Nice cup coasters can cost upwards of $100! Fortunately, there is a way to make a very nice coaster for less than $.20! This coaster is made of pennies (and hot glue) and is a great conversational centerpiece. Enjoy!

Step 1: Materials

16 Pennies

A Hot Glue Gun w/ Hot Glue Stick

Vinegar To Help Clean The Coins (optional)

Step 2: Arrange the Pennies

Arrange four pennies in a row. You can make all of them heads up or tails up. Just do whatever you like best. Run a strip of glue all along the backside of the coins, as shown. Repeat this step three more times.

Step 3: Gluing the Coaster

Place all four penny segments together, as shown. Finish gluing them together in the pattern shown above.

Step 4: Suggestions

The exposed hot glue on one side of the coaster can help it grip the surface on which it is set. Some people don't like this unfinished aspect of the project. You can fix this by reheating the glue with a heat gun and sticking pennies on the other side as well. Now sit down, and enjoy a nice cool (or warm) drink! Have fun explaining the project to those who ask. Enjoy!

Note: The coaster can hold a hot drink without the hot glue melting. The key to making this work is keeping the hot drink in a mug that you can safely touch without burning yourself.

Note: The price of the coaster may not be exactly $.16, depending on the price of hot glue where you live.