How to Make Paper Coasters

Reuse old magazines as colorful drink coasters.

If you have old magazines and newspapers piling up, a fun and easy way to reuse them is to make paper coasters. Paper coasters are sturdy and unique and can be made in any color scheme you can dream up. This craft only requires a few supplies and can be done by children of all ages.

Things You'll Need

• Magazines or newspapers
• Ruler
• Glue gun
• Mod Podge or other water-based sealant
• Paintbrush
• Optional: waterproof sealant

Instructions

1. Gently tear the pages out of the magazine or newspaper you want to use.

2. Fold the pages lengthwise three to four times until you have strips about 1/2 an inch thick. Put pressure on each fold with a ruler as you go to get a tighter strip. Continue folding strips in this way until you have a good stack of strips.

3. Take one strip and use the glue gun to put glue on one side of the strip. Start with only a couple inches of glue and roll the strip into itself, making a spiral. Continue in this way, adding glue and rolling until the strip is complete, leaving a small bit free at the end so the next strip can be glued underneath it. Add strips in this manner until the coaster is the desired size.

4. Paint your finished coasters with a generous coating of Mod Podge or other water-based sealant. This will strengthen and protect your coasters. Do one side at a time, allowing the first side to dry before flipping.

5. When the sealant is dry, you may also want to spray the coasters with a waterproof sealant to protect against drink spills.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose pages with bright colors for more eye-catching or coordinated coaster patterns.

• Use the same techniques and supplies to make paper bowls.

References

• A Little Hut: Magazine Bowl