cure.  If you apply a sealant you can use them sooner as per the directions on the sealant, I used Polyurethane Spray:

You’re done!  Drink up!

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36 Comments

Jaime

i picked them up at some random tile warehouse i happened to drive by. just went in and said, can i buy some of your cheapest tiles for a craft project, and they said sure! but i'm sure you can get some at home depot too.

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Claire

Great tutorial! I can't wait to make these. There is some beautiful paper at my local craft store, but I have never had a reason to buy some. Now I do! Thanks!

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Helen

What timing!
Im in the process of re-doing my kitchen and Im trying to make a custom window sill. I have the ceramic tiles and Im using very old german chocolate candy bar wrappers for my graphics. Problem is, I cant seem to apply any Modge Podge without leaving fine texture lines. Does it come in a spray? Can I dilute it and spray it? Id really love for these to come out as smoothly as possible.
Thanks in advance!

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Jaime

helen, hi! so i know exactly what you are talking about and here is my suggestion, i haven't tried it though i've heard it works: use the "hard coat" formula mod podge and then sand it down after. but our friend amy at ModPodgeRocks.blogspot.com can probably answer this question for you even better because she is a mod podge expert…i'd check out her site and give her an email. she might even already have a post on it.

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Jaime

Helen – Amy from ModPodgeRocks has an answer for you:

I just saw the comment and there is a solution to her problem!  She just needs to wet sand (very lightly) between coats.  That will get rid of the lines.  She can get something to wet sand at Home Depot, and she just needs a *very* fine grit.  After she's done she can also seal with clear acrylic spray.  It's going to be great!

yay!

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Anonymous

I buy cheap white tiles at Home Depot for coasters and trivets. Instead of felt, I buy a role of cork with contact paper backing and cut pieces to fit. The contact paper sticks to the tile backs just fine, so there's no need for messy glue.

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Joy

I just tried these with scrapbook paper and a couple of them seem to be pulling up around the edges. Do I need to use more Mod Podge? I've never used this before and kind of guessed on the amount.

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Jaime

yeah you probably just need a little more and to press it down firmly and let it dry all the way before adding a layer on top!

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Joy

Thanks I'll try that! Now, how do I get my 1 year old and 2 year old to take a nap at the same time so I can finish them? 🙂

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Denise

Hi I'm trying this project out today, and I'm wondering if the modge podge is waterproof enough to handle the condensation of cold drinks? Or should I just go ahead with the polyurethane sealant? Thanks!!

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Caryn

both of those papers can be found at paper source, or on their website! i love them and will be using the owls for this project!

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Lydia

These are so amazing, I have made a ton already using this DIY 🙂
I posted some on my blog (tohavemoxie.blogspot.com) and I am linking back to you!

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maria

I tried this but upon applying a layer of diluted glue ( saw this wanna be tip of Modge Podge on Pintrest) it started to bubble. I didn't know what to do so I stopped before ruining all my tiles. Any advice?
Thanks!

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Lisa

I just did these and they turned out great! So happy to have my own coasters. Thanks for this tutorial!

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