DIY Easter Coasters – Decoupage Napkins

This image was contributed by Ashley Oliver – Thanks for sharing your wonderful variation of this project.

Customizing tiles with napkins is simple and an excellent project for beginners. The method is very forgiving, and the folds and creases add a unique personality to the coaster.

Select Your Napkin: Choose a napkin with a design that you find appealing and suitable for your coaster project. Consider patterns, colors, and themes that complement your aesthetic preferences or home decor.

Prepare the Napkin: Open the napkin to make it one-ply by separating the layers. This step ensures that you’re working with a single, thin layer of napkin for easier application and smoother results.

Apply Mod Podge: Using a foam brush, apply a thin and even layer of Mod Podge to the top and sides of the tile. Mod Podge acts as both an adhesive and a sealant, allowing the napkin to adhere smoothly to the surface of the coaster. Make sure to get it on the corners of the tile.

Position the Napkin: Carefully place the most attractive part of the napkin design on top of the coated tile. Smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles, and gently fold the edges of the napkin over the sides of the coaster for a neat finish.

Allow to Dry: Let the project dry for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, the Mod Podge will begin to set and adhere the napkin to the tile surface. Avoid disturbing the coaster while it dries to prevent shifting or wrinkling of the napkin.

Remove Excess Napkin: Once the Mod Podge is completely dry, carefully tear off any excess napkin from the edges of the coaster. Take your time and work slowly to avoid damaging the delicate napkin design.

Optional Finishing Touch: You can choose to let the napkin cover the sides of the tile for a seamless look, or if preferred, gently sand the edges using medium-grade sandpaper to create a smooth and uniform finish.

Apply Polyurethane or Resin: For added durability and protection, coat the coaster with polyurethane or resin. Ensure proper ventilation by performing this step outdoors or in a well-ventilated area with open windows. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparation and application of the polyurethane or resin.

Let Dry Overnight: Allow the coated coasters to dry overnight in an area free of dust or dirt. This extended drying time ensures that the polyurethane or resin fully cures and hardens, creating a sturdy and long-lasting finish for your DIY coasters.

How to Make Photo Tile Coasters Decorating tiles with photographs is a simple craft to attempt as well. You can edit the photos beforehand to add visual interest or add text if it’s to commemorate a special event. If you want your coasters to look uniform, consider making your photos black-and-white or sepia before printing them out.

1. Print a photo to fit a 4″ x 4″ coaster. For a finished look, size your photos in a 3.75″ square to leave a white border on the edges.
2. The ink may smear if you touch it when placing the photo on the tile or when applying the finish. To prevent this from happening, lightly and evenly spray the pictures with an acrylic protectant such as the Mod Podge sealant. A thin coat should dry in five minutes.
3. Cut your photos into 3.75″ or 4″ squares.
4. Apply Mod Podge lightly and evenly to the back of the picture. Make sure you cover the corners smoothly. Place the glue-side down on the tile and adjust the image so it is straight. If you find any air bubbles or bumps of glue, pat them down with a paper towel. Make sure the top is smooth.
5. Let the glue dry for at least three hours. Make sure it’s completely dry.
6. You can finish photo coasters with polyurethane or resin. Polyurethane can warp a photograph, so I’d suggest using resin for this project. Mix according to the package directions and pour a light coat on each coaster. Again, make sure to do this outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
7. Allow the coasters to dry overnight.