Turn your favorite vacation photos into a functional piece of art with this easy DIY travel photo coasters project that takes minutes to create. “
When I’m not traveling, I love me a bit of DIY therapy. My craft closet is full of possibilities. This past weekend, I decided to remove some of the photos I’d taken on past trips out of the shoebox where they were hidden away and turn them into coasters. I love the reminders scattered around the house of so many destinations where I’ve left a piece of my heart.
Two years ago, my husband and I traveled from our home in Ohio to the coast of Oregon and back. It was our first major trip without any of our kids tagging along. I was a bit nervous as to what to expect. I’m not sure why. We’ve always (with just a few exceptions) traveled well together. I’m not sure why I thought that would change without kids.
I worried needlessly as we discovered that traveling without kids is a whole lot easier…..and quieter….than traveling with them. I know. Big surprise, right?
I pulled my photos out of a box and asked my husband to choose his favorites. Surprisingly, most of his favorites were mine as well. The view driving through the Badlands at sunset, an early morning glimpse of the bison grazing in Yellowstone National Park, views of the Pacific Ocean at sunset, and Lassen Volcanic National Park in California.
The coasters were so easy to make that I think I’ll make some as gifts for my kids and other family members.
List of Materials to Create DIY Travel Photo Coasters
4-6 Coasters- I used white but you can you another color if you prefer
Mod Podge
Foam Brush
Spray Adhesive, optional
4-6 travel photos
Felt Cushions
How to Create your Coasters, Step-by-Step
Cover your work space.
Trim your photos to fit on the coaster.
Either spray a bit of spray adhesive on the coaster to adhere the photo or attach the photo with a coat of Modge Podge (I used Matte, but you could also use glossy).
Center your photo on the coaster.
Apply a thin coat of Modge Podge. While I used a foam brush, you may wish to use a foam roller instead.
Allow your coaster to dry for several hours.
Apply two more coats of Modge Podge, allowing your coasters to dry fully between steps.
After the final coat is dry, flip the coaster over and adhere a felt cushion to protect surfaces.
The Final Project
And that’s it! Wasn’t that easy? You now have a beautiful set of coasters to remind you of the wonderful places you’re traveled to.
Have you ever made these easy DIY travel photo coasters?
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Originally published on October 17, 2017. Updated and reposted on April 4, 2019.
© 2019, Tonya Prater. All rights reserved.
Erin Klema | The Epicurean Traveler says
I love this idea, Tonya. I want to turn my travel photos into coasters. They’d make great gifts, too.
melody pittman says
Oh i love those! I should make these for my daughter and son-in-law since they travel so much! Thanks for the easy to follow instructions.
Lorri says
Thanks so much! Looks like fun!
Carol Cassara says
I can’t believe I never thought of doing this before! It’s brilliant and it’s definitely something that I would love to make for the house or as gifts to friends.
H says
Love how these turned out! They would be a great way to wrap up a trip. Re-entry is sometimes the hardest part, so having a fun DIY is great.