Are you wondering how to make Photo Coasters at home? They’re actually so easy to make!
Be sure to check out these sweet Gifts in a Jar, too!
How to Make Photo Coasters
I’ve got another fun, easy & thrifty project to share with you ~ How to Make Photo Coasters. Grab the Mod Podge, it’s time to do a little crafting!
These easy DIY Photo Coasters start with a simple tile, and transform into sweet keepsakes that make great thrifty gifts!
Make some for yourself, and make some extras to give as a Frugal Gift Idea!
So what are you waiting for? It’s time for another frugally Fun Craft project!
Making your own personalized photo coasters is the perfect excuse to get some of those cute photos off of your phone. Plus, this easy craft isn’t very expensive.
So what exactly do you need to get started?
Keep reading…
Related: Fun Crafts To Do that Anyone Can Enjoy! (huge list)
What is Needed to Make Coasters?
Here’s what you’ll need to round up to make your own fabulous DIY photo coasters at home…
- Small Foam Paint Brushes
- Ceramic Tiles (I found these at Lowe’s for 16 cents each!)
- Mod Podge (I used ‘Glossy’)
- 4×6 Photos (I had mine printed ‘Matte’ style)
- Waterproof Acrylic Sealer Spray
- Note: if you are using different brands of products, the results may vary.
- White Acrylic Craft Paint
- Felt, Fleece or Cork scraps for backing + Hot Glue to attach the backing
How to Make Photo Coasters with Mod Podge
Here’s what you’ll do…
1. Paint the rough, unfinished side edges of the coasters. Now, be sure not to rush the project. Give it plenty of time.
I made these over the course of several days, and allowed each coat to dry completely for many hours before applying the next coat.
2. Once the tile has dried, grab your photos. Trim each photo into a square shape, to fit the your tile.
*Note: Black and white photos are also fun to use on this craft!
How Do You Transfer Pictures To Coasters?
3. Apply Mod Podge to the back of the photo with a sponge applicator.
4. Then press down onto tile. Allow to dry completely. (note: make sure each coat dries completely before applying the next coat.)
5. Once dry, apply a layer of Mod Podge with a sponge applicator to the top of the photo. Use even left-to-right strokes. (as always with Mod Podge, lines will show)
6. Allow to dry completely.
7. Repeat with 2 more layers of Mod Podge (allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next).
How Do You Make Photo Coasters Waterproof?
8. Once the coasters have had 3 layers of Mod Podge applied, and have dried completely, take them on outside.
It’s time to spray with Acrylic Sealer! This is what you will seal the coasters with.
9. Lay coasters on wax paper. Or something else you don’t mind getting sprayed with some over-spray.
10. The Acrylic Sealer is an important step. It will seal the project. This will ensure the coaster is waterproof, and can handle wet glasses sitting on the coasters.
You’ll want a strong coat of sealer on each coaster. I applied a total of 5 coats of sealer, allowing each to dry completely overnight before applying the next coat.
11. Now it’s time to add some backing to the coasters.
I used felt on some, some fleece scraps on some, or you could even use some squares of cork material…
12. Apply the backing with a hot glue g*n, and allow to dry completely.
You did it ~ aren’t these too cute??
Now its’ time to choose. Do you save some for yourself, or give some as Thrifty Gifts? Or should you do both?
Then promise me, whatever you do… don’t forget to make one of the dog! 😉
Once the coasters are completely dry, it’s time to stack up a set. Then grab some ribbon for a bow.
Voila!
Now you’ve got an extra-cute and thrifty homemade gift to give to someone special!
A BIG thanks to frugal friend Joli for sharing this fun project idea with us!
RELATED: Grandma Gift Ideas
Photo Coaster Reviews
What Your Frugal Friends are Saying About This Photo Coasters Project…
Maria writes: “Awesome! Gave them to my mother-in-law for her birthday, she loved them! Super cute & very inexpensive!”
Rachel writes: “I had my son decorate 2 tiles and then used pics for the other 2 and gave them as teacher gifts at the end of the year. They were a big hit!”
Eric writes: “Turned out great! Super easy and fun to make.”
Anita writes: “Made them as Baby shower favors!”
Lindsey writes: “Absolutely my favorite Diy project by far”
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So have you tried this tutorial for How to Make Photo Coasters yet?
Leave a comment & share!
I’ve left my first coat of mod podge dry for an hour, do you think that’s long enough? Just wondering and any suggestions would help. I didn’t press down with my fingers at all, i used the side of my fist. It worked really well.
This is such a cute idea for grandparent gifts. Thank you so much for posting. And thank you to the other commenters for their tips as well.
I used latex gloves to place the photo on the tile and there are no smudges and I didn’t use a lot on the photo. Enough to last but not over abundance. Also, latex glove on one hand.
Perfect!!!!
I’m making these over the next few days and was wondering how long you let the coats dry? I will give them overnight to dry the first coat and then tomorrow let the second coat dry. I hope these turn out well because they are fun to make and will make great gifts. Any ideas on number of coats and how long you let them dry? I wonder if latex gloves will help when pressing the photo onto the coaster. I’m going to try it and will let everyone know how it goes.
One more question! How much Mod Podge and Sealer did you use for 70 coasters? Thanks!
Megan and Shannon,
I’m so curious! Did it work out this time? I really want to make these for several family members’ Christmas gifts, but with three kids under four, time is so precious right now!
I’m making them to save $$ (which is also scarce), but if I end up making them and they take a ton of time (and they’re all ruined), I will only have wasted the time & money–and I’ll still have to go out and buy other gifts. . . so I’m curious how your coasters turned out? Thanks!
I am starting over also. I am giving each coat 12 hours to dry. This should make them perfect!
I love all the crafts you post. Thanks Heidi
Shannon
Megan & Shannon ~
The key is to not rush the project, and give it plenty of time. Make sure each coat dries completely before applying the next.
I made these over the course of several days, and allowed each coat to dry completely for many hours before applying the next coat.
If you are using different brands of products, the results may vary. Hope this helps! 😉
~ Heidi
I had the same problem Shannon. I made 70 throughout the last week, after drying for 2 days I stacked them and they were stuck together. I took all the pictures off and want to try again was wondering if I should’ve waited more than the 20 mins the sealer can says in between coats?
This works best on dry days if it is humid it may not dry properly.
Then if you spay on the next layer before the first is completely dry the bottom layer will never dry.
I have a table that I painted during a rainy week 11 years ago and it is still slightly soft.
Can you use the Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer (gloss) spray instead of what you have in the picture? I couldn’t find yours but this was at Wally World. ??? Also, this doesn’t say waterproof either….Help! Thanks.