Travertine Tile Coasters

What kind of thank-you gift do you give to Nanas who insist on throwing a second-baby shower? Something that's custom and thoughtful and doesn't stink of mass production?

I knew that DIY was how I wanted to go. And that DIY project landed on stone coasters. A little scrapbook paper, a little Mod Podge, a little sealant, a little rolled cork, and a little time. Well, maybe more than just "a little time" to allow for all the drying steps.

They turned out beautiful!

TO MAKE

Ingredients

- 4" travertine tiles

- Scrapbook paper

- Mod Podge (I used matte because that's what I had, but gloss will also work)

- Foam brush

- Rolled cork

- Spray laquer sealant

Recipe

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the tiles. The tiles are porous, so a post-wash wipe won't suffice. If you're pressed for time or just plain impatient (guilty on both counts!), you can pop them in the oven, 5 minutes @ 200 degrees, to speed up the drying process.

2. Cut scrapbook paper to size. My tiles were a little under 4", so I cut 3.5" paper squares. This allowed for a small border of tile around the edges of the paper.

3. Use the foam brush to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge (MP) to the tile and back of paper.

4. Apply paper to tile. You will have about 30 seconds to slide the paper around as needed before the MP starts to set.

5. Brush another thin layer of MP to the top of paper. Wait 45 to 60 minutes for MP to dry.

6. Apply another thin layer of MP, and wait 45 to 60 for it to dry. Repeat as needed, allowing time between coats for drying.

6. Cut rolled cork to size and apply to bottom of tiles. I used 3.5" squares, but you can also use smaller squares for feet.

7. Sand the tops and sides of tiles to smooth brush marks and MP drips. Wipe off the dust thoroughly. (See Notes below.)

8. Spray laquer sealant on tiles. I did 3 thin coats, then let then dry for about 2 hours.

Notes

- The MP will brush on white, but dry clear.

- The foam brush will leave canvas-like brush marks, which I really liked. After brushing on the first MP layer, I did one final brush horizontally. Then, after brushing on the second MP layer, I did one final brush vertically. Sanding and/or a foam roller brush may minimize brush marks.

- Sanding can be done between coats of MP. I chose to do it as a final step. Use 300- to 400-grit paper to avoid stripping off too much of the MP.