Transform your living space or create thoughtful gifts with these charming and practical DIY Tile Coasters. Requiring just a few inexpensive materials and minimal effort, this easy craft project is perfect for adding a personalized touch to your home decor. Say goodbye to unsightly water rings and hello to stylish protection for your furniture!
This article is brought to you in partnership with Collective Bias, Inc. and Bigelow Tea. All opinions expressed are my own. #MeAndMyTea #CollectiveBias
DIY Tile Coasters: Elevating Everyday Moments with Personalized Home Decor
For over two years, my family and I have made our current house a home. Unlike those who dive into extensive renovations before unpacking, I’ve always preferred to live in a space first, observing how we truly interact with each environment before committing to major changes. This approach has meant that some initial decor choices, like the dark brown paint in a few rooms, have remained untouched. My reluctance isn’t just about the daunting task of painting; it’s also a confession of my inherent indecisiveness when it comes to interior design and color palettes.
To illustrate my struggles, much of my wardrobe consists of neutrals—black, navy, gray, and various shades of brown. Unsurprisingly, our furniture and almost every other possession echo this preference for earthy tones. While I truly appreciate vibrant colors, a fear of making the “wrong” choice has often led me to play it safe. Yet, deep down, I crave a pop of personality, a splash of joy that only color can bring.
Lately, I’ve found myself spending countless hours browsing online for inspiration, particularly on platforms like Pinterest. My weekly trips to Walmart often include detours through the housewares aisle, hoping for that “aha!” moment that sparks a decorating idea. While I generally gravitate towards certain hues, as followers of my blog over the years might have noticed, the path to incorporating them into our home has been gradual.
I’ve begun taking small, deliberate steps towards a much larger goal: a complete color overhaul. My kitchen now boasts a beautiful teal mixer, creating a harmonious blend with existing browns and reds. Similarly, our master bedroom, recently updated with a neutral comforter, awaits the perfect set of teal sheets to introduce that much-desired surprise pop of color. These small victories are paving the way for bigger, bolder decorating decisions.
Embracing Creativity: My Latest DIY Project
Today, my focus shifted to an equally rewarding, albeit smaller, DIY project: crafting elegant DIY Tile Coasters. This endeavor wasn’t just about creativity; it was born out of a genuine need. We’ve long relied on paper towels to protect our surfaces from condensation—a habit I was determined to break! Despite countless searches, I’ve never found store-bought coasters that truly captured my aesthetic. However, a recent find of beautifully patterned scrapbook paper immediately sparked an idea, proving to be the perfect material for this project.
Anyone who has enjoyed a glass of ice-cold sweet tea on a sweltering summer day knows the inevitable condensation battle. Living in Phoenix, originally from the South, sweet tea isn’t just a beverage; it’s a lifestyle. And a very “sweaty” one at that! Protecting our furniture from water rings became a priority, and custom coasters were the ideal solution. It was time to get serious about coaster creation!
During my regular grocery run at Walmart, I also made sure to stock up on a few more boxes of Bigelow Tea. It’s a staple on my weekly shopping list, and for good reason. The Salted Caramel flavor is an absolute favorite, closely followed by Orange & Spice, Perfect Peach, and Pumpkin Spice. For moments of tranquility, a warm cup of Lemon Ginger or Earl Grey is my go-to. And as the holidays approach, Peppermint Bark tea becomes my festive indulgence.
Bigelow Tea: A Legacy of Quality and American Values
My admiration for Bigelow Tea extends beyond its exquisite flavors; it’s deeply rooted in the company’s commitment to American values. As a 100% American-made product by an American family for the American consumer, Bigelow Tea embodies a legacy of dedication. This year, America’s largest family-owned tea company proudly celebrates its 70th anniversary, a testament to its enduring quality and consumer trust.
Bigelow Tea is renowned for its diverse blends, ranging from traditional favorites to surprisingly fun and health-conscious options. What truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to quality and taste. Each recipe is meticulously developed, often taking years to perfect, ensuring that every cup delivers an unparalleled experience. Their belief in freshness is paramount, which is why Bigelow uses a special foil pouch for each tea bag, protecting it from air, moisture, and surrounding aromas. This innovative packaging guarantees that the rich flavor, vibrant freshness, and delightful aroma are preserved until the moment you steep your tea. So, whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, you can always open and enjoy the perfect cup of Bigelow Tea!
