Easy, inexpensive coasters

These coasters are cute and make an easy, quick and cheap gift. All you need are some small tiles (these 4″x4″ tiles were 37 cents each at Lowe’s), some scraps of fabric, small pieces of felt and some Mod Podge. I had matte Mod Podge on hand, but glossy would look really nice. Let’s get our 1970s on and decoupage! I demonstrated a few different fabrics, but obviously you could make a lovely set with coordinating or similar fabrics.

Supplies

(Click fabrics for direct links for purchase at Warehouse Fabrics Inc.)

Courtside Stripe

Hampstead Ebony

Lovely Indigo

Spiroplaid chocolate

Small tiles (these are 4"x4")

Adhesive felt

Mod-Podge
The felt doesn’t have to be adhesive-backed. You could just glue it on the bottom of the tiles with the Mod Podge. I found it to be really convenient, though to just peel and stick. I used one sheet of adhesive felt and it was about $2. Sometimes I’m unbelievably cheap and would rather buy the 29 cent felt and go through the extra trouble. Whatever you prefer!

The process

First cut your squares of fabric. If you look closely, you’ll see that I have this measured at 4″x4″, the size of my tiles. But I quickly realized I needed them to be a tad smaller than the tile, so I ended up cutting them 3.5″x3.5″. A rotary cutter, mat and quilting ruler is a great way to get perfect edges, and the fewer stringy, unraveling edges, the better!
Lay out some newspaper and place your tiles right-side up. Spread some Mod Podge all over the top surface. I like these little sponge brushes, but you can use any brush you like.
Place your fabric carefully on the top of the tile. Then apply a generous coat of Mod Podge all over the top of the fabric. It’s going to look white. Don’t freak out. It will dry clear. Pay extra attention to any threads that may be unraveling on the sides. Once the glue dries, you ain’t getting those off. They will be solidly preserved for eternity. Allow to dry thoroughly.
Cut out pieces of felt the same size as your top fabric (mine were 3.5″x3.5″).
If it’s adhesive felt, peel the backing off …
… and stick it right on there. Now you have a nice, soft coaster bottom to protect your table.
Yay Mod Podge! I love how it still has that old-fashioned bottle.
Cute! Now just imagine if they matched. Make a bunch at once and you’ll have easy (but heavy!) stocking stuffers or small gifts for co-workers and the like.