Decoupage Coasters
The thing I love about decoupage is repurposing an old (or perhaps unwanted) object. I’ll show you a couple different ways to make coasters using paper. Below you’ll find instructions for disposable and reusable coasters. You can spend as much or as little time making coasters as you want—it all depends on how you intend to use them.
Tile Coasters/Trivets
This suggestion came from one of the other crafty elves in Santa’s workshop! These can be used year after year, making them an ideal choice as a gift idea. Use small tiles to make coasters, or use large tiles for trivets. Have fun making coasters with different materials. Layer tissue paper; cut newspaper clippings from important events, family photos, or other memorabilia.
Supplies & Tools:
- Ceramic tiles
- Scrapbook paper
- Mod Podge
- Foam brush
- X-Acto
- Metal ruler
- Cutting mat
- Kraft paper
- Paper plate
- Clear spray paint
- Felt feet
Directions:
- Lay cutting mat on a flat surface.
- Measure and cut scrapbook paper to same size as tiles.
- Protect work surface with kraft paper.
- Pour a dollop of Mod Podge onto plate.
- Using foam brush, apply Mod Podge to top side of the tile.
- Put scrapbook square on top of tile and gently press out any air bubbles.
- Repeat for remaining tiles.
- Let dry completely.
- Trim excess paper with X-Acto, if needed.
- Turn coaster over and press felt feet into each corner. If the felt doesn’t come with adhesive backing, use hot glue to stick felt to the coaster.
Note: You can buy felt feet at a hardware store, or simply cut small squares from scrap felt.
- To seal the coasters and make them water-resistant, use clear spray paint to seal the coasters. I used Krylon Clear Satin Spray.
- Take kraft paper, coasters, spray paint and go to a well-ventilated area.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for using the spray.
- Apply 1–2 coats of paint on coasters. Allow to dry.
Ideas from the elves:
- Tie the set together with a beautiful satin ribbon, and give as a gift.
Disposable Coasters (One-Time Use)
I reused some mat board from a discarded picture frame. If you don’t have mat board, you can try using any kind of thick board like a cereal box or a gift box. These are good to use at a Christmas gathering or a dinner party.
Supplies & Tools:
- Mat board
- Scrapbook paper
- Pencil
- Mod Podge
- Foam Brush
- X-Acto
- Metal ruler
- Cutting mat
- Kraft paper or newspaper
- Paper plate
- Fine glitter (optional)
- Clear spray paint
Directions:
- Lay cutting mat on a flat surface.
- Lay mat board on cutting mat.
- Measure and cut mat board into 4″ squares.
- Measure and cut scrapbook paper into 4″ squares.
- Lay kraft paper on flat surface. Set out the mat board squares and the scrapbook squares.
- Pour a dollop of Mod Podge onto plate.
- Using foam brush, apply Mod Podge onto one side of the mat square.
- Put scrapbook paper on top of mat board and gently press out any air bubbles.
- Repeat for remaining coasters.
- Trim excess paper with X-Acto, if needed.
- Let dry completely.
Seal the coasters:
(Skip these steps if you intend to use coasters only once.)
- Use clear spray paint to seal the coasters. I used Krylon Clear Satin Spray.
- Take kraft paper, coasters, spray paint and go to a well-ventilated area.
- Use kraft paper to protect your work/spray area.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for using the spray.
- Apply 1–2 coats of paint on coasters. Allow to dry.
Note: I tried using Outdoor Mod Podge as a sealer for these coasters, but after drying for several weeks (long after the recommended cure time) they were still tacky to touch, and stuck to any surface it came in contact with (table, cup, themselves when stacked together, etc.). Therefore, I don’t think outdoor Mod Podge is necessary for this project; I’m sure you can use regular Mod Podge to glue paper to the board.
Ideas from the elves:
Paper Alternatives/Memorabilia Suggestions
- Photocopy dictionary pages, and enlarge words of your choice. Suggestions: Love, Family, Friend, Joy, Hope, Christmas, etc.
- Type name meanings on paper.
- Write a small hand-written note. “I love you” “Remember when we…”
- Newspaper clippings of a memorable article such as a birth/wedding announcement, sports event (sports fans, anyone?)
- Photo or photo collage
- Sheet music
Tissue Paper
- Cut tissue paper into desired shapes and glue tissue to coaster, one layer at a time. Smooth out any air bubbles, but be very careful because the tissue tears easily. Seal with clear spray paint.
Note: If you add glitter while the Mod Podge is wet, wait until the coaster is dry before you shake off the excess glitter. Notice the smear of glitter on mine…
Cardboard Coasters
- These are so easy and fast to make. Just cut 4″ squares from a cardboard box or cereal box. This is a great idea for informal gathering such as a game night or potluck dinner. Provide your guests with markers so they can enjoy decorating (ok, doodling) on their coasters. Maybe make a friendly competition of it and give a door prize to the best looking coaster.
that’s really cool !!
These really would make a wonderful gift! Thanks for sharing. Now, i’m inspired to make coasters.
I made one of these and my kids loved it! I used coasters from Chili’s and covered those. It looks smaller than yours, but still adorable! Thanks for the inspiration!
What a lovely designs. Kids would definitely love this.
Excellent post! Thank you for sharing this information. I’d really love to make my own coasters but i don’t have much time. Now, after seeing this post, i think it’s very easy and fast to make. I’ll just grab some materials this weekend and will try to make some of those. Thanks for sharing this.