Katie vs Scrapbook Paper Coasters

difficulty level: easy

cost: about $30 for 8

what you'll need:

scrapbook paper (2 sheets makes 8 coasters), tiles, decoupage glue and sealer, medium duty felt pads, & spray lacquer. You may also need a pencil, scissors and some newspaper.

step one:

Trace your tiles on the back side of the scrapbook paper.

Then cut out the squares about 1/16"-1/8" inside the lines to make sure the paper doesn't hang over the edge of the tile.

step two:

apply a thin layer of decoupage glue to the top of the tile and lay the paper square on top. You have some time to make sure it's straight and even. Use a credit card or flat edge of something to smooth the bubbles out and press out any excess glue. Let this dry completely before moving on or your paper will get too wet and will wrinkle and bubble.

step three:

Move outside! There is a reason you have to be 18 to buy spray paint...

Put down some newspaper, and following the directions on the spray can-apply the lacquer to the tiles. This took me about 8 coats. It takes so many coats because they need to be thin or the lacquer gets goopy. Be sure to let them dry in between-this doesn't take too long. Be sure to spray the sides of the tiles to seal the paper. Let the lacquer dry before step four... again, this goes pretty quickly depending on the weather!

step four:

put felt pads on all corners of the bottom of the tile.

step five:

flip over and enjoy!!

This was a really fun and easy craft! I used tiles that were a little more expensive than I'd hoped because I wanted to have smooth edges and corners, but seeing the finished product I am very glad I splurged ($1.97 instead of $0.89). I also used one sheet of thick scrapbook paper and one sheet of a thinner paper. The thick paper worked better and didn't bubble at all. Try this with some cute paper to match your living room, or get them here. 
Winner: Katie!