Make Nautical Coasters Using Printer Paper

I’ve had the same ceramic coasters for years. Needless to say, they’ve seen better days and one of the set of four broke. I like things like coasters to be in even numbers. 😉 I had some nautical type images on hand, so I decided to make nautical coasters.

The plain ceramic coasters at Dollar Tree come in sets of two, so I grabbed two packs. They come in square and round styles and come with a cork backing already on them. I’m using the square ones to make my coasters using plain printer paper. 

If you wanted to, you could just go to the hardware store and grab a few plain ceramic tiles. Then all you need is a sheet of peel and stick cork from Dollar Tree to apply to the bottom of each coaster you’re making. I decided to make a holder for my new coasters, as well. 

Make Nautical Coasters Using Printer Paper

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Supplies Used and Recommendations:

 

Step 1: Choose Images for Coasters and Photocopy Them

 

 

This picture is from a greeting card I had in my stash. I made two copies of it on plain printer paper.  I’m  using two of each image I chose for my nautical style coasters. You could use the same image for all four of the coasters or use four different pictures, if that’s your preference.

And you don’t have to go with a nautical theme. You could print out favourite family or vacation photos to use instead.

I’m also using an art card featuring Peggy’s Cove that I bought in Nova Scotia three years ago.  You never want to use an artist’s work without permission, if you intend to sell your creations, but I’m only making these coasters for my own use.

I photocopied the Peggy’s Cove image twice, as well. 

Step Two: Trace a Section of the Image to Use on Coasters

 

 

After printing out the images you want to use, place a coaster over top of the section to be featured and trace around it. I wish I had cut out the images a bit bigger than the coasters so I had a bit of wiggle room when it came to centering them on the coasters, but I managed. 

Step 3: Glue Image to Coaster

 

 

Initially, I used a glue stick to attach the images to the coasters.

 

 

Centre the image on the coaster and smooth the paper out with your fingers. Check the edges and apply more glue, as needed.

Step 4: Trim Excess Paper From Around Edges

 

 

Use a piece of sandpaper, a sanding sponge or an emery board to remove the excess paper from around the coaster. 

Step 5: Apply a Layer of Mod Podge 

I want the surface of the coasters to be resistant to moisture, so I applied a layer of dishwasher safe Mod Podge to each one and let them dry. The paper did bubble up a bit and I had to wait several hours for it to flatten again. Then, I repeated the process with a second coat of dishwasher safe Mod Podge, again waiting several hours for the paper to dry out completely. Afterward, the coasters were ready to use. 

Make a Holder for Your Coasters

 

 

This is optional, but I have noticed YouTubers using a wooden crate from Dollar Tree to make a holder for coasters. These crates are the perfect size for the purpose.

Step 1: Paint the Crate

 

 

You can paint the wooden crate any colour you want. I couldn’t find a shade to match any of the main colours in my coasters, so I went with a neutral, Apple Barrel Classic Caramel. I only used one coat to cover the crate, painting the inside as well as the outside.

Step 2: Add a Design

 

 

I found these nautical stickers in my stash and used the two smaller pieces to decorate my coaster crate.

Step 3: Seal the Design With Mod Podge

 

 

I covered the design and the entire front of the crate with a good coating of matte Mod Podge.

 

 

I like the way my new coasters turned out. DIY coaster sets make unique and useful gifts. I may make another set using some of my favourite vacation photos. 

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