DIY: Tile Coasters

Turning a tile into a drink coaster is one of those DIY projects that has been around forever. And yet, it is still satisfying and fun, perfect for just about any age (as in, even my 3 year old can do it.). The nice thing about this type of project is that with very little effort you can get a really nice looking end product. For Chris' birthday I decided to cut up an old map of Sicily. On one of the squares I was able to capture Mineo (where we lived for 2 years), Bruccoli (where our beach house was), and Catania (our big city not far from where Chris worked.)-- essentially the areas in which my book covered. I was surprised that he liked his gift so much. He's not really one for home-made crap stuff. If the tiles had been covered in scrapbook paper (like those above) I think the gift would have been a bust. But the map was a hit. It has been a constant conversation piece with friends and family-- and Mahlon has decided they make great staging areas for his battles.

Here is a good tutorial on how to make your own. I'm already thinking Christmas...