Tile Coasters for the Birthday Boy

I love giving gifts, especially to the people I love, and when Jeff's birthday was coming up, I couldn't wait to think of something to make him. I wanted a special gift that he wouldn't pick himself, so when a girlfriend told me about the tile coasters she had made, I knew it was the perfect idea. The project is easy, inexpensive, and can be personalized for just about anyone with photographs, movie or concert ticket stubs, or scrapbooking paper. The only things that don't work are images from an inkjet printer (the ink will run). It was lots of fun and I'm looking forward to making more of these in the future!

Here's what you'll need for 8 coasters:

8 4x4" glossy tiles (I got mine at Home Depot)
Gloss Mod Podge
Medium foam brush
2 sheets of scrapbooking paper
Clear acrylic sealer
2 sheets of felt or 32 felt dots
Rubber cement

Using a tile, trace your scrapbooking paper with pencil and cut the paper about 1/8" smaller than the tile (so that you have a small border).

 Working on one tile at a time, apply a thin coat of mod podge to the tile, press the paper on top, and smooth across. Let dry for 15 minutes.

 Apply a thin coat of mod podge to each tile. If the paper bubbles a little, smooth away bubbles with your finger, not the brush, as it will make the paper too wet.

 Let them dry for 15 minutes. Repeat 4 times. 

 After the last coat of mod podge has dried, apply one coat of acrylic sealer in short bursts. Let dry for 15 minutes, then apply a second coat in long, sweeping sprays.

 While the tiles are drying, cut your felt into 3x3" squares.

 Apply rubber cement on the bottom of each tile and smooth on the felt.

You're done! Your tile coasters can handle a hot or cold beverage, so get to drinking!

Happy birthday, Jeff!
Can't wait to enjoy these with you.
xo