Printed Pic Coasters

I've been experimenting with my coasters using different techniques.  I'm finding, when copying pics from regular paper, the paper spits out more air bubbles; which is at times, difficult to eliminate all together.  It does work best to put a heavier coat of seal or poly on them.  I then use my brush to tap out as many bubbles as I can. Patience is needed here.

After drying a full 24 hours, if there are noticable air bubbles, just use fine sand paper and gently, very gently rub over the air bubbles not to push down but skim over them.  Wipe off and put another coat of seal on them and they should turn out perfect.  Regular paper pushes air bubbles out as the sealant/poly soaks in. It takes a little more time, but a lot easier and less expensive than photo paper. 

Try different techniques, moving slowly with your brush on some sample pieces until you've perfected it.  Oh yes, and don't let dry in a cold room, it should be room temperature.  I found a spot in my house that once they're ready to dry, I leave them in that spot for a couple days.  You also want to make sure where ever you set them to dry, that it is a level surface.  Otherwise, you'll have more sealant/poly on one side than the other and it is noticable.  Take my word for it.  Once all dry, put your coaster legs on the back and done.  You can also get some of the pic stands if you don't want to give them as coasters.  Or make a wall haning, the ideas are endless.

Trial and error, I've been going thru it without having learned it first.  I just wanted to make them and had an idea in my head.  I'm sure there are many ways to make these, my main concern was making usable coasters.  I'm going to be experimenting with different sealants as well and will let you know how it goes.  You can do anything if you set your  mind to it!

Christmas Card Coasters

Start by cutting your card  to  fit your tile, leaving a small edge around it.

 Dry fit it on your tile in case you want to write something on it.

 Mod Podge the entire tile.

 Place your cut out card, after Mod Podging the back of it  separately as well, onto the tile and Mod Podge the entire thing.

 After allowing to dry at  least 30 minutes, apply a nice coat  of polyurethane. If the card  is thick or has clitter on it, it  may need a second coat of poly.  After applying the first libral coat, let dry over night and then  decide  if  it needs a second coat. Attach your coaster legs on the back and your next year's gift is ready. I sign the back of  mine and date it.

Holiday or Special Occasion Coaster Gift

When you open your presents, keep some  of the wrapping paper or use your left over roll(s).  This is a fun kids project.  Start by cutting out some pictures or even just a 4x4 square if you have 4x4 tiles.  If filling  the entire tile, cut just under the size of the tile so a little of the tile shows around the edges.

 Now on your tile, the kids can paint them or even use colored markers to draw or write something.

You don't have to be an artist, you just need color for whatever holiday you are making the gift for. Or, you may just be  doing it for your own family fun. I use acrylic paint since it  dries really fast.



 Next, Mod Podge the back of your piece you cut out, being a little libral.

 

 Place picture then onto the tile.  Make sure all the  air pockets are pushed out gently. You should have  a little Mod Podge oozing out  from the  sides which will help you  get the air pockets out.

 Next, Mod Podge the entire tile being libral with it but not too thick. Go in one direction. Let dry for about 20-30 minutes.

 Instead of using spray sealer, which is also good, I use polyurethan.  I can get a thicker, more durable one coat on the tile.  What you want to make sure  of though, if you use a sponge  brush, use a regular brush over it to  get the bubbles out. Just take your time. Let dry over night.

The next dayput your 4 coaster pads on the back and you're ready to  use or wrap as a gift for next year or some other special occasion.  Durable  and washable. The kids can even sign them with a marker before you put the  polyurethane on them. Have Fun

Here's a cute gift idea.  Have your kids color pictures.  Modpodge them on a piece of tile.  Write their name and date on them.  Once the Modpodge dries completely, put at least 3 coats of poly on them.  One coat at a time and let dry at least 24 hours before the next coat.  You can put some coaster legs on the back of them and you have durable, usable coasters as a gift for the grandparents or other family members.  A way to save those special moments of memories.  You can do the same with printed out pictures as well.  Just take your time and make sure you get all the air bubbles out before applying the polyurethane. 

I've not poly'd this one yet, but after today begins the process.  I think I'll make some with coloring pics, some with pics of the grandkids, some with other pics of memories and give them as a gift to the parents :)

This is a birdhouse I made from a flower pot and a couple pieces of wood lying around.  Since it was Christmas, a little ornament to decorate.  Come spring, I'm sure I'll have some feathery friends to watch out my window.

The are the salt dough ornaments I made as well.  Once baked and cooled, paint and decorate.

Christmas ornaments I made out of polymer clay.  I used the colored clay this time and once they were baked and cooled, I brushed a coat of sculpey glaze on them.

I bought an old suitecase and a stand at a thrift store for $25.00 total.  I screwed the suitecase onto the stand from the inside of the suitecase and polyurethaned it about 3 times.  A nice end table for that special unique look and conversational piece.  And yes, you can even hide stuff inside it.