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Five coasters with black and white kids pictures
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How to Make Family Photo Coasters

Learn how to make photo coasters to use in your home or to gift to family and friends.
Active Time1 hour
Additional Time1 day 1 hour
Total Time1 day 2 hours
Course: DIY Projects
Yield: 12
Author: Patti Estep

Equipment

  • Computer and printer
  • Paintbrush
  • Scissors

Materials

  • Coasters
  • Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium
  • Photos
  • Polycrylic or any protective finish

Instructions

  • Gather your photos and scan them to the computer or take a photo with your phone and email it to yourself.
  • Use drawing software or the Google drawing app.
  • Open a new drawing then go to Insert, Image, and upload from the computer.
  • Click on the image. In the right panel go to recolor and choose greyscale. You can also reverse the image at this step if necessary by clicking on the first flip icon (horizontally) also in the right panel under Rotate.
  • Next, crop the image into a circle by clicking on the arrow (mask image) to the right of the crop tool and choosing Shapes. Choose the circle on the second line.
  • Then choose the correct size (2.5 inches) on the right panel to make the image fit the coaster.
  • Print out the photos.
  • Cut out your image and coat the Mod Podge transfer medium over the top of the image. Flip it over onto the coaster and gently smooth out any bubbles or lines.
  • Wait for 24 hours. Then wet the top with a sponge. You will start to see the image come through. Gently rub the image in little circles and the glue will come off revealing the image below.
  • Finish by adding a coat or two of a protective finish.

Notes

You may want to make a reverse image if your photo has any words or parts that would look odd backward.
Take your time. In addition to the sponge, I used my finger to rub away the compound too. Once it dries again you may want to try wetting the coaster a second time to remove more of the film.
Tried this project?Tag @hearthnvine on Instagram