Monday Made It - DIY Map Coasters

Oh, it's been so long since I've linked up anything decent! I can't wait until I have some time to create again this summer.


Today's Monday Made It is DIY map coasters. I got the idea from this pin:


I decided to make these coasters as Father's Day gifts. Instead of one city chopped up into four coasters, I was thinking of making a coaster per city where they had traveled or lived.

First, I headed to {this site} to see if I could score free paper maps. Turns out, I should have thought of this idea earlier as many of the state tourism sites took a few weeks to get something sent through the mail. Ahh, snail mail. How I've missed you! However, a quick post on FB gave me more maps for the surrounding states than I could ever hope to use.


While I was waiting for those, I made a trip to Lowe's for some 4" tiles and bumper pads. I decided to go with tumbled marble instead of the shiny smooth tiles so it had more of a manly, natural look. I had to dig into several boxes to swap enough decent tiles.

Once maps started arriving, I decided on four locations for each father that had some sort of significance to them. I cut out 4" squares for each location.


After wiping down the tiles to get rid of the dust and chalkiness, I Mod Podged the maps onto the tiles.


After that dried, I sanded the edges of the maps to give them that rough look. I imagine this step would be optional. If you are going to leave a clean edge, then you're going to want to cut your maps slightly smaller than a 4" square. The left coaster in the picture below is post-sanding, and the right is before. Obviously, I did this step outside on my deck.


I stuck a bumper pad on each corner of each coaster at this point because I knew that I wanted to add a coat of Mod Podge to the top and sides, and the bumpers would raise them up a bit. I opted for the clear ones instead of the felt ones. I thought that these would hold up better.


Then I applied said coat of Mod Podge to the top and sides.


At this point, I didn't know if they were done or not, so I test drove one to see how it did. Would it seal out condensation? Would all of these be ruined on the first use? So I loaded up a glass of ice and Crystal Light, and put one to the test. And it left a ring. Boo. But then the ring dried. Yay! So then I put on some OUTDOOR Mod Podge and gave that a whirl. I figured if you put it on stuff that gets rained on, maybe it would work for condensation. Tried with a glass again, and I guess it's important to read the directions and let it dry 72 hours before using. So I peeled off that layer, and put two more coats on. Hopefully that will do the trick!


I am also linking with TTT for their Monday Meet Me.


Here is a list of three things for which I'm thankful. I think they're self-explanatory :)


12 comments

  1. I love the coasters! Those turned out great!

    Bethany
    FabandFunin4th!

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  2. Too funny...was cleaning a closet yesterday (bad weather) and found the exact craft that I had ripped out of a catalog. Obviously pre-Pinterest days. Obviously a while since I cleaned that closet.

    Love them!

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  3. Great idea for the coasters- don't you just love Mod-Podge! I have found that letting layers completely dry before applying more works better for me. Also, don't touch it too much while it's wet!
    Carol
    Teachers Are Terrific!

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  4. Oh I love those coasters! We leave for Italy on Saturday and I am going to do this once we get back with our favorite places we visited while we were there... such a genius idea!
    Kelli
    Tales of a Teacher

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  5. These are so cute and easy enough for me to make! Thanks for sharing:)

    Tara
    The Math Maniac

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  6. Your coasters look great! We already have a collection of coasters we have collected on our travels, but this project would be perfect to add to them. I'm terrible at reading all of the directions, so I'm glad you pointed out the important waiting time involved.
    The Traveling Teacher

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  7. LOVE the coasters! I'm thinking of "tube" maps & maps of other places we visit to use for these when I return from my trip! :)

    -Lisa
    Mrs. Spangler in the Middle

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  8. I am definitely into maps this summer- outdoor modpodge seems like a good solution.

    -Maria

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  9. OUTDOOR Mod Podge? WOWZA! Gotta get me some! I really like this project! I made so many fun, memorable gifts with Mod Podge for my dad when I was young. He has been gone nearly thirty years but I still have several of those gifts. Mod Podge is the bomb!

    Have a great week,
    Angela

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  10. I hadn't thought about putting maps on the tiles. I have done pictures before, but not maps. I didn't even know there was such a thing as outdoor Mod Podge. See...this is just another reason why I love reading blogs! I learn so much!
    Alison
    Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'

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  11. Oh my gosh! I would LOVE to make coasters like that using maps from Korea! That way I could always remember my time here. Now, I'll be on the lookout for Korean maps. What a cute idea!
    Angela
    Southern Fried Teachin’

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