Apr 23, 2010

Homemade Hymn Coasters!


I saw this idea a few months back on a friend's blog, The Tidy Nest, and I saved it in the recesses of my mind.  I read the tutorial she suggested over at Beneath My Heart.  I bought the supplies, but I never got around to doing the project.  I needed a good reason to make them.

Last week, during my clutter-busting rampage, I found an old hymnbook of which the back cover was completely missing and the binding was nearly non-existent.  I tore it apart page-by-page, and made my own prelude book categorized according to key signature.  I had a small stack of pages left over that didn't fit in the prelude notebook, but I hated to throw them away.  That's when I remembered this little coaster project. 

I cut a few hymn pages into 3-3/4 inch squares.  I tried cutting them square as well as slanted with the print, and I definitely preferred the angled look.  I thought they still needed a little pizzazz, so I broke out the soft pastel chalks, and added a little "aging" to the edges of the paper.


Here's the four 4" tiles with their corresponding paper embellishments.


I coated the backside of each paper with Mod Podge, then quickly adhered it to the tile.  I used an old paint brush because it's what I had, but I think one of those sponge brushes would be better.

Once it had set a bit, I coated the top of the tile and print with a couple more coats of Mod Podge.

 Next, use an acrylic sealer to finish the tiles, so they can get wet without ruining the tile.


After the sealant had completely dried, I cut corkboard squares about 3-7/8".  I found mine as a 6-pack of cork sheets at Michael's in the painting/canvas area.


Using my handy-dandy hot glue gun, I stuck the cork to the back of the tile.  When I do this again, I think I will use a little thicker corkboard or add a layer of posterboard.  The cork sheet that I bought is super-thin, and you can feel the ridges from the bottom of the tile through the cork.  It's okay, but I think thicker would be better.


I think these turned out so sharp.  Even Ben, who merely tolerates my crafty endeavors, was impressed with these.  He kept suggesting additional ideas and changes that I should implement or try.


I gave these as a birthday gift to one of the ladies in my church.  Hopefully, she doesn't look on here, but I thought you would like a breakdown of just how awesomely cheap this little gift is!

4 tiles @ $.12 each = $ .48
1 tbsp. Mod Podge = $ .15 (totally guessing, but I got the big jar in the picture above for like $5.69.)
1 sheet Corkboard  = $ .66
Sealant                    = $ .50 (another guess, but I figure I'm overestimating to be safe)
Total =          $1.79!



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19 lovely comments:

Rebecca said... Best Blogger Tips

That's a great idea to use old hymnal pages, April! Very clever!

Jenn said... Best Blogger Tips

Great tutorial! Found your post at Fingerprints on the Fridge. Happy Weekend!

cindy said... Best Blogger Tips

Very cute and clever, I love it and will try it some day....

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

These are a terrific idea! Great job and what a wonderful gift!

Debbie said... Best Blogger Tips

such a great idea! I look forward to making these sometime.

Mrs. Murdock said... Best Blogger Tips

My birthday is coming up!! Those are great!

Rosa B. said... Best Blogger Tips

Very nice! I'll have to try this! :)

Tommie Jo said... Best Blogger Tips

What a neat idea (and frugal)! IMO, gifts from the heart are the ultimate~good job!

Phyllis Blickensderfer said... Best Blogger Tips

If she does look here, she will enjoy knowing you cared enough to seek a gift no one can duplicate. Each time we make these for those we care about, they'll be a bit different, placing our own personalities in front of our friends. Thanks!

Alisa said... Best Blogger Tips

I love how you made them look vintage! Super cute! BTW, You could make a book wreath with the rest of your hymnbook... I've been wanting to make one, but don't have a book that I want to use. :) A hymnbook would look so neat!

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said... Best Blogger Tips

These turned out fabulous! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing at the Sunday Showcase Party! I greatly appreciate it! Hope you have a great week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

Stacey said... Best Blogger Tips

What a great project. Love the hymnal pages and the whole look. Turned out great! Thanks for sharing at 'Look at me, I'm SO Crafty!' at Fun to Craft.

Donna said... Best Blogger Tips

I love this idea! I just may have to borrow it! Thanks for sharing.

Traci said... Best Blogger Tips

Hey April,

I want to make these coasters for some gifts, and I am having a hard time finding the cork! Can you help me?! Where did you find yours? I saw some at Jo-Anne Fabrics, but it was about $15. I was not sure if this is what you used. Thanks for your help (and ideas!)
Traci

content2be said... Best Blogger Tips

I got mine at Michael's. I can't remember exactly how much it was, but probably in the $3 range for 4 or 6 sheets.

content2be said... Best Blogger Tips

I was just thinking and maybe if you had a 40% coupon for Hobby Lobby, Jo-Anns, or Michaels, you might be able to get it more inexpensively that way. Hope that helps! Feel free to email me at frugalhomemaking @ yahoo (dot) com if I can help you out any other way.

Emily T. Thomas said... Best Blogger Tips

that would be cute with any old book pages...
Blessings!
LIB
http://bit.ly/gHb7e0

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

I love making these. I am having a problem when I stack them the cork or felt that I use on the bottom of the tile leaves an texture on the corners they are sitting on. Any suggestions

content2be said... Best Blogger Tips

Did you use the acrylic sealant? Without the sealant, the Mod Podge might soften and the impression of glasses/other tiles could mar your finish. Other than that suggestion, I'm not sure.