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. Once you know how to make your own coasters, you will be making them for gifts and so much more!
Want more coaster ideas? We have all of our coaster crafts here.
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I love maps y’all. Love, love, love. I decided to put some maps on coasters for my living room. I’ve used maps many times before in our home. There are so many different ways you can use them and display them.
I love to frame them or display vintage maps as art, repurpose them as placecards, or use them to elevate a tray.
This project doesn’t require pouring epoxy or anything complicated. Just coasters (you can even use old ones!), Mod Podge, and a few maps.
How to Make Your Own Coasters with Maps
Supplies needed to make your own DIY map coasters:
Some links below may be affiliate links which means that you do not pay anymore.
- 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
Decide which part of the map you want to use for each coaster. Then, place the coaster over the center of that area and trace around your coasters onto the maps. After the and cut your maps to size with scissors.
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.
After that dries, add a layer of Mod Podge to the tile itself and adhere your map to it.
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.
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!
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.
Then I “zoomed in” a little more to the United States.
I then “zoomed in” a little more to the state level.
Then I “zoomed in” to the county level. A little geography lesson while you are enjoying your drinks in the living room!
These fun DIY map coasters will be perfect for your home. You can even make these as a gift! Y’all enjoy!
I know that we loved our DIY map coasters for years and you will too!
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
Want to buy your map coasters instead of make them? Try the Amazon links below!
Supplies
- Mod Podge
- Maps
- Tiles
- Self-adhesive felt
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Paintbrush
Instructions
- Decide which part of the map you want to use for each coaster. Then, place the coaster over the center of that area and trace around your coasters onto the maps. After the tracing is just right, cut your maps to size with scissors.
- Then, apply a layer of Mod Podge to the BACK of your paper and allow to avoid "wrinkling".
- After that has dried, add a layer of Mod Podge to the tile itself and adhere your map to it.
- 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.
- Allow coasters to cure for 48-72 hours before using.
Fabulous! Thanks for sharing… this is something I can easily do 🙂
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!
One large jar will be MORE than enough. Mod Podge goes a looong way! Let me know if you make them!
I totally love this project! Also thank you for that tip about keeping it from wrinkling!. great idea!
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.
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
What a great idea! I always love to find a craft project that is bloke-friendly. Thanks for the share!
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.
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!
Mod Podge will definitely work with ANY paper!
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
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.
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!
This is great. I plan on doing this for Father’s Day.
These look amazing. Love them! Thanks
Emily @ elizabethjoandesigns.com
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!
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.
Wow!!! Love these. Father’s Day gift, here I come! Thank you.
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!
I used real vintage maps for my needs. Sorry Tara.
Ok, thank you.
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?
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.
I used copies. Got Atlases at the library and copied the maps/areas I wanted and used them. Worked great!