Learn how to make mosaic drink coasters from home. I teach you everything you need to know in this easy step-by-step mosaic tutorial (video below!)
This mosaic drink coaster craft project requires zero glass cutting, therefore this is a perfect art project for beginner mosaic artists. This mosaic tutorial is dedicated to those who would like to know how to mosaic drink coasters and those looking for the best art project for kids, adults, office staff, friends, and family. Since there are typically 4 coasters in a set, it’s also a great activity to do with a group of 1-4 people.
So, “How do I make mosaic coasters?” you ask? Watch my DIY mosaic video to get a feel for what your mosaic coasters should look like every step of the way. In the video, I also include all of the materials and instructions on how to make your own mosaic coaster. I provide links in the video summary to all of my recommended supplies and I’ll explain that you can opt to simply click on this link to purchase my DIY Mosaic Coaster Kit which is ready to be shipped right to your doorstep for less than the cost of purchasing the supplies on your own (I buy in bulk)!
Who can make mosaic coasters and who orders mosaic drink coasters?
Parents for/with their kids (aged 4+)
This mosaic project not only requires kids’ full attention which leads to quality time and unplugging of technology, it also requires NO glass cutting, making this a very safe mosaic activity! Parent supervision is encouraged.
Adults who want to make a handmade gift, make their own mosaic drink coasters, or send a high-quality DIY craft kit to someone
This is the perfect gift that someone can make a loved one or for yourself! It's also makes for a wonderful gift to give to a friend, relative, or office team member. I have mailed DIY Mosaic Drink Coaster Kits to offices for staff team building events too! Some customers send kits out to the entire family across the USA and meet up on Zoom to share their new mosaic drink coasters! I have delivered these craft kits to colleges who provide them as part of a welcome package to new dorm students! Many people have ordered these craft coaster kits for their relatives who have been ill or isolated to keep them busy and offer them something fun/different to do!
People who want to practice basic mosaic-making
For those interested in learning basic mosaic techniques, this is a great first project! Glue and grout techniques are fundamental to mosaic art and you will learn by doing!Any questions along the way? Just email me at jen@jenjame.com! I'm happy to help!
Anyone ready to unplug from technology
Seriously. Unplug. I realize you’re plugged in to read this, but once you’re engaged in this mosaic project, you will be immersed in art. Art is therapy. Art provides inner flow that allows your mind, body, and spirit to unconsciously focus and zone out in a good way!!
Home-schoolers
Many homeschool parents have incorporated this exact DIY mosaic coaster tutorial into their lessons because it is easy to follow and requires full attention. This art project is great for the artists and non-artists alike! It’s also great for homeschool teachers who are looking to expand their art curriculum.
DIY Mosaic Coaster Supplies
- 1 small plastic drop cloth (or use cardboard)
- 4 ceramic 4"x4" ceramic tiles
- Weldbond glue or E6000
- 300-450 glass mosaic tile pieces
- 1 plastic putty knife
- 1+ disposable gloves (optional)
- Pre-mixed or powder white grout (stain and mold resistant)
- Stir stick if opted for powder grout
- 16oz (or larger) water container
- 1 craft sponge (or grout sponge)
- 1 small cloth (do not use paper towels)
- 16 rubber bumpers or 1 felt/cork backing per ceramic tile
Here are your step-by-step instructions on how to make glass mosaic coasters for yourself, for a loved one, with your friends, or with your family/children.
Glue your glass mosaic tile to your ceramic tiles
- Lay out your plastic drop cloth and unpack your ceramic tiles, glue and mosaic glass tiles.
- Start your first coaster by adding 1 dot of glue directly to 1 mosaic glass tile (or add the dot of glue directly to ceramic tile) and place each glass piece to your ceramic tile, starting in one corner and making a row on one edge of your ceramic tile. Ensure your row is flush to the edge of the ceramic tile and space your glass pieces evenly across (1/2cm or less spacing is optimal). Use your first row of glass pieces as a guide for mosaic’ing the remainder of your coaster. For additional tips on gluing, click here.
- Once you have glued your mosaic glass pieces to ALL 4 ceramic tiles, wait at least 2 hours (2-24 hours is recommended) for your glue to cure/bond before you apply grout in Step 2. While you wait for your glass pieces to bond, check the position of your glass pieces because you’ll likely need to move a few back into place (now is the optimal time to fix any issues).
Grout your DIY mosaic glass coasters
- Fill your water container ½-way with water and allow your craft sponge to soak. Unpack putty knife and grout.
- Using your hand, add a dollop up grout to the top of your coaster, then use your putty knife to spread the grout evenly, pressing into each crevice. Be sure to apply grout to the sides too and scrape off as much excess grout as possible.
- Your grout should be slightly drying and becoming hazy after about 30-60 seconds. You do not want the grout to dry completely on top of your glass, therefore you will move onto Step 3 quite quickly.
Sponge off your grout
- Ring out the water from your sponge very well (no dripping…you do not want to overwater your coaster). Using one side of your sponge, wipe off grout in one section going DOWN (vertically) by wiping from top left corner area toward bottom left corner area. Flip your sponge over to a clean side and repeat the same action in the next grouted section by wiping from top right corner area toward bottom right corner area. Rinse your sponge in your water container and ring it out. Repeat this process, except this time wipe from side to side, ACROSS (horizontally). You may repeat your sponge cleanses and vertical and horizontal wipes only if you have obvious grout that seems caked onto your tiles.
DON'T WORRY, THE WATER WILL LOOK DIRTY, BUT WHEN YOU RING OUT YOUR SPONGE, YOUR SPONGE WILL BE CLEAN.
- Once you have light grout residue-haze remaining, clean up the sides and back with your clean, damp sponge.
- Wait 3+ hours before you move on to Step 4. While you wait, dispose of your dirty water (it is recommended you dispose outside in dirt or rocks rather than your sink). Rinse your sponge with clean water.
Clean off the surface
- Once you have waited until all your grout is completely dry, use your slightly damp, clean grout-sponge to clean the surface of your coasters. Your excess, dusty grout should be easy to remove with your sponge.
Spot check
- At this point, a few glass pieces may need a little extra TLC. Lightly dab your cloth in a little clean water and polish up glass pieces that need extra cleaning. em ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Last step: Rubber bumpers/cork backing!
- Adhere 1 rubber bumper to each corner of the underside of every ceramic tile (4 per ceramic tile). If you are using felt or cork backing, stick that sucker onto the back to protect your furniture.