I first found this adorable craft from Traci over at Beneath My Heart… LOVE her site and amazing projects!
While I thought these Santa napkin coasters were absolutely adorable and cheap to create, I just couldn’t find time to create them before the holidays. So I decided to make an everyday version once the chaos of Christmas passed!
First I gathered my supplies: cocktail napkins on clearance from Target, square ceramic tiles from Lowe’s, Mod Podge, foam brushes, Minwax polycrylic and some protective casters for the bottom of the coasters.
First thing I did was measure the napkins to the top of the tiles and cut them down to size. I tried to keep the paper napkin about 1/8″ away from the edges.
Next I used a foam brush to put a light coating of Mod Podge over the single layer of the paper napkin.
I used my fingers to press down the bubbles once the entire tile was covered in Mod Podge. I decided to use this method since the napkin was very fragile and I didn’t want it to tear or become misshapen from overusing the foam brush.
I set the tile coaster aside for about 30 minutes to let it dry. Once it was ready to rock, I finished it off with a quick coat of Minwax polycrylic protective finish.
To make sure the bottom of the ceramic tiles wouldn’t scratch my tables, I used some Magic Sliders surface protectors (check out Traci’s method, too!).
And that’s it! Since I only had to purchase the ceramic tiles and the napkins I found on clearance, a brand new set of 8 handmade coasters only cost me about $4!
I love that these match my decor, plus I still have tons of leftover napkins that match perfectly! I think it’s time for a cocktail party so we can Eat, Drink & Laugh!
These turned out great! I love how textured they are. Great job Erin!
Kari
Newlyweds on a Budget
Super cute coasters.
Dee
What a neat idea! Turned out super cute.
Wow, what an awesome idea! Never would of thought of that! TFS!
These are awesome! Did the Minwax work well for you? I get asked all the time about what to seal coasters with that is waterproof. :D
Thanks!
So far so good!!! I’ve never had water or condensation problems while using this Minwax before. Hope that helps!
So cute! Made this today for a New Years party tomorrow night – giving them and a bottle of wine to the hostess as a gift! Thanks for an easy and wonderful gift!
Thats an awesome idea, Hayden!!!
What a great idea – they are so simple yet effective! and so many possibilities with the napkins you can find!
I would love if you came over and linked this project to my weekly Round Tuit party at:
http://jembellish.blogspot.com/
Have a great week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
What a cute idea! I really love that “eat drink laugh” one!
This is really cute. I made some for Christmas gifts, but with photos. I love this as an anytime gift. Come over tomorrow and link to my Wednesday Pinterest Favorites party. I’d love to have you :).
What a great way to put napkins to use! They are so cute! I think you should have a cocktail party!
Really cute! And so easy to make, too; they’d be a great “new home” gift as well. Will definitely try this out.
cute! Puts cocktail napkins in a whole new light!
I love this idea. Great use of napkins. Thanks for sharing at DIYbyDesign.
How adorable! These would make fantasic hostess gifts!
I’d love it if you would come by and check out my blog:
http://www.SerendipityandSpice.blogspot.com
-Melissa
I am hosting a craft night project link party and I would love it if you would link up!
http://theterpblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/craft-night-just-do-it-january.html
Thanks!
Found you through Finding Fabulous. I am kicking myself because I saw these napkins at Target today. Now I have to run back tomorrow. I saw the cute polka dot ones and also some that said sip on them…perfect! My sister just had a birthday and moved into her own place. Looks like she’ll be getting coasters, wine glasses (etched with her initial) and some wine. Thank you!!
maxwellhouseinteriors.blogspot.com
Such a great idea as a housewarming gift!! I bet she will love it :)
What a fun idea! There are so many cute napkins out there, you could customize them to a theme party too. Thanks for sharing! Found you at the Pity Party :)
Hi!
I used the Minwax polyurethane (before I saw this blog) and I got a lot of little bubbles in it. Did that happen with you? Did you sand it? Then over that I used a layer or two of varnish. Do you know if just using that poly makes it so you can set a hot cup of tea on it? I get the condensation, but I don’t really mind. Maybe because it’s uber sealed with the varnish. I’m just wondering what’s best. My cousin has placed an “order” of coasters with me so I gotta deliver! Lol!
Thanks,
Kelly
I just used the poly and it’s held up nicely! I didn’t get any bubbles in it, but I always use very thin coats and let it dry between coats. I set my coffee on the coasters as well with no problems! Hope that helps :)
Okay, thanks! I’ll give it another whirl!
I too had a problem with the hot mugs forming a suction. I used the poly acrylic spray. AND are the napkins supposed to wrinkle up?
Yes, the napkins do wrinkle but I think it adds character :)
Love these – totally awesome idea! Thanks for the tute :-)
I have a question for y’all…I am planning on making a set of these this coming week as a thank-you/hostess gift, and I was wondering if I could use printed pictures instead of napkins, or what y’all thought about it? I would print the pictures on either picture paper or regular paper (again, input would be amazing!) but I wanted to use the hostess’s recent trip to Cancun as the inspiration-she has a bunch of pictures on Facebook and I was going to use those. Any thoughts?
Meredith, you could definitely use printed photos for the coasters! It’s the same idea. I would suggest printing on laser paper from your computer, but use the rest of the steps as usual. But I absolutely LOVE this idea!! Let me know how it turns out and take some photos! :)
Ah! Thank you so much! I’m uber excited, we’re making them towards the middle of the week! LOL where should I post the pictures?!