return on creativity: paint sample coasters

I've had this map coaster tutorial in my inspiration file for awhile.  I wanted to make a set of map coasters for my brother; one coaster for each city he has lived in.  The plan was to use an old atlas I had lying around, but all the cities were in the middle of the state, right where the atlas folded in two.  Sigh.

So I decided to make paint sample coasters instead...

All you need is tiles, Mod Podge, spray acrylic, paint samples, and cork or felt.

Would you believe that this project was the first time I ever used Mod Podge in my life!  I've led such a sheltered crafting existence.

My paint samples had rounded corners, so I first squared them off.

Then I measured the samples to fit the tiles and cut them into squares.  I wanted the names of the paint on my coasters so I made sure to keep them when I cut.

Don't you just love a project where even the scraps are pretty?

I used Mod Podge to apply the samples to the coasters and then applied about five coats of Mod Podge over the top.  I let each coat dry between applications and tried to keep each coat as thin as possible.

Finally I applied some spray acrylic.

That's it.  I still need to apply some cork or felt to the bottom.  Here are some things I learned that I would do differently next time:

• Next time I would buy coasters without a beveled edge.  The paint samples were stiff cardstock and it was hard to get the edges to bend and stick to the beveled edge of the tile.
• If I can't find non-beveled edge tiles, I'll buy tiles where I don't mind if the edge shows and cut my paint samples smaller so that I don't have to deal with the beveled edge.
• I bought matte Mod Podge and matte acrylic.  It's OK, but I think I'd rather have a glossy finish.
• After adhering the paint samples to the tile I would put a book on top and let it dry overnight.  I did get a slight bubble in one coaster where the paint sample didn't adhere flat.

I think these would make a great gift.  I plan on making a monochromatic set with various shades of green for my sister.  Green is her favorite color.