DIY Coasters with Photo Transfers
I’ve got a fun project tutorial for you guys today, we’re going to make DIY Coasters! Not just any coasters but Gorgeous Travertine Marble Tile Coasters with photo transfers. These are inexpensive to make and look very high end, and they make fantastic Homemade Gifts! I first created this tutorial back in 2016 but I think it still holds up, so I’ve updated it with some larger photos.
I used some fun Vintage numbers for my coasters and I’ve included a free printable down below so that you can make some too, if you like. But really you can use any image that you like, beautiful flowers, pretty Birds, Mushrooms, Architecture and of course Photos too! You can customize with photos of your own family, ancestors, pets or friends or even with pictures of your house. Feel free to customize the process to your liking!
Supply List for DIY Coasters:
1)Light colored 4″ square tumbled Travertine marble Tiles (you can often buy them by the box at Lowes or Home Depot too)
3)A roll of adhesive backed cork sheet
4)Paintbrush
Free Printable Numbers
Click HERE for the Full Size Printable PDF of the Vintage Numbers
Tutorial for DIY Tile Coasters
Step 1: Grab the Free PDF sheet of the numbers above for this project, and print it out on your computer (or use your own images or photos). Next, you will need to have a Photocopy made of this ( inkjet printers do not work with this process.) So take your printed images or photos on over to a copy place, like Staples or Office Max etc and have them make a Laser Copy for you.
Step 2: You will need to brush on 3 coats of the Omni gel Transfer Medium. Brush the first coat in a horizontal direction, let dry completely. Brush the second coat in a vertical direction, let dry completely. Brush the 3rd coat in a diagonal direction, and again let dry completely.
Step 3: Cut image to the size of the coaster and then soak in a bowl of water for 10-20 minutes.
Step 4: While paper is still wet, rub the paper backing with your fingers in a circular motion to remove all of the paper leaving just the gel transfer behind. It can take a bit of rubbing to get it all off but it’s worth it!
Step 5: This is what your left with. The ink is trapped inside of this vinyl looking piece. Pretty cool!! At this point you can trim this up with scissors if you have ragged edges like I did here.
Step 6: Use more of the Omni Gel as a glue to adhere the transfer to the tile. I coated both the top of the marble and the back of the transfer.
Step 7: Press the transfer down and smooth out to get rid of any air bubbles. If you have a brayer this would probably work even better. I have one but um… couldn’t find it. Oh well!
(Note: The image will look a little cloudy at first but it will dry clear after a day or 2.)
Step 8: Next roll out the adhesive backed cork and lay the tile on top. Then cut around it to fit. I used a utility knife for this one, but scissors work just as well. This cork is made by “Contact” (the same people that make Contact Paper that you line your shelves with) and it has a nice grid on the back, which makes it easy to get it just right!
Step 9: Smooth down the cork with your fingers until it’s nicely adhered to the tiles. I think this gives them such a great finished look and it will protect your tables too.
Now you are done! So easy right? And they really do look like a very high quality item. I’m storing mine in a small antique Ironstone tureen for now. I hope you like this easy project. These would make a great gift for the holidays, I think they would also be a good item to sell at craft shows, or Barn Sales etc. I would sell them in sets of 4, you could tie them up with some nice rustic string or pretty ribbons. You might also like our Transfer Methods Page HERE and these beautiful Wooden Bee Coasters that Diana made HERE.
Mel says
Karen, have you tried the Omni gel on glass? I want to do something similar but with labeling jars in my kitchen(that can be hand washed).
Karen- The Graphics Fairy says
Hi Mel,
I have not tried it on Glass, but I just checked the bottle and it says you can use it on glass!
Ms Muffin says
Oh, thank you so much! Worked just fine now! 🙂
I am not sure yet when I will get to do what I planned … but I will let you know when I finished it. Might take a bit though. 🙂
Love
Ms Muffin
Karen- The Graphics Fairy says
Ms Muffin,
Thanks for letting me know about the link! I just fixed it, so it should work for you just fine now!
Ms Muffin says
I love those numbers and tried to download them for a project … however the link leads me to a google group and even if I become a member there is nothing to download.
Am I doing something wrong or does the link not work anymore?
Would really love to use those numbers … also would show you if you would like that. 🙂
Love,
Ms Muffin
Anonymous says
Hi there, I’ve just found your amazing blog and I love this craft project! However I wonder if anyone out there could help me? I’ve started to make it myself however I need some help… I’ve got as far as rubbing the paper off the back of the gel medium but it still looks quite “cloudy” Is this how it should look or should it be more transparent? Thanks Anita
Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says
Just wanted to let you know I featured this project in my latest post on great ideas for using vintage prints!! Oh and I also said you were the go to source for vintage images!!! 🙂
Pam says
I just made these and they turned out so cute!! Thank you, thank you for making my Christmas giving easier this year. 🙂
GeorgiaBabydoll says
Great idea. I continue to be amazed at all the great projects crafters do and how caring and sharing they are! Thank you so much.
Pat
Kari @ Ucreate says
These coasters are so amazing! I’ll be featuring tomorrow!
Nicoleigh says
Fantastic! I have been putting stamps on coasters, but this is something new and fun. Thanks for sharing!
Thrifty Miss Priss says
Karen This is a great idea! And it would work with ANY of your beautiful graphics! Oh the wheels are turning!
Thanks!
Robin
Norma Lee @ Norma Lee Good says
This is a great idea for “recession friendly” Christmas gifts. Oh it would be great for those “surprise gifts.” I know what I’m doing this weekend!
I have been following you for awhile but just started my blog. Come by and see me at http://www.normaleegood.com
Anonymous says
Looks like a fun project for our group. When you say a “photocopy”
does this mean the copy must be on photo type paper or done on a printer other than an ink jet. thank you.
rochambeau says
Wowza!! Such a great project, with attention to detail. This is Brilliant Graphic’s Fairy. You are a clever girl and a giving Fairy!! Merci bien.
xox
Constance
Jenn says
What a great idea!! That gel medium stuff looks way cool!