British Columbia looks pretty great on a coaster

Mark Brown and his fiancée wanted to send his parents something special to thank them for hosting them on a recent trip. Here's what Mark had to say about discovering Coastermatic!

The coasters we purchased were a gift for my parents after my fiancée and I paid them a visit in British Columbia this summer. We wanted to send them a little gift to say thanks for hosting us, something a little out of the ordinary, and my fiancée hit upon the idea of a set of coasters using photos from the trip. We found Coastermatic simply by Googling 'create your own coasters', and I used photos from our trip that I had taken with my phone.

We had the coasters shipped directly to my parents, and were understandably a little apprehensive about sending them 'sight unseen', but my parents really enjoyed the gift and have reported back that the quality of the product is excellent.

You can be sure we'll be using Coastermatic again, and we have recommended you to many of our friends!

That's what we like to hear! Tales of coasters and good times and happiness. Go on, start a set!

Carmen Patty nods to Tennessee

Carmen Patty pays homage to her hometown, Chattanooga, Tennessee, with this dropdead set.

CM: Where were the photos on your coasters taken?

CP: They are all of my hometown, Chattanooga, TN. It's my favorite place on earth!

CM: How have friends responded to the set?

CP: They're obsessed with them! My next set will be of my dog!

Got a favorite thing? Go on, put it on some coasters.

Memories make great gifts!

Stephanie Fleming created this set for her dad as a Father's Day present. She was looking for something unique and personal, and Coastermatic worked perfectly.

CM: What’s the story behind the images on your coasters?

SF: I ordered these coasters for my dad as a Father’s Day present. They are photos of the places we have been and the adventures that we have had together, from traveling to Ireland and Scotland, to going to Fenway Park. My favorite coaster is the one of my dad and I at the beach when I was younger.

CM: How did your dad respond to the coasters?

SF: He loved them! He said it was the most thoughtful gift he has ever received. I've also bought them for friends and they've raved about them. I will definitely be ordering more!

 

Custom coasters are a great way to share memories. Start a set!

We love these coasters from Memphis!

Jessie Walker is a Memphis-based non-profit consultant, who loves coasters! And we love what she does with them. Read on for the tales behind her pics.

CM: How did you find out about Coastermatic?

JW: I'm pretty sure I found Coastermatic by googling "cool things to do with Instagram pics" and voila, coasters! I ordered a set and fell in love with the smooth stone texture, and I love that even though I'm not a photographer, my pics turn out so special!

CM: What's the story behind the images on your coasters?

JW: One of my absolute favorite places in Memphis is the Memphis Farmers Market - a weekly occurrence and community-gathering place which I DO NOT miss unless I'm traveling. What could beat friendly farmers, fresh food, lively music, and the prettiest flowers? I snap a few quick pics every time I'm there, and I couldn't resist putting these bright scenes for something I'll see around the house and office every single day.

My favorite coaster is graffiti just around the corner from the Market, telling me to "Invest in good times". What better motto than that? It's on my desk at work, so when I'm stressed, I'll take a look and remind myself that good times are near :)

CM: How have friends responded to your coasters?

JW: My friends love them! I've given several as gifts because I think they're so unique. I love sharing some of my favorite pics and places with people. Bridal showers, birthdays, just because... I love making someone's day with something so distinctive and special!

 

We love hearing stories like these! Capture some of your favorite images on coasters here.

Take your best photos yet with these fun tools

As smartphone technology improves the job of the amateur photographer becomes easier and easier - and more fun. These are our top five camera accessories for smartphones, from our buddies at Photojojo. They'll help you take the best photos possible, so that your Coastermatic coasters look even better too!

The Photojojo Lens Set includes a pro-quality Fisheye, Super Fisheye, Telephoto, Wide Angle, Macro and Polarizing cellphone lens, all of which are compatible with iPhone and Android.

The Phone-o-Chrome full-spectrum color filter. This cutie fits in your wallet, and allows you to throw a filter on your photo before you take it. 

The Macro Cell Lens Band, a sturdy band with a built-in macro lens for incredibly detailed images. It works with any any mobile phone!

The Une Bobine, a super-bendy phone cable and tripod in one.

Of course, you could always cut straight to the chase and purchase Photojojo's awesome Phoneography Starter Kit. The kit includes a Wide/Macro lens, a Phone-o-chrome Phone filter, a full scholarship to Photojojo University and a pouch to hold it all.

 

Now you have your tools in order, get Instagramming so you have plenty of great shots to use for your next set of coasters!