DIY custom coasters from maps

You will LOVE these easy DIY custom coasters made from maps! Make them for yourself, or as a gift they’ll treasure for many years to come!

We moved a few years ago. And at my going away party, a friend handed me a set of four custom coasters. One had a map showing the town where we lived, and another one had a map showing where we were moving to.

It was the sweetest, most thoughtful gift. And I completely treasure them. The best part? She made them. And now I’m going to show you how to make them as well!

I’ve given these DIY custom coasters from maps as Christmas gifts, housewarming and hostess gifts, and they are always well-received (even though they cost less than $2 each to make…shhhh…that’s a secret).

To start, check out this quick video tutorial. You may not need any more than this to get this easy DIY project done!

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If you prefer the “old fashioned” way, here are the directions 🙂

Let’s start with the supplies you’ll need…

How to Make DIY Custom Coasters From Maps

1. Cut the desired area of the map with scissors.

Find the area of the map you’d like to place on your 4×4 tile. Trace the tile over that area of the map, then cut your outlined section out with scissors.

2. Mod Podge (or glue) tile.

Using your craft or foam brush, place a layer of glue onto the front of your tile. Place your map section on top, and smooth out wrinkles and bubbles starting from the center, and working toward the edges.

Use your fingers, a credit card, even a rubber spatula could work. Just don’t press too hard or you may rip your map.

3. Glue down edges.

Dip a finger into some Mod Podge (or Elmer’s glue) to help affix edges/corners of your map to the tile. Be liberal with the glue.

4. Smoothe layer of glue over the top of the map.

This is how we get that finished (and water-resistant) look and seal on the top of the coaster. Using your craft or foam brush, apply a liberal layer of glue/Mod Podge on top of your mapped tile.

Use nice, fluid brush strokes, and get an even coat over top of the entire tile and edges. Again, be liberal with the glue. It will dry clear.

5. Let dry.

This is an easy step, right? Go get some ice cream.

6. Spray with acrylic sealant.

Once the Mod Podge is dry, spray your tile with acrylic sealant. You can use matte or gloss sheen, whichever you prefer.

I recommend acrylic sealant over polyurethane because it won’t yellow (plus, the poly smell is atrocious…not that the sealant doesn’t also have an odor, so do this outside).

Make sure you seal those edges! Allow drying once again before moving on to the next step.

7. Cut felt backing.

Find a cup, or square object just a tad smaller than the size of your tile.

Use it as a template to trace and cut out a piece of felt that will serve as a soft backing for the coaster.

8. Hot glue felt to the bottom of the tile.

Glue one side, then attach to the bottom of the tile.

All done!

And if you’re a fan of crafting with maps, you may want to check out these projects, as well!

map pumpkins:

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map Christmas ornaments:

Pin these map custom coasters for later! And if you some, leave a comment (or better yet, a photo) on the pin! That helps others know whether they want to try this project, too!

Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! Sign up now and get a FREE copy of “Builder-Grade To Beautiful: 10 Totally Transformative Home Decorating Solutions, All Under $100!” Click here to enter your email or on the image below. Your copy will be sent right away!