How to Recycle Christmas Trees as Coasters

Every Christmas we buy another tree to display in our homes. But once New Year's rolls around, we must figure out what to do with that moribund tree sitting in the living room. Here is a project that will let you recycle your discarded tree into a functional item your family can enjoy. Discover how to use your Christmas tree to make drink coasters.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Christmas tree
• Saw
• Sandpaper
• Waterproof wood sealer
• All-purpose/waterproof glue
• Felt or cork
• Scissors

1. Saw off the water-logged part of your tree trunk to get to the dry part. Discard that piece.

2. Cut off several slices of tree trunk. The number will depend on how many coasters you want. They should be about ½ to 1 inch thick.

3. Use the sandpaper to sand your slices down to the desired size and to smooth off any rough spots.

4. Apply the wood sealer after your coaster is sanded. After you apply the sealer, there's no going back.

5. Allow the sealer to dry overnight.

6. Trace your coasters onto the felt or cork. Cut out the pieces just inside the lines.

7. Adhere the pieces of felt or cork to the bottoms of the coasters using the all-purpose glue.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using Gorilla Glue to apply the felt/cork to the coasters. It is all-purpose and waterproof.
• Engrave the wood using a wood burning tool before applying the sealer.
• If you want something other than the natural wood look, try painting your coasters. Before painting, apply a primer-sealer to the wood.
• Apply a photo cut down to size onto the coaster before sealing it. Try using a spray adhesive or double-sided adhesive film. Note that the wood will warp over time, possibly distorting the mounting of your picture.
• Use the wood sealer in a well-ventilated area.