Thursday, May 1, 2014

DIY Coasters Using PicMonkey

Remember this?


My 20 year high school reunion favor....a diy tile coaster!
Well I had a request from my niece to make some for her band banquet to use as gifts for the band teachers. Just like last time I used PicMonkey to design the graphic and thought I'd share just how easy it is!!

What you need:
Computer
paper and ink
tiles (can get at Lowe's or Home Depot for around 20 cents each)
Mod Podge
foam brush
square cork (can get at Hobby Lobby in a 6 pack)
glue such as E6000 or hot glue
sealant

Here we go!

Open up PicMonkey and choose collage.  You'll have to choose just any photo you have on your computer.

It will automatically bring up a 3 box collage.  X out of all but one, it will leave you with one big square.  Resize the square to 400x400. (See red circle.)

Next choose 'Swatches'. I used the red polka dots found under Winterland. 

Drag the swatch to the square.  


Then click on 'Background' (see arrows) and make the corner rounding 100%.  

You now have a circle!! Click on 'Edit' at the top.


Choose 'Overlays' and add a music note. Resize so that it fits from top to bottom in red circle, it will be black.

Then in the Overlay edit box, click on 'Blending Modes' and choose 'Overlay' to fade it.  
Now you can add words by clicking on the double Tt's. Once you have your words, save and print out.  
Now you're ready to make a coaster!

Trim graphic to be just under 4x4.  I don't have a fancy cutting tool so I did it the old fashioned way....fold, fold, fold, and tear. Then apply a layer of Mod Podge to the tile and smooth on your graphic. Put Mod Podge on top of the graphic and let dry overnight. Apply a second coat of Mod Podge in the opposite direction of your first layer.  Let dry for at least 2 hours. Then glue cork to back of tile. Seal the front of the tile with sealant and let dry for 24 hours. And done!


So, so easy and easy on the wallet!! 
 I've been using my high school reunion coasters and they still look the same!

Happy Thursday lovelies!!

{See my Link Parties Page for the shares!}


1 comment:

Pitter and Glink said...

This is such a great idea! Love the step by step tutorial. I wouldn't have though to round the corners of the paper all the way to create a circle! :)