DIY Modern Terrazzo Coasters

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Looking for an easy, affordable way to jump on the current terrazzo trend? Yep, so were we. That's why we couldn't wait to try out this easy method for making "terrazzo" that looks more like the real thing than a faux terrazzo print, but is way easier than ​actual​ terrazzo which requires creating your own concrete aggregate mix and waiting days for it to set. Instead, these beauties are made with glass mosaic tiles that you can find at any craft store and simple-to-use plaster of Paris. Best of all, you can whip these up in about an hour or so!

Advertisement

Image Credit: Maya Marin

Video of the Day

Things You'll Need

  • Small glass mosaic tiles in coordinating colors

  • Mosaic tile cutter

  • Protective gloves

  • Bowl

  • Sieve (for sifting)

  • Plaster of Paris

  • Disposable mixing tool (we used a plastic spoon)

  • Medium grit sandpaper

  • Fine grit sandpaper

  • Silicone coaster mold (we used 4" diameter round molds)

  • Mod Podge

  • Any craft paint brush

Step 1: Cut Tiles

Wearing protective gloves, use the mosaic tile cutter to cut glass tiles into pieces of random shapes and sizes. The size and quantity of the pieces depend on what type of look you're going for. Our pieces were between 1/2 to 2 centimeters at their widest points.

Video of the Day

Image Credit: Maya Marin
Image Credit: Maya Marin

Step 2: Arrange Glass in Silicone Mold

Place an even layer of glass pieces at the bottom of each cavity of a silicone coaster mold. You can space them wide apart, or close together -- depending on the look you're going for. Visit this article for some inspiration.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Maya Marin
Image Credit: Maya Marin

Step 3: Mix Plaster of Paris

For ​each​ coaster you're making, you'll use about 1/6 cup of water to 1/3 cup plaster of Paris (1:2 ratio). To mix, pour the needed amount of water into a bowl, and gradually sift the plaster of paris into the water. Sifting helps prevent clumps from forming.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Image Credit: Maya Marin

Allow it to absorb the water before mixing into a smooth, pourable consistency.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Maya Marin

Step 4: Pour Plaster into Mold

Slowly pour the plaster over the pieces of glass. Make sure not to disturb the arrangement of the pieces underneath.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Maya Marin
Image Credit: Maya Marin

Use the back of the spoon to ​gently​ level the layer of plaster.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Maya Marin

Step 5: Agitate to Remove Bubbles and Let Set

Grasp the edges of the mold and gently agitate to help release trapped air from the plaster. Stop when you no longer see bubbles rising to the surface.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Image Credit: Maya Marin

Wait about half an hour or until the plaster of paris is set.

Image Credit: Maya Marin

Step 6: Unmold Coasters

Here's the fun part! Remove the coasters from the mold; they should easily pop right out.

Image Credit: Maya Marin

Step 7: Sand

You'll notice a thin layer of plaster over the top of the coaster. Sand the top of the coaster with your medium grit sandpaper, but only enough to reveal the glass underneath. Don't over-sand with the medium grit paper to avoid creating too many deep grooves on the surface.

Image Credit: Maya Marin

Smooth out any scratches made on the surface with fine grit sandpaper, then wipe the coaster down with a moist paper towel.

Advertisement

Step 8: Seal

Finally, seal and protect your coasters with 2 to 3 coats of Mod Podge. Make sure to follow the manufacturer instructions on the label.

Image Credit: Maya Marin

Enjoy your handmade works of art!

Image Credit: Maya Marin

Advertisement