When I saw the third installment of the Pinterest Challenge announced I knew I wanted to participate! I created a project for the summer edition as well as the fall edition. Now I’m back with a project for the winter edition. (winter? what winter?)
I’ve been wanting to make some photo coasters for awhile. As I was searching through Pinterest for inspiration I decided to take a new twist for my photo coasters. I would use Instagram photos to create my CoastaGrams! Get it? Coasters + Instagram = CoastaGrams. Yep, I’m cheesy like that!
One thing I was sure of, I really didn’t want to make my coasters using tiles as the base. With two boys and a husband that has a tendency to toss coasters onto the table I knew tile could be disastrous! I wanted the much less breakable cork version for my CoastaGrams (you may be rolling your eyes, but I think my title is pretty catchy). 
- Design Inspiration: When I saw these coasters (originally from here) I knew I wanted to create something similar. I didn’t follow her tutorial exactly though. I combined tips from several different blogs to create my coasters.
I actually had some trouble finding these cork coasters. The tile ones are EVERYWHERE but cork not so much. In the end I paid $5 for this set of 6 coasters.
I printed out 6 photos. Some taken in Instagram, others imported into Instagram so I could apply the filters. Originally I intended to use the Instagram frame that comes with this particular filter. But they printed a smidge too big and I didn’t want to use the ink to print them again. So I just trimmed the frame off. I was a bit sad to loose that design element, because that is part of what made them look so Instagram-ish but in the end my penny pinching ways won out. The coasters have rounded corners, but at this stage of the game I just left my photo corners on (I’ll trim them later).
I used Mod Podge to attach my photos to the coasters. I put a layer on the coaster and a layer on the back of the photo. Then I stuck the two together.
I flipped the coaster over and added some pressure. Be careful because the photo and coaster can slide around a bit.
Allow the coasters to dry for 15-20 minutes before moving to the next step.
Once the coasters were dry I trimmed off the corners.
Now my coasters are ready to be sealed. Some people use Mod Podge to seal the top of their coasters. I didn’t want to do that for a couple of reasons. I don’t actually think that Mod Podge (since it’s water soluble) would keep the photos protected from a sweating glass. Also, Mod Podge leaves little lines when it dries and I wanted a smooth clear top. So I used Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating which is moisture resistant. (recommended for use with tile/photo coasters here) I sprayed 3 light and even coats allowing it to dry 10 minutes in between each coat. I made sure that as I was spraying I also got the edges because I want to be sure all areas of the photo are protected.
After waiting 24 hours I had these shiny beautiful coasters! Look how glossy they turned out! And here they are all together…
Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek at my CoastaGrams! Want to see more of my crafty inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest! Or if you like scrappy/photography/crafty goodness you can follow my blog, follow me on twitter, or on facebook! For more Pinterest Challenge creations head on over to Young House Love and check out all the links!
{Monica}
Supplies:
Click on the image for links to the products (coasters and brushes are similar but not exact)
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*affiliate links used when possible
27 Comments
I love how you are linking to the products you use now. I may get creative one day and now I know where to look in order to make some of the stuff you do!
Thanks sis! Although, if you want to get creative someday you could probably just come over and use my stuff.
Wow! They look GREAT!!! I need some coasters…maybe I’ll give these a try. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Christa! They were pretty easy to make. I’d love to see yours if you try it out!
Oh…stopping by from YHL.
This is an awesome idea! Instagram pictures are like the perfect shape for this too. I might just have to do something like this myself!
You totally should Brandi! And if you do, link us up so we can see your version!
This is a fun idea. I’m always looking for ways to show off more pictures of my cute baby. I think Grandma and Grandpa will need a set of these for Christmas. Mind if I “pin” your project myself?
Thanks! And of course you can Jill! There’s a pin it button on the bottom of the post!
What a cute idea! I have glass coasters right now and they are kind of annoying so I can’t wait to possibly do this one day!
Thanks! If you end up making your own version I’d love to see them!
Makes me want to use coasters!
I better get better furniture so that I need them! 
Ha! Maybe you could use fancy coasters to fancy up your furniture…
They turned out great! I think these would make great gifts for the grandmothers for Mother’s Day. And I am also addicted to Instagram.
Thanks Monica! They would totally make great Mother’s Day gifts!! I may have to do something like this for my Mom for Mother’s Day.
What a fun idea!! Definitely want to try this. Thanks for sharing.
~Danielle
Thanks Danielle!
Using Pinterest and Instagram for good! Win, win!
I know, right?!?
These are such cool coasta-grams!!! Very fun, Monica! My girls have been capturing unique pics on Instagram. This would definitely be a good project for them!
Thanks Jen! I bet they’d love making something like this!
I love how shiny they are – very nice job! One year at school I made tile ones with the kids and they are heavy so you were right about going with a different material. Thanks for visiting my blog today
I went back and edited my post to add details about each picture. And I printed it so I should have a LO sometime in the near(er) future – bonus!
Oh man, I can just imagine all those kids with tile weapons in their backpacks!
Ha Ha!! Thanks so much for stopping by!
These are absolutely adorable! Totally love the tutorial and might just make some of these soon!
Thanks Jennifer! They are super easy too! If you make some I’d love a link so I can come see!
Cute! Thanks for joining up with the Winter Pinterest Challenge!
Erin
Thanks Erin for stopping by!
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