DIY // Photo Coasters

I got a little crafty this weekend. I was browsing through my some of my pins and felt the need to actually put one to use. I was looking at my Crafts + DIY board and found this pin for Polaroid Coasters.

Although I followed these directions, I ended up filling up my tiles with square photos instead of doing the Polaroid bit. I did this mainly because I ended up buying tumbled chiaro tiles ( natural stone looking ) instead of the glazed white ceramic tiles used in the tutorial.

I thought I'd share my process + experience since I did things a little differently.

Here's what you'll need:

• TILES | I used nine 4x4 inch tumbled chiaro tiles ( looks like rustic, aged stone ) purchased at Home Depot. Cost: $4.25
• PHOTOS | I used photos from my Instagram that I printed on 4x6 photo paper at home. I recommend using Instagram photos because they're the perfect size – I just had to trim them down – plus they're already edited. Cost: n/a
• MODGE PODGE | Luckily, my mom had some on hand so I didn't need to purchase any. I used Matte and it seemed to work great. Cost: n/a
• CLEAR ACRYLIC SPRAY | I bought the glossy off-brand at Hobby Lobby. This helps create a water-resistant surface so condensation doesn't ruin the photos. Cost: $5.99
• FELT CIRCLES | Sticking small felt circles on the back of the tiles help prevent scratches. I put a small dot on all four corners of each tile. Cost: $0.99
• SPONGE BRUSH | I used a cheap sponge brush to brush the Modge Podge in straight lines across the tiles. Cost: $1.33
• TOTAL COST | $12.56 –– not too shabby!

 Here's how I went about making my coasters:

1. Choose the photographs you want to use. Edit them accordingly to give them a vintage feel. Trim them to 4x4 inches or smaller depending on how much of the tile you want to fill.
2. Use the sponge brush to paint a thin layer of Modge Podge on the back of the first photo. Lay the image onto the tile and frame accordingly. The Modge Podge is forgiving so you have some time to straighten the image out or try again if you're unhappy with the first placement.
3. Repeat step 2 until all of the images have been backed to the tiles with Modge Podge. Allow at least 15 minuets to dry.
4. When the images feel secure to the tile, dip the sponge brush into the Modge Podge and swipe a thin layer across the entire tile. The Modge Podge will look white and you will likely see some brush strokes, but don't worry – it will dry clear. Just be sure not to put too much on at one time. Let dry.
5. Repeat step 4 another two or three times. ( I think I ended up doing four, but I was in the middle of  a Breaking Bad marathon so I lost count. )  Just be sure to allow optimal drying time between each coat. I ended up waiting about a half-hour between each coating. 
6. I let my tiles dry over night after applying the last coat of Modge Podge. The next morning I used the clear acrylic spray to coat the tiles in a thin and even coat, spraying from left to right over the the tiles ( I grouped mine in a 3x3 grid and sprayed them all together ). 
7. Allow another 24 hours of drying time to ensure the acrylic sets.
8. Stick the felt circles to each of the tiles.
9. Enjoy your beautiful coasters/photo tiles – whatever you want to call them!