D.C. Map Coasters

Last year, I bought some coasters from a vendor at Eastern Market.  She made the coasters out of tile and vintage Washington, D.C. postcards.  They are so sturdy & beautiful - I love using them in our family room.  I thought it would be fun to make something similar, but using maps!  

I picked up this D.C. map while I was out running errands.  When I got home, I found my husband's stash of maps in his desk - SCORE!  I would love to get my hands on some vintage maps for future coasters!

Other supplies:

xacto knife

ruler

4 x 4 tiles (I got mine at Home Depot!)

Modge Podge (Paper)

sheets of cork 

adhesive spray

craft sealer spray

First, I chose the section of the map that I wanted to cover the coasters.  I wanted the four coasters to fit together, like a puzzle.  Make sense?!

I laid out my four coasters in a square and traced (with a pencil) the outline of my square & I cut that out.  Then, still using the coasters, I traced each square & started to cut them out individually.

Here are the four map pieces, ready to Modge Podge...see, they make a matching set!:)

Start decoupaging, one by one...

My Decoupage Tips:

*thinner coats work better - don't goop it on!

*go slowly & have patience!

*have a wet paper towel on hand to wipe up the excess

*once dry, you can use sandpaper to sand imperfections around the edges!

Let them dry in between coats...I did a total of 5!

After they dried, I attached 4x4 pieces of cork to the bottom of the coasters, using the adhesive spray.  You can also use felt, but I like the look of cork better.  And finally, I sprayed a craft gloss finish on the top of the coasters to make sure everything was sealed!

Ta Da!

*I gave you readers a little guide in this pic as to what you are looking at, 

since the picture isn't clear enough!

My vino & new coaster:

B's Pale Ale & new coaster:

The perfect pair! 

Cheers!

Oh and one more thing!  If you haven't entered our most recent giveaway, do so NOW!