Using Leftover Tiles to Make Coasters

This turned out to be a very inexpensive project which was fun for both children and adults.  I enjoyed it so much I think that I might make some more of these as Christmas gifts this year.

Supplies:
1. 4x4 inch Tiles - Any color and finish would work, but we used white glossy.  You can use tiles left over from a home improvement project if you have them.  We did not have any so we visited our local Habitat For Humanity store.  If you are not familiar with this organization, they are known for helping to build and re-build homes for those in need.  Their stores are like thrift stores but instead of clothing they sell used home improvement supplies.  My husband and I like to check this store for items we need before buying from Home Depot or Lowes because we have saved a LOT of money this way and we have gotten quality items like floor rugs, bathroom sinks (for only $5.00 a piece!) and a replacement stove top.  So we shopped there to purchase our tiles for only $.25 a piece.

2. Mod Podge - I originally had no clue what this was but I eventually found it in the glue section of my local craft store.  I bought a 16 oz. bottle with which I used 4 coats a piece on 12 tiles and did not even use half the bottle.  They sell it in a matt or gloss finish.  I chose a glossy finish.

3. Polyurathane finish - You will find this in the paint section of your craft or home improvement store.  I bought one 2 oz bottle with which I used one coat on each of our 12 tiles and I did not even make a dent in it.

4. Felt - Chose felt in a color(s) to complement the colors in your intended tile design.

5. White printer paper

6. Pencils and erasers

7. Colored pencils and/or markers

8. Paper cutter - for cutting straight even lines

9. Sizzors

10. Stencils (if desired)

11. Scrapbooking paper (if desired)

12. Paintbrush(s)

The first thing you have to decide is what type of design you want to put on your tiles.  You have many options. Here are five that we came up with: 

1. You can print out a photo (in color or black and white) onto regular white printer paper - not photo paper.
2. You can choose a design from scrapbook paper.
3. You can use stencils to transfer a design onto white printer paper.
4. You can draw your design free hand onto white printer paper.
5. You can find a picture or design from the world wide web and print it out in black and white or color onto regular white printer paper.

Regardless of the type of design it needs to fit into a square that is approximately 3 3/4 inches by 3 3/4 inches so that it is slightly smaller than the top surface of your tile.  Once you have all of your designs completed and cut to the proper size it is time to prepare the tiles.

Lay down either a cheap disposable plastic table cloth or use a plastic trash bag to cover your table with.  Wipe each tile to make sure they are clean and to remove all dust.  Set the tiles on the plastic table cover.  Then brush a coat of Mod Podge to cover the top of all of the tiles.  While they are still wet apply your design to each tile and press and rub to remove any bubbles or wrinkles.  The design will stick but it will be wet enough to also allow you to adjust your design if needed.  Once your have your designs applied brush another coat of Mod Podge over the top of each tile again and allow some of the glue to brush over the sides of each tile as you do so.

Allow some time for this first coat to dry.  An hour should be plenty of time.  Then apply another full coat of Mod Podge.  And allow to dry for another hour. 

While the Mod Podge is drying cut squares of felt that measure approximately 3 3/4 inches by 3 3/4 inches. 

When the glue is dry carefully pick up each tile and clean up the edges by folding/wiping any damp excess glue underneath to the back side of the tile and/or trimming to remove excess dried glue.

Turn each tile upside down onto a clean area of the table.  Brush a coat of Mod Podge onto the underneath side of each tile being careful NOT to allow the glue to run over the edges.  Then while the glue is still wet apply your felt and press evenly.  Allow about a 1/2 hour to dry and then turn all of the tiles over once more.

The last step is to cover the top of each tile with a coat of Polyurethane.  Once the poly is dry your coasters are complete.  All of the coats of glue and poly should make your paper designs water proof since you will be setting glasses on them.