(T)riveting!

OK, ready for a really cheap DIY project? Just pick up some square tiles at a DIY center (I got mine for 16 cents at Lowe's!) and pull out your washi tapes (also known as Japanese masking tape). Don't have dozens of rolls of washi tape laying around? No problem. You can rip up strips of gift wrap tissue and stick it onto your tiles using decoupage glue, like Mod Podge, for a similar look.

Washi tape is so much fun, though, and comes in so many great colors and patterns. Why not buy some and see for yourself?

Washi tape is semi-transparent and pulls off easily so you can play around with different patterns until you find what looks best. I got all my tapes in Japan, but you can easily find some online.
Here's how to make this fun craft. 

First, stick your washi tape onto the tiles. Easy, right? 
Once you've covered the tile, you'll need to apply a thin coat of varnish. This way you can use your cute tiles as trivets or coasters.
 I had some Minwax Polycrylic in semi gloss finish on hand, so I used that.
 Follow the drying instructions on your can.
When the varnish is dry, you'll want to put some felt on the bottom of your tile so you don't scratch your tabletops. Put your tile on top of a piece of felt and, using scissors, score the fabric along the edges the tile. Cut out a felt square the same size as your tile by cutting along the scored lines. 
 Use glue to affix the felt to the bottom of the tile. I used Elmer's. 
How easy is that? I made some pretty pastel coasters and some brighter ones for an "iro no shibuki. " That's Japanese for "splash of color." My husband says it sounds weird and I shouldn't directly translate English phrases into Japanese, but it's fun to say. 
I hope you have lots of fun trying out this easy (and useful) craft! 

Photos by Vanessa for bluetandclover.com 

Comments

Jay Wen said…
That is such a cute idea. I wish I could be a little more daintier and use coasters. :P
Vanessa said…
I wasn't a coaster person until now. We'll see how long I can remember to use them!
Anonymous said…
So pretty. Love the photos!
Chris said…
Very adorable! A must get my hands on some washi tape soon!

http://meandmycrafts2.blogspot.com
http://pearspalette.etsy.com
This is gorgeous, Vanessa! Thank you so much for pointing me in the right direction to fix my linking/crediting, so I could find & drool over your fabulous blog. :)
Vanessa said…
thanks so much Mel!
SassyKay said…
Very cute! Great idea.
Unknown said…
Love it! Going to try it this weekend :)
Vanessa said…
That's great Chelle. You really can't go wrong with this one, so easy!
Urbandoll said…
This is amazing!! I'm gonna try this and keep them for gifts:D Great and simple idea!
Vanessa said…
it is really simple and hard to mess up. have fun!
Shanice Bannis said…
These look fantastic! I would love it if you joined and contribute your awesome posts at my link party at City of Creative Dreams, starts on Fridays :D Hope to see you there at City of Creative Dreams Link Party.
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