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You are here: Home » Crafts » DIY Map Coasters

DIY Map Coasters

Jul 26, 2012 · 49 Comments

This post and photos may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through any link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Any supplies used may be given to me free of charge, however, all projects and opinions are my own.


Make these DIY map coasters with a few supplies and some Mod Podge! These are great for any home or to give as gifts and easy to make as well! #maps #coasters #giftidea #modpodge #modpodgerocks
I love maps y’all. Love, love, love. I decided to put some maps on coasters for my living room. These DIY map coasters are super easy so break out your Mod Podge and follow along. You might even make a few sets as these make great gifts as well. Want more coaster ideas? We have all of our coaster crafts here.
DIY map coasters - make your own coasters for a great gift idea! Choose any maps that you want!

Supplies needed to make your own DIY map coasters:

Some links below may be affiliate links which means that you do not pay anymore but a portion of your purchase will go to support this site.

  • Mod Podge
  • Maps
  • Tiles  (I actually had painted some tiles with a monogram many years ago and they had seen better days.  So I revamped those instead of buying new tiles. The tiles were originally from the flooring section at Lowe’s.)
  • Self-adhesive felt
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Paintbrush
DIY map coasters - make your own coasters for a great gift idea! Choose any maps that you want!

How to Make Coasters with Maps:

 Trace around your coasters onto the maps and cut your maps to size with scissors.
DIY map coasters - make your own coasters for a great gift idea! Choose any maps that you want!
Something I just recently learned that has ROCKED my Mod Podge world…before you begin your Mod Podge project, apply a layer of Mod Podge to the BACK of your paper and allow to dry. This has basically solved all wrinkling issues that I have had in the past with projects.
DIY map coasters - make your own coasters for a great gift idea! Choose any maps that you want!
After that dries, add a layer of Mod Podge to the tile itself and adhere your map to it.
mod podge coasters
After that dries, apply about 3 layers of Mod Podge to the top of your coasters allowing them to fully dry between each coat. The Outdoor Mod Podge is best for this as it will hold up better. I then allowed my coasters to cure for 48-72 hours before using.
outdoor mod podge for coasters

NOTE:  I have had several questions about how long these will last. We used them daily for about 2 years before changing to other coasters. This stuff holds up so well!

coasters made with mod podge
Want to see these step by step instructions in an easy to follow video? Check it out below!
You can use any maps that you wish on your coasters. I basically started with a map of North America.
DIY map coasters - make your own coasters for a great gift idea! Choose any maps that you want!
 Then I “zoomed in” a little more to the United States. 
DIY map coasters - make your own coasters for a great gift idea! Choose any maps that you want!
 Then I “zoomed in” a little more to the state level.
DIY map coasters - make your own coasters for a great gift idea! Choose any maps that you want!
Then I “zoomed in” to the county level.  A little geography lesson while you are enjoying your drinks in the living room!
DIY map coasters - make your own coasters for a great gift idea! Choose any maps that you want!
These fun DIY map coasters will be perfect for your home.  You can even make these as a gift!  Y’all enjoy!
DIY map coasters - make your own coasters for a great gift idea! Choose any maps that you want!
I know that we loved our DIY map coasters for years and you will too!
Make these DIY map coasters with a few supplies and some Mod Podge! These are great for any home or to give as gifts and easy to make as well! #maps #coasters #giftidea #modpodge #modpodgerocks

Love these Mod Podge coasters and looking for more ideas? Try the links below!

  • How to Make Resin Coasters
  • DIY Wood Coasters with the Cricut Maker
  • DIY Photo Coasters: A Great Gift Idea
  • Wood Burning Ideas: How to Make Coasters
  • Infusible Ink Watercolor Coasters

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Unknown says

    July 28, 2012 at 1:49 am

    Fabulous! Thanks for sharing… this is something I can easily do 🙂

    Reply
  2. Shelby Zapf says

    August 3, 2012 at 10:05 am

    Thanks for sharing, love the idea! I’m thinking of doing a class of this. Question, how much Mod Podge would you suggest if about 10 people sign up for the craft?

    Thanks!

    Reply
  3. Angie CountryChicCottage says

    August 3, 2012 at 12:13 pm

    One large jar will be MORE than enough. Mod Podge goes a looong way! Let me know if you make them!

    Reply
  4. Emerald Hills says

    August 6, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    I totally love this project! Also thank you for that tip about keeping it from wrinkling!. great idea!

    Reply
  5. Mixed Kreations says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:07 pm

    These are great! I’ve recently discovered mod podge. And it’s awesome. Thanks for the tip about wrinkle free paper, and for sharing your wonderful tutorial.

    Linda @ Mixed Kreations.

    Reply
  6. malia says

    September 1, 2012 at 9:35 pm

    Hi Angie, Cool project! I haven’t used that outdoor MP yet… I want to try it! Great tip on that first coat on the back. I had never heard that before. Hope you are enjoying your long weekend! xo Malia

    Reply
  7. rusty {rambles} says

    October 28, 2012 at 6:27 am

    What a great idea! I always love to find a craft project that is bloke-friendly. Thanks for the share!

