Make It! : Patterned Coasters

I've had these hideous coasters stashed away in my craft drawer for ages (because I surely wasn't going to use them in my house in their current state of ugly). I decided they needed a little makeover, which turned out cute enough that I wouldn't feel bad gifting them to someone else (but I'm actually just going to keep them for myself because I really like them... Merry Christmas to meeeeeee!)



Supplies: Set of drink coasters with smooth surface (as opposed to a cork-like coaster) or other coaster-like material (tiles, wood pieces, etc.), sandpaper, white acrylic paint, paintbrush, a porcelain paint pen/Sharpie paint pen/Terra Cotta Marker, and Mod Podge or gel matte medium


Time: Approximately 1 1/2 hours, not including time to dry paint between layers

Process:
1. Sandpaper the top surface of your coaster to remove any coating in order to prepare the coaster for the paint {I don't know if this is 100% necessary, but since my coasters had a smooth coating on them, I thought it might need to be roughed up a bit to take the paint}. Brush off any dust from the coaster resulting from the sandpapering.
2. Paint several coats of white acrylic paint onto the coaster, letting the coaster dry completely between layers. I did approximately 3 coats per coaster.
3. When all layers are dry, use a terra cotta marker-- which is what I used-- or a paint or porcelain pen to draw a design onto the coaster. I used a pencil to lightly sketch my design and then drew right over it with the pen. I erased my pencil lines gently when the ink was dry. For inspiration, I looked at tribal patterns and ethnic fabric motifs. Other great options would be zentangle patterns, hand-drawn flowers, or you could even try rubber-stamping a pattern instead of drawing it.
4. After pen ink has dried completely, coat the coaster with Mod Podge, gel matte medium, or any other kind of sealant to waterproof the coasters.
5. If needed, you can add felt or cork lining to the bottom side of your coaster.

Voila!