Tutorial Tuesday: Tile Coasters

December 2, 2008

tile coaster tutorialIf you follow my blog at all, you've probably realized that I enjoy making tile coasters. They are fun to make, are useful around the house, and make great gifts. Since it is the season of giving and all, I thought you might like to make some of your own.

You can find tiles at your local hardware store. They come in many shapes, sizes, and finishes. I like to use glazed ceramic tiles or tumbled marble tiles.

Materials:
  • Tile
  • Background paper
  • Printed images
  • Decoupage glue
  • Varnish
  • Foam brush
1. Clean the tile
Clean the surface of the tile with a damp cloth and wipe dry.

2. Adhere background paper
Measure your tile, then cut out a piece of background paper that is the same size. You can use cardstock, decorative paper, or a printed image.

Using your foam brush, apply a thin layer of decoupage glue onto the surface of the tile. Place the background paper onto the tile and smooth out any air bubbles. Apply another thin layer of decoupage glue on top of the background paper.


Tip: For an alternative, you could decorate the tile surface with alcohol ink or leave it blank.

3. Adhere printed images
Place your printed image(s) on top of your background paper and smooth out any air bubbles. Apply a thin layer of decoupage glue on the entire surface of the coaster. Let dry.

Tip: You can create a digital layout in image editing software (e.g., Photoshop) and print it out. Then you just need to decoupage that one piece of paper to the tile.

4. Apply 2-3 coats of decoupage glue
Apply 2-3 thin coats of decoupage glue onto the entire surface of the coaster. Let it dry between layers.

5. Apply varnish
There are many types of varnish available. You'll definitely need one that is water-proof or water-resistant. Take a look at what's available in your local craft or hardware store and pick one that suits your needs. Apply the varnish following the manufacturer's instructions.

Alternatively, you can use continue applying layers of decoupage glue, use diamond glaze, or use several layers of Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel to seal the coaster.

10 comments:

luthien on December 2, 2008 5:08 PM said...

i'm gonna make some coasters as christmas presents :) thanks for the great idea :)

Marian on December 2, 2008 6:33 PM said...

Very interesting. I've missed so many of your posts! I haven't just been staring at my belly button, I wish, just swamped with work.
Can this be made on any tile... I mean, those porelain tiles, the common ones for bathrooms which have llike a glazing on top (I have a box left from when we re did the bathroom!), what typf of glue would work there?? any? or a special decoupage one... any ideas ir should I just try and stop asking? :)

Spotted Sparrow on December 2, 2008 6:49 PM said...

Luthien, have fun making presents! That's what I've been doing all day. :D

Marian, you can use those tiles. Those are exactly the kind I used for this tutorial. I use a decoupage glue called 'Art Potch' and a varnish called 'Marabu Aqua'. Maybe they have the same kind in the Netherlands? These are just normal brands that I found in the craft store, nothing fancy. :)

CheekyCharm on December 3, 2008 12:20 AM said...

Thank you so much for posting the tutorial! I fell in love with the ones you posted yesterday!

The Fab Miss B on December 3, 2008 1:50 AM said...

Now we know how to make our own! I can't wait to try this!

P.S) I've tagged you- come visit me to join in the fun:

http://thefabmissb.blogspot.com/2008/12/seven-silly-little-things.html

Xo!

Becky

Maddie James on December 3, 2008 4:26 AM said...

Great idea! Thanks for giving us the step-by-step. I have to try this!

maddie

SpeakDog on December 3, 2008 5:26 AM said...

If you use the embossing enamel, can you apply it directly to the paper layer? Or does there need to be some clear ink or something for it to stick to?

Spotted Sparrow on December 3, 2008 7:03 AM said...

You can apply the UTEE while the top layer of decoupage glue is still tacky. Or, you can use a clear embossing ink. I've had success using both methods.

A Touch of Dutch on December 3, 2008 2:09 PM said...

I LOVE these!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Thanks so much! I actually just came from a Habitat for Humanity Restore (they sell used home improvement stuff to raise money for Habitat) and I really thought I could make coasters, but wasn't sure how. I searched, and here this was!

I am a big fan of your work. Thanks so much for sharing this and all of your tutorials. Fantastic!
Kim
B.B. Bellezza

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