How to Make Leaf Print Coasters

Use leaves like this to make prints for coasters.

Bring the look of the outdoors to the inside this fall. You can create your own fall-themed coasters by making leaf prints in clay coasters. These can make great gifts for family, or just an interesting conversation piece during dinner. The coasters can be waterproofed, and colored however you like them, to make them fit your decor.

Things You'll Need

• Self-hardening clay
• Knife or clay cutter
• Leaves
• Acrylic varnish
• Paintbrush
• Wax paper

Instructions

1. Cover your work space with wax paper. Make sure there is plenty of work space available, so you don't mess up any coasters after you finish them.

2. Roll out the clay onto the waxed paper. Make sure the clay is about a quarter of an inch thick all the way across, then cut the clay into squares that are about 4 inches by 4 inches. These will be the coasters.

3. Arrange the leaves onto the clay coaster. Once the leaves are arranged to your liking, gently press them into the clay using either your hands or a rolling pin. If you use a rolling pin, be sure to press extremely gently so as not to make the coaster any thinner than it is already.

4. Remove the leaves from the clay. Make sure the leaves left a good imprint on the clay as you remove them. If they did not, you will have to re-roll the clay, then re-imprint the leaves in the clay. If the imprints look good, you can set the coaster aside to dry. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for all the other coasters.

5. Allow the coasters to dry at least 24 hours. After the coasters are thoroughly dry, coat them with an acrylic varnish to make them waterproof. You may need two coats of varnish to thoroughly coat the coasters. Be sure to read the instructions on the varnish for proper instructions. Allow varnish to dry several hours before using the coasters.

Tips & Warnings

• Use paint on the clay tiles after they are dry to accentuate the leaf imprint. You can color the area surrounding the imprint to make the leaf stand out, or you can color the leaf imprint itself.

• Be careful when transporting the coasters, as they will be quite fragile after they are dry. Most self-drying clay will break when dropped after it is dry, so avoid dropping the coasters on a hard surface.