    Reply
  8. - Brittany aka Pretty Handy Girl says

    December 16, 2012 at 10:57 pm

    Awesome gift idea Angie! I think I might have to make some of these for Handsome Guy. I think it will be fun to make one for each town we’ve lived in ;-). P.s. I hope you don’t mind me sharing this in a favorites from the Link party list.

    Reply
  9. Sara13 says

    February 18, 2013 at 5:50 pm

    Looks great just one question.. What kind of paper are your maps printed on? Gloss, regular, recycled? Just curious if the glue works with all paper types… Thanks!

    Reply
  10. Angie Holden says

    February 19, 2013 at 6:46 am

    Mod Podge will definitely work with ANY paper!

    Reply
  11. Sara13 says

    February 23, 2013 at 1:23 am

    Thanks Angie! Can’t wait to try this.. Already have cork coasters AND placemats! Making them for my sister as a house-warming gift, our family is all over North America so it will be personalized to where is sentimental 😉 Do you think I could print maps out on to stock card paper or even good quality printer paper? Thanks so much!

    ~Sara

    Reply
  12. Angie Holden says

    February 24, 2013 at 9:43 am

    Absolutely Sara! Be sure to let the ink dry really well before starting with the Mod Podge and it should be fine. My tip: after the ink dries — spray the top of the paper with aerosol hair spray and allow to dry. That will help set the ink.

    Reply
  13. Sara13 says

    February 24, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    Thank you so much for your quick replies! You are so smart and creative! Cannot wait to try this. Might make some tile coasters too with printed designs off the internet and something other than maps!… Great tips and awesome website!

    Reply
  14. Beth Hoff says

    May 20, 2013 at 5:19 pm

    This is great. I plan on doing this for Father’s Day.

    Reply
  15. Elizabeth Joan Designs says

    June 7, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    These look amazing. Love them! Thanks

    Emily @ elizabethjoandesigns.com

    Reply
  16. Steph @ Three Loud Kids! says

    July 7, 2013 at 2:39 pm

    I LOVE this idea so much! Im having my kids bring some maps back from their trip to visit family so that I can make some of these!

    Reply
  17. susan thurman says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:41 am

    I see tons of beautiful handmade coasters, but none of ever absorbent. when u pick the glass up, water either drips or coaster is still attached to the glass. I want instructions on some absorbent ones. these are gorgeous, but I am afraid won’t work.

    Reply
  18. anita says

    May 9, 2014 at 10:28 am

    Wow!!! Love these. Father’s Day gift, here I come! Thank you.

    Reply
  19. Tara says

    June 2, 2014 at 4:45 pm

    I found your post via Pinterest. I know you wrote this awhile ago but do you remember what website you used to print the maps? I am hoping to find some that don’t say MapQuest or Google Maps on every image. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Angie Holden says

      June 3, 2014 at 6:14 am

      I used real vintage maps for my needs. Sorry Tara.

      Reply
      • Tara says

        June 5, 2014 at 2:46 pm

        Ok, thank you.

        Reply
  20. gina says

    July 8, 2014 at 3:01 am

    Can you use printed maps from the internet or do they have to be an actual store bought map? Ive used mod podge before and was told not to use a printed version cause the ink leaks, is that the case here?

    Reply
    • Angie Holden says

      July 9, 2014 at 8:55 pm

      Yes it does have a tendency for the ink to run. Make sure to let it dry completely and you can spray with aerosol hair spray to set the ink. Then use Mod Podge on top.

      Reply
  21. Leah says

    May 22, 2015 at 10:03 am

    Hi!

    I know you’ve probably answered this before.. but how do you get the maps to fit on your coaster size? Do you scan them and shrink them down on the computer so that you could get all of North America on one coaster? Also.. any suggestions on where to get maps..

    Reply
    • Angie Holden says

      May 26, 2015 at 7:51 am

      I just found these at various thrift stores. Try etsy and eBay!

      Reply
  22. Alexis Bateman says

    July 30, 2015 at 7:45 pm

    Where did you get the maps from?

    Reply
    • Angie Holden says

      July 30, 2015 at 8:37 pm

      They all came from thrift stores. Try etsy or ebay if you can’t find any!

      Reply
    • Angi says

      March 28, 2019 at 1:45 pm

      Get free maps from State or local visitor center.

      Reply
  23. Rebecca Kelsey Sampson says

    August 28, 2015 at 2:09 pm

    This is seriously such a good idea! I’ll see if I can get a few vintage maps at the Goodwill to make this project extra fun.

    Kindness is the best accessory,
    Rebecca Kelsey Sampson
    RebeccaKelsey.com

    Reply
  24. mikaela says

    November 4, 2015 at 1:17 pm

    hey there, just wondering, ive read posts from other people and they say that having just mod podge as the final layer will lead to tackiness.. is that the case with your coasters? also would this work with painting tiles and coating it with the outdoor mod podge after the paint dries? did you also use one layer of mod podge for the sealing? or did you do multiple layers?

    thank you for your time!

