Father’s Day is right around the corner, but don’t stress if you haven’t found the perfect gift yet! These DIY photo coasters are heartfelt, easy to make, and budget-friendly—plus, they’re something Dad will actually use – whether at his office or at home!
I whipped these up in under half a day with a few supplies from Dollar Tree, my trusty HP Sprocket printer, and a little Mod Podge magic. Whether you’re crafty or just feeling creative for the day, this project is the perfect personalized gift for Dad – and it truly is a project you can bust out in a pinch!
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🛒 DIY Photo Coasters – What You Need:
Ceramic coasters – found mine at Dollar Tree (don’t worry if they aren’t white or have weird designs, we’ll paint them!)
If your ceramic coasters aren’t already white (like mine), give them a quick coat of white acrylic paint. Let them dry completely before moving to the next step.
Skip this step if your coasters are already white and ready to go!
Step 2: Add the Napkin Background
Take your decorative napkin and carefully peel apart the layers (most napkins are 2-ply or 3-ply; you only want the top printed layer). Cut a square slightly larger than your coaster.
Apply a thin, even layer of dishwasher-safe Mod Podge to the top of the coaster using a medium paint or foam brush. Gently press the napkin onto the surface, smoothing out wrinkles as best you can. Let it dry for about 10-15 minutes.
Once dry, carefully trim the excess napkin with scissors or a nail file for clean edges.
Step 3: Add the Photo
Trim your printed photo to your desired size—centered or off-center both look great! Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the back of the photo and press it onto the coaster (or if you use the HP sprocket, just use the already sticky back of your photos). Let it dry, then brush a layer of Mod Podge over the entire surface to seal.
📸 I used my HP Sprocket for quick, inkless photo prints, but any small photo print will work just fine—your local drugstore can do 1-hour prints too!
Step 4: Seal It All In
Once everything is dry and in place, apply 2 thin coats of dishwasher-safe Mod Podge over the entire coaster surface, letting each coat dry completely (about 2 hours between coats). This helps protect the coaster from moisture and daily use.
Step 5: Add the Gold Edge (Optional but Gorgeous!)
For a polished, luxe finish, use a small paintbrush to apply gold acrylic paint around the edges of each coaster. It adds just the right touch of elegance and makes your DIY gift look boutique-worthy.
🎉 That’s It!
Once everything is fully dry and cured (Mod Podge takes about 28 days to fully cure if you want it dishwasher-safe, but they can still be used before that because you aren’t planning on putting them in the dishwasher, right?), wrap up your coasters with a ribbon or place them in a cute box for gifting. These would be great added to a small basket with some of Dad’s favorite beer, soda, etc!
Dad will love the personalized touch—and you’ll love how simple and fun this project was to make. And depending on your kid’s ages, you can get them involved too!
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💡 Bonus Tips:
Use themed napkins for different hobbies—golf, fishing, classic cars, etc.
Add felt or cork to the bottom to prevent scratching surfaces – my coasters already had cork on the bottom!
Make a full set of 4 for a complete gift (that’s what I did!)
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