If you’re worried about your furniture getting damaged by water or heat from glasses and mugs, coasters are a great option. Sure, you can buy a set online or in a store, but making your own can also be a great DIY project. Whether you’re looking to put your crafting talents to use, use up old items from your pantry, or just want to create a set of unique coasters, here are a few different ways to make coasters that are both cute and practical.
Many of these projects involve upcycling materials you probably already have on hand, so they’re both eco-friendly and low-cost. Plus, making your own gives you complete creative control. You can be as creative as you want, and you don’t have to settle for a simple cork coaster or a pattern someone else designed. So, are you ready to get started? Here are some coaster ideas that will protect your furniture in style.
In this tutorial from Tulip Square, we combine two different fabrics. First, you’ll need to cut two squares of fabric to make the base and lining of the coaster. Then, you’ll need to cut patterned squares of fabric, fold them, and weave them together to make the top layer of the coaster. Finally, you’ll need to sew all of the fabric together. You can use just one fabric to create a set of matching coasters, or use similar shades for a stylish monochromatic look. You can also mix and match different prints on each coaster to create an eclectic look.
Another great recycling idea is to turn old wooden pallets into coasters. The finished product looks great, but it turns out to be much more difficult to make than it actually was. With basic tools on hand, you can follow the Take a Pallet tutorial. You’ll need to cut strips of wood and then stack them to create a smaller version of a pallet. The coasters are then sanded and sealed to give them a smooth, waterproof finish. If you want to make your own coasters, you can paint them or use bright colors to match your decor.
If you do crafts regularly, you probably have some felt scraps lying around. You can use these scraps to make coasters by following the Try – Love – Make video tutorial. First, you need to cut the felt into thin, even strips. Then, glue them together using felt glue to create a checkerboard pattern. The method is very simple, but the end product is impressive and unique. You can even create sports-themed coasters using your favorite team’s colors, or seasonal coasters using holiday colors.
You probably have some old t-shirts lying around. If so, you can cut them into strips and weave them into a unique set of coasters. The process is surprisingly simple, and you can follow this tutorial from T-Shirt.ca. The coasters can be solid colors, or you can choose up to three different colored t-shirts to coordinate. Plus, this is a great way to give a new use to old t-shirts that are too precious to throw away but too worn out to wear again.
Another great idea is to make coasters out of old maps. DIY Pete has a video tutorial on how to make coasters out of tiles. You can cut up a map randomly or choose a location that represents a special place or event. Cut out a piece of map and glue it to the tile with Mod Podge, then glue the entire coaster. This method can be used to create other paper designs, too, like kids’ drawings or even photographs.
Making resin coasters is a little more involved than the other ideas listed in this article, but it can still be a fun project. In this tutorial from Joyful Art Creations, you’ll learn how to make your own marble coasters. You’ll need to mix two contrasting colors of resin in a shallow mold and let them cure. You can also use resin to create solid coasters or uniquely shaped coasters. This versatile material will not only add a decorative touch to your coffee table, but it’s also easy on the eyes.
For a DIY project that will bring back memories of your youth, pull out an old set of Perler beads. Follow Creative V’s video to lay out the pattern of your choice, then use an iron and parchment paper to fuse the beads together. With these beads, your imagination is limited in terms of colors and designs. Plus, Perler offers a wide variety of perforated panels, so you can create square, round, or even star-shaped coasters to match your home’s decor.
Polymer clay is one of the most versatile crafting materials. Follow Rachel Metz’s video tutorial to make simple clay coasters. Roll out the clay and cut out neat shapes using cookie cutters. Bake in a round pan and sand the edges when cool. Then draw your own design on the coaster and seal it to display your masterpiece. A great way to personalize is to use stencils to create delicate shapes or monogram letters.
Even if you’re not confident in your painting skills, you can still create beautiful polymer clay coasters. In fact, you can create a marbled effect with little to no skill. WhatsUpMoms demonstrates how to combine thin rolls of polymer clay in different colors to create a marbled effect. The polymer clay is then rolled out, cut into coasters, and baked. To ensure your colored swirls look great, always include one or two neutral colors in your swirls. This creates an effect where the bright colors pop and the marbled effect looks more natural.
Making a mini hot drink mug may seem like a daunting task, but this detailed tutorial from Kara Newhart breaks it down into easy-to-follow steps. Using a DIY cardboard loom, she wove yarn in different colors to create a mini rug, then tied the ends together to create cute tassels. Not only will it effectively protect your furniture, but it will also look pretty. Of course, you can also change up the color with metallic wire for a glamorous look, or opt for hemp rope for a more rustic look.
Stone tiles make classic, easy-to-customize coasters, and you can even add patterns to them to turn them into personalized works of art! Katie Bookser explains how in her YouTube tutorial. Remove the plastic lid, place the coaster face down, and tap the back of the coaster with a damp sponge to create a temporary design. Seal the design with Mod Podge to protect it. You can even use holiday motifs to create fun seasonal drink decorations. Or mix and match patterns to create a unique collage.
One of the cutest ways to personalize coasters is to add a sentimental photo. You can add photos of your family or friends, cute photos of your pets, or just photos you like. In her tutorial, Amanda Kuhlman shows you how to do this on tile. Cut the photo to size and glue it on with Mod Podge. Once the photo dries, seal the finished coaster with caulk. This is the perfect way to personalize coasters with photos of each family member, or to create a meaningful gift for grandparents.