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Crafting Drink Coasters
By Jim Slate
Coasters are tiny utilitarian pieces that are designed to be attractive,
while also protecting your surfaces from scratches and water damage that
can occur during the course of a normal afternoon. While there are a
wide variety of coasters that can be purchased, a fun craft activity can
actually be to make your own beverage coasters, or even to personalize a
set of coasters with your own picture, mark, or symbol.
Almost anything can be turned into a set of coasters. Old CD's can be
covered over with laminate sheets to fill in the hole, and protect the
label. Video game cartridges are another nerd chic way to decorate your
home. If properly treated, you can even use small books or pamphlets as
coasters in your space.
The way you water proof your coasters is to purchase sheets of clear,
self adhesive laminate. These will usually come in standard 8.5 inch by
11 inch sheet sizes. Cut them out so they match the size and shape of
the coaster, then peal off the adhesive, and stick it to the surface of
the piece.
Another way to water proof coasters while still maintaining the look and
beauty of the device below is with clear adhesive materials, such as
polyurethane. These can be applied from a can, or in some cases using a
spray. In general multiple layers of the sealing agent should be applied
to the surface of the piece to ensure that a good solid layer is created
over the picture below.
Stone coasters, made up of natural pieces of mountain born material, are
another way to create your own custom coasters. These pieces can be
purchased in sets, and then decorated using a variety of options.
Acryllic paints can be used to turn them into tiny canvases where you
can create your own functional, custom art work. All you have to do is
spray them with a couple of coats of polyurethane after they dry, and
they should be proof against most common damages.
Making your own coasters can be a great way to customize your home. It
allows you to express your artistic side in a subdued and subtle manner,
wherever you like.
About the Author:
This article was written by Jim Slate, an artist
and designer that has worked with PebbleZ.com's line of absorbent
sandstone drink coasters,
both as canvases, and as components of larger decorative and functional
designs. |
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