Where I make my own drink coasters

One of the first things I found on Pinterest that I really loved was this coaster tutorial.  Once I move I want to stock my condo with stuff I really like, not just stuff I buy, so this project sounded perfect. Plus, it was an easy first step into crafting.

I bought most of the supplies weeks ago, but was still looking for the "perfect" paper to use on the coasters. To tell the truth I really wanted paper with owls on it, but since I hadn't found any I decided to just find four that I thought were fun and go from there.

I bought the tiles at Menards for $0.11 cents each. They were the 4 1/2 by 4 1/2 cheapest tiles they had. I ended up buying four sheets of card stock at JoAnn Fabrics at $0.25 cents each.  You can see two of the papers below.

 So, as part as my "catch up on my Tivo" morning, I pulled all of my supplies out.

I used:

8  4 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch white ceramic tiles
4 Sheets of card stock
1 2 inch foam brush (the 3 inch is shown in the picture but I changed part way through
Mod Podge
Rustoleum Crystal Clear Enamel
Scissors (my craft scalpel thing is shown but I used scissors to cut the paper).
Felt pads (not shown)

I decided to let the edge of the tile show around the edge of the paper, so I cut the squares just slightly smaller than the tiles. The card paper I choose had a grid on the back so I followed that (8 squares if you end up using the same kind).

I applied one coat of Mod Podge to tiles and then placed the paper on. Allow to dry for about 15 minutes. Apply a second and third coat allowing 15 minutes in between each time.  I did notice some bubbles underneath the paper. I tried to smooth them out but some of them persisted. However, they still looked ok so I kept going.

Here you can see the other two card stock papers I choose.

After the mod podge has dried, take to a well ventilated area (I choose my front porch) and apply a layer of the Rustoleum Crystal Clear Enamel.

I applied two coats, leaving about 15-20 minutes inbetween.  Finally, I added the felt pads to the bottom so they won't scratch!

So, here is the final product! They are still drying/setting so I don't know how long they will last but I think they look great and I'm excited to have them in my new place. And I also have about 20 more tiles (I bought in bulk!) so I can try with other papers and as possible x-mas presents!