Make Decoupage Tile Coasters in 3 Easy Steps – An Ideal Gift!
Make DIY decoupage tile coasters DIY in 3 easy steps! Fun, quick, and a great gift idea. Dive in for a simple DIY project.
Don’t you love receiving a beautiful and thoughtful gift that is handcrafted or from a small boutique store?
I have an easy gift idea of presenting a set of bespoke DIY decoupage tile coasters at a colleague’s housewarming. Or perhaps, instead of the typical bottle of wine (which, by the way, remains a stellar gift choice), surprise your hostess with a set of handcrafted, ultra-cool decoupage tile coasters. Yep, you’ll be the talk of the party!
It’s the perfect way to offer something unique to your friends or even to elevate your own living space. Not only is it a token of appreciation, but it’s also a showcase of a skill you’ve mastered. Bonus: It’s much cheaper than its store-bought counterparts!
Now, If you’re thinking this might be tough, don’t worry, it’s actually pretty simple! Whether you’re well-acquainted with DIY projects or someone whose idea of crafting is assembling a sandwich (no judgment here!), this guide will walk you through how to make decoupage coasters and how to decoupage tile coasters with clarity and precision.
And guess what? We’ll even use some easy peel-and-stick wallpaper to make it fun and modern. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to create tile coasters DIY that rival boutique store offerings.
So, grab a coffee (or a wine—hey, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!), gather your materials and delve into the rewarding world of crafting. Let’s begin!
How To Make Decoupage Tile Coasters DIY: A Step By Step Guide
Welcome back to A Very Global Christmas series with my good friend Stephanie from Casa Watkins Living. We partner up twice a year for a globally inspired series to bring you craft ideas like this easy DIY and more for the holidays.
Today is Day Eight and all about easy entertainment and gift ideas. Scroll to the bottom to see some of Stephanie’s beautiful ideas.
To make these global-inspired decoupage coasters you will need the following
- Ceramic Tiles (4×4):
When diving into how to make decoupage coasters, one of the primary materials you’ll need is a good ceramic tile. So, where to find these little canvases for your art?
You’re in luck because they’re closer than you think. Most home improvement stores are treasure troves for those eager to learn how to decoupage tile coasters. (I used the Dollar Tree ceramic tile coasters).
Head over to the bathroom and kitchen tile section, and you’ll find these 4-inch ceramic tiles, typically used for backsplashes and shower stalls. Priced as low as $.15 for some tiles, they are a steal!
While you might be tempted by the range of colors available, remember that white tiles are the most versatile. They provide a clean slate, making them perfect for DIY decoupage coasters.
But here’s a little tip for those who love to think outside the box. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to expand beyond just how to make drink coasters out of tiles, these ceramic pieces come in larger sizes, too.
Why not turn them into chic trivets for under your potted plants or serving dishes on your dinner table?
- Global Patterned Material:
With many designs at your fingertips, it’s easy to tailor your DIY decoupage coasters to reflect personal tastes. While cardstock is an option, lighter-weight papers tend to be easier to work with, especially for beginners exploring how to make decoupage coasters.
Leftover wallpaper/fabric or wallpaper/fabric samples, saved Christmas cards, scrapbook paper, or wrapping paper. The options are endless!
I have peel-and-stick wallpaper samples from Smith Honig leftover from a furniture project that are perfect for this DIY.
Why should You use decoupage paper for your crafts?
Decoupage paper is significantly thinner than normal or copy paper and is similar in texture to tissue paper. This thinness aids in crafting, especially around corners and crevices, and makes it more versatile and user-friendly for detailed work, ensuring smoother finishes.
The real joy? Picking out a design. Whether it’s florals, sports, or holidays, American Flag, there’s something for everyone.
Think of coasters with baseballs for your partner’s den or food-themed ones for your dining area.
Pro Tip: Opt for papers with smaller designs rather than large, overarching ones.
- Adhesive: Unless you are using a peel-and-stick material you will need decoupage paste, Mod Podge, or 50/50 glue and water. (The Hardcoat Mod Podge Formula sticks permanently when cured and the decoupage tile coasters can be hand washed).
- Foam brush or paintbrush: (I prefer using foam/sponge brush as glue might ruin the bristles of a paintbrush).
- Scissors and/or craft knife
- Protective Finish: Clear coat of spray paint or polyurethane or a layer of Mod Podge
- Felt pads if needed (Optional)
DIY Decoupage Tile Coasters with Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Step-by-step tutorial on how to create DIY decoupage tile coasters with global patterned peel and stick wallpaper. Perfect for gift giving or updating old coasters.
Materials
- Ceramic tiles (4x4 inches)
- Peel and stick wallpaper
- Mod Podge
- Felt pads
Tools
- Foam brush or paintbrush
- Scissors or craft knife
Instructions
- Cut the peel-and-stick wallpaper into squares slightly larger than your ceramic tiles.
- Peel off the backing of the wallpaper and apply it to the surface of the tile, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles as you go.
- Use a foam brush or paintbrush to apply a layer of Mod Podge over the top of the wallpaper on each tile. This will help seal it in place. Use a mixture of half water and half craft glue if you do not have Mod Podge.