    Reply
    • Angie Holden says

      November 5, 2015 at 5:27 am

      I made these just like the tutorial said and they lasted for over 2 years of daily use. I would say they were a success! I did do multiple layers of Mod Podge. I would guess it would work with paint but I have never tried it! Good luck!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 28, 2016 at 2:02 pm

        Hi there, I don’t really see an answer to the question about the tackiness. I just made them, and they are still very tacky. They dried for days before I used them, but cups stick to them and they stick to each other while stacked. Any suggestions on how to fix that? They look great otherwise! I loved the idea. Thanks.

        Reply
        • Angie Holden says

          September 29, 2016 at 5:21 am

          Try this tip: http://modpodgerocksblog.com/2009/05/wordle-and-solution-for-mod-podge.html
          That should take care of it!

          Reply
          • Linda says

            September 7, 2018 at 8:16 pm

            I had this problem also. After 3 coats of modge podge on top of coasters I do 2 coats of triple coat spray ( at Walmart) then I do 2 coats of clear engine sealer ( from auto zone). I let it sit overnight then bake them at 200* for 1 hour. No more tackiness and they are heat resistant. If you don’t want to bake them you have to let them sit 21 days to cure.

  25. jennifer says

    May 28, 2016 at 5:57 am

    these are not waterproof, you need epoxy or resin to seal. mod podge is not waterproof.

    Reply
    • Angie Holden says

      May 28, 2016 at 7:48 am

      Epoxy would work great. I will tell you that I used these for over 2 years before the Mod Podge started to fail. That is good enough for me. Epoxy is more difficult to work with. I have another coaster tutorial that uses it.

      Reply
  26. Kas says

    September 5, 2016 at 5:40 pm

    Love it! I was searching online to purchase some map coasters, but I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted. So, I figured someone had to have figured out and posted how to make your own. It’s perfect! Except for city maps, I plan on using hiking trail maps. I may do the same for friends, but will use cities that are important to them as a gift. Thanks again for the wonderful post!

    Reply
  27. Sara says

    October 25, 2016 at 6:45 am

    Thank you for the tutorial! Is it possible to do this with a picture, not just a map? I want to make sure before I try it. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Angie Holden says

      October 25, 2016 at 7:48 am

      Yes! If you print it at home however, be sure to seal the image on the paper before applying Mod Podge. If you have it printed at a store on photo paper, it should be fine!

      Reply
  28. Heather says

    July 30, 2017 at 9:13 pm

    Does it matter what kind of paper this is done on? Like can the map location be printed out on normal computer paper then adhered to the tile? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Angie Holden says

      August 4, 2017 at 5:43 am

      When you print something, you need to set the ink before using Mod Podge. One trick to do this is to spray with aerosol hair spray and allow to dry. Good luck!

      Reply
      • Tonya McLaughlin says

        November 26, 2017 at 8:02 am

        I have a commercial photocopier that I would use to photocopy a map location so I can make 4 of the same location. Would I need to set the ink before applying the Mod Podge? The photocopier uses toner ink rather than wet ink; if that makes sense.

        Reply
        • Angie Holden says

          November 27, 2017 at 5:18 am

          You would need to set it. I find that aerosol hair spray does great for this!

          Reply
  29. Jennifer says

    November 5, 2017 at 7:20 pm

    Thanks for this! I’m thinking of using these to highlight the “important places” of my husband and my relationship. After 16 years, there’s plenty of places! Ha!

    Reply
  30. Michelle R says

    January 16, 2018 at 12:19 am

    Hi thank you for the tutorial. How do these hold up against a cup of hot coffee? I’m having trouble finding a surface that will be water and heat proof.

    Reply
    • Angie Holden says

      January 16, 2018 at 5:13 am

      We don’t drink coffee so I couldn’t tell you how they would work on a regular basis. Sorry!

      Reply
  31. Colleen Davis says

    August 21, 2018 at 8:57 am

    You don’t go into detail about adding the felt. I know it seems self explanatory but it is very important. Will the self stick hold really well? If The back of tiles is very scratchy. If you cannot get the self stick what would you attach regular felt with so that it still looks nice and holds and doesn’t tear? Is there something else that can be used on bottom of tiles? Any tips and ideas are appreciated please. Thanks so much for sharing.

    Reply
    • Angie Holden says

      August 22, 2018 at 2:08 pm

      It held fine for me. You can do regular felt cut to size with some glue. I didn’t notice any tearing. You can definitely do cork instead!

      Reply
    • Linda W. says

      September 17, 2018 at 4:20 pm

      Great project! I almost threw out some cork restaurant coasters but will repurpose them with this method. I’ll also use tiles. The cork coasters will be more toddler proof. I have assortment of decorative papers I would love to experiment with. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

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angie holden the country chic cottage cricut crafts blogger

Welcome to my cottage! My name is Angie and I am here to share my Cricut tutorials and crafts with all of you! If you love to DIY everything for your home’s decor and handmade gifts as well, you have found the only resource that you need. Pull up a chair and have a seat inside our Tennessee home!

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