Coaster Gift Set
One of my favorite places is the Habitat ReStore. They have all sorts of things - it's always changing - and you can get a pretty good deal on furniture , building supplies, books appliances, and anything in between. The best deal I have found is on tile - ten cents for a 4x4 white tile. That is the perfect size for coasters, so I bought six. I'm sure you've seen these on Pinterest.
I took some fun scrapbook paper and cut it to fit the tile, leaving a small border around the square, and Mod Podged it on. After sufficient drying time (about 20 minutes or so), I sealed the coaster top with more Mod Podge. I typically use a foam brush to apply Mod Podge. After letting that first layer dry, I wasn't happy with the brush marks that showed. I thought foam brushes weren't suppose to do that, but it did. I'm sure I'm the only one who would ever notice those tiny lines, but there must be a way to avoid them.
My next attempt was to use spray Mod Podge sealer in a gloss finish. Much better. Six coasters. Most sets just have four, which annoys me since if/when I would ever use coasters, I would likely need more than that. So my gift sets will have six.
I attached squares of corkboard self adhesive contact paper to the bottoms. Tie a coordinating ribbon around them and call it a gift. So simple and inexpensive. Sixty cents for the tiles, two pieces of scrapbook paper, and Mod Podge, which I had in my stash.
I'm a huge fan of quick, easy, inexpensive yet functional gifts. I just might make one for my desk, so I can set my tea on something other than the pile of papers stacked in the corner. (Look out 2012. I'm in the mood to purge and reorganize!)