- Once dry, use scissors or a craft knife to trim off any excess wallpaper around the edges of each tile.
- Apply another layer of Mod Podge over top of the entire surface of each tile, including any exposed edges where you trimmed off the excess paper.
- Allow this layer to dry completely.
- Add felt pads to the bottom of the coaster to protect surfaces from scratches.
Notes
Look at your local dollar store for cheap tile/ceramic coasters to decoupage.
DIY Decoupage Tile Coasters – 3 Step Guide
- First, How To Make Coasters With Tiles That Fit Just Right?
Cut to Perfection: Place a coaster on the underside of the material you are using. Measure your tile’s surface, trace the edges, and trim your paper accordingly. Alternatively, you can measure and cut a piece a little larger than 4×4 square. It works wonders!
Don’t want your paper hanging off the edges? Go a bit smaller. And if you’re feeling experimental, why not try wrapping paper or even music sheets? The sky’s the limit!
- Second, The Decoupage Process – Sticking Time!
Brush your tile with some good old Mod Podge. Place your non-stick paper on top, ensuring it aligns well. Smooth out any pesky air bubbles and layer on some more Mod Podge. Once dry, slap on a few more coats to ensure longevity. The material may wrinkle but will dry flat!
If you’re concerned about moisture, a spray-on matte finish will do the trick, adding an extra layer of protection.
For those willing to wait, there’s a dishwasher-safe Mod Podge available. It requires some patience – about four weeks of curing – but it’s a game-changer in the how-decoupage tile coasters league.
Use a craft knife to cut closer to the edges if you are using something like a peel-and-stick wallpaper or decal.
- Third, The Finishing Touches – Wrap It Up!
Add an extra layer of protection to the peel-and-stick wallpaper: With a protective finish, either apply a coat of Mod Podge on top or use an acrylic top clear coat or polyurethane.
Choose a complementary acrylic paint color to blend well with your paper. If your tile has any print on the edges, a few coats of this paint will not only hide it but give your coasters that polished look.
While painting, don’t stress over getting that flawless edge. Just swipe your finger wrapped in a wet paper towel along the edge for a neat finish. Remember to let the paint dry between layers. And a little tip – lay down some wax paper to keep your workspace clean.
Felt Foundations: Flip your tile and measure the back. Cut felt to size and stick it on. Adhesive-backed felt is a dream to work with, but regular felt or even cork works just fine with the right glue. It adds a touch of softness, ensuring your coaster sits nicely without scratching surfaces.
And that’s it! With just a couple of simple steps, you’ll have beautiful decoupage tile coasters ready for gift giving or to complement your own home decor style using peel-and-stick wallpaper as your design element.
Tying up your DIY decoupage coasters with twine or a beautiful ribbon makes for a delightful gift. And remember, just like seasons change, so can your coasters. Swap them out, keep things fresh, and enjoy!
Aren’t they darling? And so much better than the original coaster. I adore the global tribal patterns on them. You can see how I used one of the wallpaper selections on the back of a display cabinet. It looks so great!
Find more thoughtful Christmas gifts on my friend’s page and Christmas decorating ideas and DIYs with free printables on this page.
FAQs on Decoupage and DIY Tile Coasters
- Why do I see bubbles and wrinkles when decoupaging paper?
Bubbles and wrinkles can be caused by too much or too little glue, environmental factors like humidity, not smoothing the paper enough during application, or the type of paper used. They’re a common issue when learning how to make decoupage coasters.
- How can I fix bubbles and wrinkles in decoupage projects?
You can spray the piece lightly with water, apply more glue, use a pin for larger bubbles, or test different paper thicknesses. This is crucial when working on DIY projects like decoupage tile coasters.
- Why is my decoupage glue still tacky after drying?
High humidity, not allowing enough drying time, old glue, or applying a second coat before the first dries can cause tackiness.
- What should I do if my decoupage glue dries white?
This can be due to moisture issues, using old or too much glue, or the glue just being wet. Letting it dry longer or re-wetting to remove white clumps can help.
- I’m unhappy with my decoupage project. How can I start over?
Wet the paper, use a putty knife to scrape it off, and let it dry completely before restarting. Mistakes happen, even when crafting something as lovely as decoupage tile coasters.
- How do I clean decoupage glue from a brush?
All decoupage glue is water-based, so rinse under cool water and use dish soap if needed. Clean brushes are essential for those looking into DIY decoupage coasters.
- How Long Does Decoupage Take to Dry?
When using Mod Podge for decoupage, apply a medium coat to the desired surface and ensure you smooth it out to remove all bubbles. It’s crucial to then let the project sit and dry for approximately 15 – 20 minutes.
- What Fabrics Should I Avoid When Making DIY Decoupage Tile Coasters?
When diving into how to decoupage tile coasters for that DIY touch, it’s essential to choose the right fabric. For decoupage tile coaster DIY projects, avoid fabrics that are overly porous, such as sheer and silk or elastic materials.
These might not give the smooth finish you desire on tile coasters. Remember, the goal is to achieve a flat, adhered surface, especially when aiming to make drink coasters out of tiles.
Make sure to check out these fabulous entertaining ideas from Stephanie!
We have four more days left of the series. See you soon!
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