Custom Tile Coasters {Tutorial}

Here's a project that I've been wanting to do for quite some time--tile coasters! I made a set of 8 different ones--custom for each of the girls in the office at work to keep for their desk (or bring home!) as a small Christmas gift. There are MANY tutorials out there, so I combined a little steps of each to make my own. :)

Supplies:
4x4 Tile(s)
Corkboard or Foam
Paper
Paper Mod Podge
Spray Adhesive

Acrylic Spray

Brush-on Glue (optional)
Mod Podge Sparkle (optional)
Sponge brush/paint brush
Scissors
Patience!! :)

Step 1. To help protect your counter, desk or wherever your coaster will set, we'll use corkboard! Cut your corkboard to the desired size. I just used a pair of scissors, but I'm sure there are many ways to do this! Cut to either the exact 4x4 size of your tile, or a tad smaller so that your tile has on overhang. I chose option B where I cut them a tad smaller than the tile. 

Step 2. Get creative!! Are you doing coasters with a monogram, photo, patterned paper...? Design your coaster look! For my coasters, I chose to do a monogram with each girls first initial along with a patterned paper that reminded me of them. A very helpful tool for this was my Cricut! I used various colors and fonts to create the monograms. Also, cut out your "background" paper. Cut it just a tad larger than your 4x4 tile. (This is also when I used my Mod Podge Sparkle to add some bling to the letters!)

Step 3. Adhere the corkboard to the tile. First, apply spray adhesive to the cork--be carfeul, it IS messy! Optionally, apply a small amount of brush-on glue to the corners for extra support.  

 

Adhere the cork to the back center of the tile.

Step 4. Mod Podge time! Apply a good but smooth layer of Mod Podge to the top of the coaster and adhere your paper. Smooth the paper as best as you can with no ripples. Trim out the corners of the overhanging paper. (see below) Mod Podge the edges of the tile and fold the paper to adhere it to all sides.

Adhere your monogram! Apply a coat of Mod Podge over your paper and edges, then lay your letter on top. Let dry. Apply another coat of Mod Podge over the entire coaster. Let dry. Apply one last coat over everything. This is when patience is key. :) And don't worry--the Mod Podge will dry clear!

Step 5. Final step! Once the Mod Podge has completely dried, break out your acrylic spray. Follow the manufacturer's directions and apply a few coats to finish the coaster--this will give it a nice shine and serve as a final protective coat. 

Let dry and enjoy your final product! (Princess Belle is mine :)

I left each coaster on the girls desks at work with a little note that read:
"Here is a treat
For your cold (or hot!) drink feet
To help prevent a mess
From being made on your desk"

I was so glad that each girl was more excited and thankful for their gifts than I thought they would be!

I also made a set for a close family for Christmas. They loved it and it matches their kitchen perfectly!
For this set, I used a neutral color floral patterned scrapbook paper for the background with a centerpiece of a rooster image that I found and printed from online. 

I also plan to make a set (at some point in time!) for our own house using black and white photos of Larry and I, family and friends!<3

Desk Accessories: Mouse Pad {Tutorial}

The first thing that I wanted to create for my desk at my new job was a mouse pad. The one I had was black, old and to say the least--ugly! This was my first mini-project for my new desk and work space. This is possibly THE easiest way to create your own custom mouse pad!

Supplies:

Old mouse pad OR cork board 

Fabric

Heat-n-Bond

Fabric Scissors

Step 1. Cut your fabric to the desired size of your mouse pad (not the EXACT size or shape, just get it small enough to work with, rather than having a yard or so of fabric) Choose a fabric that is smooth...nothing with texture--your mouse has to be able to roll smoothly on the fabric. If you are not using an old mouse pad, cut your cork board to the exact desired shape and size. I used cork board (since I didn't think my company would have liked me re-vamping their supplies) and chose to do it in the shape of a circle.

Step 2. Apply Heat-n-Bond to your fabric following the package directions. Once cool, apply it to the cork board (or old mouse pad).

Step 3. After it has cooled, simply cut around the fabric along the shape of your new mouse pad and you're done!! :)

I LOVE my mouse pad at work and received tons of compliments about it.

It definitely represents my personality a lot more rather than a grungy, old black one! :)