Beyond their exceptional products, Bigelow Tea is also deeply involved in community and heritage. The Charleston Tea Plantation, a living piece of American history, welcomes guests for weddings, tours, and even music festivals, offering a “tea-riffic” way to immerse oneself in historic Southern culture. Moreover, Bigelow Tea demonstrates its patriotism through the “Tea for Troops” program, having sent almost 4 million bags of tea to troops serving overseas. You can learn more about this commendable initiative and support our service members at BigelowTea.com/Responsibility/Support-Our-Troops.
The Perfect Pairing: DIY Coasters and Southern Sweet Tea
If you’re eager to master the art of brewing your own Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea, you’ll find the recipe link at the bottom of this post. But first, let’s dive into the creation of these adorable DIY Tile Coasters! As someone who doesn’t consider herself particularly crafty, I am absolutely thrilled with how these turned out. They were incredibly easy to make, and the vibrant colors of the scrapbook paper are simply spot-on for adding that cheerful touch I’ve been craving. Now, my delicious Bigelow Tea has a beautiful and protected spot to sit, allowing my paper towels to return to their rightful duty of cleaning up messes. Woo-hoo for functional beauty!
Materials You’ll Need:
- 4 x 4-inch ceramic tiles (available at most hardware stores or craft shops)
- Decorative scrapbook paper (opt for standard thickness; thicker paper or cardstock may not adhere as smoothly)
- Mod Podge (matte or gloss finish, depending on your preference)
- Clear acrylic sealer spray (for water resistance)
- Felt circles (or adhesive felt pads to protect surfaces)
- Foam brush (for smooth application of Mod Podge)
- Tacky glue or a hot glue gun (for attaching felt pads)
- Scissors or a paper cutter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare Your Paper: Begin by cutting your chosen scrapbook paper slightly smaller than the size of your tiles. A small border (e.g., 3.75 x 3.75 inches for 4×4 tiles) will ensure the edges are neatly sealed and prevent lifting. Using a paper cutter will yield cleaner, more precise cuts than scissors.
- First Mod Podge Layer: Lay one piece of cut scrapbook paper centered over one of your tiles. Using a foam brush, apply an even, generous coat of Mod Podge directly on top of the paper, brushing gently in one consistent direction. Don’t be shy with the Mod Podge; it will dry clear! Work quickly to smooth out any air bubbles by gently rubbing them towards the edges with your fingers or a clean, dry cloth. Repeat this process for all your tiles. Allow them to dry for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until tacky.
- Second Mod Podge Layer & Drying: Apply a second coat of Mod Podge over the first, this time brushing in the opposite direction (e.g., if your first coat was vertical, make the second horizontal). This criss-cross application ensures the paper is thoroughly secured to the tile and creates a durable, sealed surface. Again, gently remove any new air bubbles. Once all tiles have received their second coat, let them dry completely. This might take several hours, or even overnight, depending on humidity.
- Seal for Water Resistance: After the Mod Podge has fully cured and the tiles are completely dry to the touch, move to a well-ventilated area and spray the tiles with a clear acrylic craft sealer. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on the bottle for best results. This crucial step makes your coasters water-resistant and protects them from spills and condensation. Apply a couple of thin coats, allowing adequate drying time between each. To prevent the coasters from sticking together, avoid stacking them for at least 24-48 hours after sealing.
- Add Felt Protectors: To prevent your beautiful new coasters from scratching your furniture, adhere felt circles (or small felt pads) to each corner or the center of the bottom of the tiles. Use tacky glue for a strong, lasting bond, or a hot glue gun for quick adhesion. Press firmly and allow the glue to dry completely.
These DIY tile coasters are not only practical but also a fantastic way to infuse your personality into your home decor. They also make incredibly thoughtful and budget-friendly gifts for housewarmings, holidays, or any special occasion. Pair them with a box of delicious Bigelow Tea for the ultimate present!
Stay connected with Bigelow Tea for the latest news, exciting offers, and flavor inspirations by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest! Explore more Bigelow Tea flavors and delve into their rich brand history at bigelowtea.com. I’d love to hear about your favorite Bigelow Tea flavor or any cherished memories you have associated with iced tea in the comments below!
Other Refreshing Posts You May Enjoy:
Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea
Perfect Lemonade
Copycat Red Robin Freckled Lemonade