Drink Coaster Crafts

Making drink coasters doesn't have to be difficult or expensive.

Handmade drink coasters can be a great, inexpensive gift for family members and neighbors. They are easy to make, require few supplies and offer great opportunities to be creative with design. Drink coaster crafts make useful housewarming or holiday gifts with a personal touch. With just a few hours' work, even the beginning crafter can make a beautiful set of coasters.

Kid Coasters

Turn your child's favorite artwork into a useful piece of decor by using it as a drink coaster. Simply have your child draw a small picture or trace their hand on any piece of construction paper or card stock for a firmer coaster. Cover the art with contact paper to preserve it. These coasters are a unique way to showcase the artwork your child brings home from school.

Remade Cork Coasters

For this craft, buy some inexpensive cork coasters. Using the coasters as a guide, cut photos to fit the coasters. Attach the photos to the coaster with two-sided tape or other adhesive, and cover with decoupage glue. Allow the coasters to dry, and they will be ready to use. Any kind of photos will work for this project -- try connecting them with a theme, such as holiday photos for a Christmas gift.

Tile Coasters

Inexpensive ceramic tiles can be the basis for a sturdy drink coaster. Cut scrapbook paper to fit the tiles, and glue the paper to the tile. Cover with glossy decoupage glue evenly, and let the coasters dry overnight. Make sure to put felt circles on the bottom of the tiles so they don't scratch your table.These coasters can look professional without too much work, and make excellent gifts.

Plastic Canvas Coasters

Children who enjoy working with yarn will love making plastic canvas coasters. Using small square pieces of mesh plastic canvas (6-by-6-inch squares work well), stitch a design into the mesh with different colors of yarn. Even small children can weave colored yarn into canvas to make a unique design. Be sure to leave at least one row of mesh along the edge, and whip-stitch around the edge to keep the design in place.

References

• Family Fun: Cut-Out Coaster
• You Really Made That: Beautiful Handmade Drink Coasters
• Kaboose: Plastic Canvas Hmmm Coaster