I love decoupage, but I hadn’t tried it myself and wanted to start simply. The opportunity arose when a friend didn’t have coasters and wanted ones that reminded her of her home country. I was surprised to find how easy the project was and how well it turned out. So I made my own, using photos from our travels. Here’s how you can make coasters, using travel photos, too.
Note: This post was last updated May 27, 2021.
Materials, Supplies, and Tools
- Ceramic tiles (4.25″X4.25″
- Electronic travel photos
- Thicker, glossy printer paper
- Cutting mat, cutting utensil, and ruler
- Water-based glue, sealer & finish
- A foam applicator
Preparing the Travel Photos
I purchased my friend’s coasters at a thrift store, found tiles online, and cleaned both before applying glue.
I selected electronic photos to use and printed 4”x6” copies on thicker, glossy printer paper.
Using the cutting mat, cutting utensil, and ruler, I cropped each photocopy into 4”x4” squares.
Decoupaging the Travel Photos
I poured a nickle-size amount of glue on a tile and spread it out evenly, using the foam applicator.
Then, I placed a 4”x4” square on the tile and smoothed it over, pressing down any air bubbles and removing any excess glue. I repeated these steps, using the remaining tiles & squares, and allowed them to dry.
After at least 30 minutes, I poured another nickle-size amount of glue on each tile, spread it out evenly, and allowed the tiles to dry completely.
Finishing the Coasters
The glue is also a sealer & finish, but a spray can be used, too. Backing, such as cork, can also be added to the bottoms. The tiles can be used as coasters, displayed on a stand, or hung.
Now, you know how to make coasters, using travel photos, too. You can use pictures from a travel calendar if the paper is thin enough, as well. Have fun with this project indoors and enjoy your creation!
A simple and easy technique to add value to your kitchen table and upcycle some photos whilst re-living memories. Well done!
Thank you, Forestwood!