Saturday Crafting: Squeezing Sunshine with DIY Citrus Coasters

DIY citrus slice coasters in lemon and orange colors

Hello Bloomers!

I LOVE crafting ~ there’s just something about creating something with my own two hands that feels so joyful and grounding. And today's project is probably one of my favorites yet: I decided to get a little crafty and make some homemade ceramic tile coasters, and let’s just say... I’m obsessed.

With just some pretty paper napkins, Mod Podge, and a little creativity, these coasters came together so beautifully — and the best part is, they look like a slice of summer you can enjoy all year round. There’s something about citrus that just feels like pure happiness, isn’t there? Bright colors, fresh vibes, and a little burst of summer magic — exactly what I wanted to bring into my home (and maybe share as gifts too!).

Materials for making citrus slice coasters

What You’ll Need

• Ceramic white tiles (I got mine from Amazon, and they come with peel & stick cork backings which make your coasters slip resistant)

• Decorative paper napkins (choose designs that match the occasion or your aesthetic)

• Paintbrush

• Mod Podge (I sed the matte finish)

• Polyurethane (I used DecoArt matte varnish)

• Twine, ribbon, or string

• Personalized gift tag

Hand-painting citrus napkins on ceramic coasters

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Remove the paper backing to your napkin

2. Cut the napkin into squares, with a 1/2 border to fold onto the back of the tile

3. Paint a layer of Mod Podge on the top and sides of the ceramic tile

4. Center your square-cut napkin and place on top of the tile

5. GENTLY use your finger to smooth out bubbles and wrinkles

6. Turn the tile over, and paint Mod Podge around the outsides of the tile

7. Fold the edges of the napkin up and onto the back tile. Fold the corners of the tile like you would when wrapping a gift.

8. Stick the cork backing to the tile.

9. Turn back over, and paint one more layer of Mod Podge to the top and sides of the tile.

10. Let dry a good 24 hours. Especially if you plan to apply Polyurethane

11. Polyurethane will make your coasters water resistant

    
    

    

    Adding the final steps of the citrus coasters by gluing the cork backing and varnishing the top

    These citrus coasters aren’t just a fun DIY—they make the perfect summer hostess gift! Once they’re fully dry, I like to bundle a set of four with twine or ribbon, tuck them into a small kraft box, and top it off with a bright gift tag (bonus points for a lemon slice sticker or a handwritten note!). Pair them with a jar of homemade lemonade mix or a vintage-style glass for an extra thoughtful touch. Whether you're headed to a backyard BBQ or a beachy brunch, these sunny coasters are sure to bring a smile—and a splash of color—to your host’s table.

Crafting doesn't have to be complicated — sometimes it’s as easy as napkins, Mod Podge, and a little love.