You know that feeling when you stumble upon an old family photo and it instantly brings back a flood of memories? I can’t help but smile! Lately, I've been thinking about how special it would be to turn those cherished moments into DIY coasters that I could use at home. Imagine sipping coffee with my kids and telling them the stories behind each picture, right there on the table—doesn’t that sound amazing? I remember the last family gathering when we were all laughing at that goofy picture of Grandma from the ‘70s. Well, why not capture those moments in a fun, crafty way? It’s like every drink becomes a little celebration of our memories—and who wouldn’t want that?
Items You’ll Need
- Coaster Base
- Family Photos
- Mod Podge
- Sealer Spray (optional)
- Scissors or Craft Knife
- Paintbrush or Foam Brush
- Sponge or Cloth
- Ruler
- Pencil
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
First things first, I gather all my materials together on the table. I have my coaster bases (these can be cork, wood, or ceramic), family photos printed out, Mod Podge, optional sealant spray, scissors or a craft knife, a paintbrush or foam brush, a sponge or cloth for clean up, a ruler, and a pencil. It’s nice to have everything in one spot.
Step 2: Choose Your Photos
Now, I get to pick my favorite family photos! I like to choose photos that evoke fun memories. I’ll make sure they are sized appropriately for the coasters. I usually aim for a square photo since many coasters are square.
Step 3: Cut the Photos to Size
After choosing the photos, I take my scissors or craft knife and carefully trim the photos to fit the coaster base perfectly. This part is like a little puzzle!
Step 4: Apply Mod Podge to the Coaster
With my paintbrush or foam brush, I do a nice even coat of Mod Podge directly onto the coaster base. This is where the fun begins! I try to spread it smoothly to avoid any lumps.
Step 5: Stick the Photo onto the Coaster
Now, I take my cut photo and carefully place it on the Mod Podged coaster. I press down gently but firmly, making sure there are no air bubbles and it’s nicely adhered. This is my favorite part, seeing the photo come to life on the coaster!
Step 6: Smooth It Out
I grab my sponge or cloth and gently smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles around the edges of the photo. I want it to look as nice as possible, so I take my time on this.
Step 7: Add a Coat of Mod Podge on Top
Once I'm happy with how it looks, I brush a coat of Mod Podge over the top of the photo as well. This seals it and gives it a nice finish. I make sure to cover the edges of the photo well.
Step 8: Let It Dry
I place my coaster somewhere safe to dry. I know I should let it dry completely for at least 15-20 minutes.
Step 9: Apply Optional Sealer Spray
If I want to add an extra layer of protection, I can spray it with sealer spray after it is completely dry. I do this in a well-ventilated area for safety, if I decide to use it.
Step 10: Repeat the Process with More Coasters
I have a lot of fun doing these, so I repeat the process for all my other coasters. Each one gets a special photo, adding to my collection of family memories!
Step 11: Enjoy Your New Coasters
Once they are all done and dry, I set them out for everyone to admire and use. I love seeing my family’s faces on the table. It’s a great conversation starter!