Make Tree Limb Coasters

A fallen limb all sliced up turns into a naturally appealing set of coasters. (I see a Mother's Day present.) You need a chop saw or miter saw, some wood stain and a sealer.

Step 1: Materials

You need a chop or miter saw, a sander, wood stain, a polyurethane sealer or a craft sealer, foam brush, felt for the bottom and glue for the felt.

Step 2: Chop Chop

Carefully, and I repeat, CAREFULLY hold the limb under the saw blade and cut slices approximately 1/2 inch thick. Five or six coasters make a nice set.

Step 3: Sand Until Smooth

Using an electric sander, or by hand, sand one side of each wood slice until they are nice and smooth.

Step 4: Stain

Using a foam brush, add wood stain to the sanded surface and around all the edges of the slices.

Step 5: Seal

After you have the depth of stain you like, let the coasters dry and then seal one side and all edges with polyurethane or craft sealer.

Step 6: Dry Completely

Lay out the coasters on a flat surface to let them dry.

Step 7: Non-Scratch Bottom

Cut out felt circles to fit the bottom of each coaster and glue the felt on securely.

Step 8: Give To Mom For Her Morning Coffee

Wrap these little beauties up in a pretty bow and present them to your dear ole' mom. She'll be reminded of your sweet handmade gifts of years gone by and that you're still the best, most special kid in the whole world.

Comments

[doo da do]

Will it absorb water with the stain on the top side? Just wondering some glasses sweat a lot in summer.

[opanocat5]

 Great man! My mom's birthday is coming up in the new year!

[Re-design]

Nice inst.

[The 11 year old kid]

REALLY REALLY NICE LITTLE CRAFT great 4 mothers day

[modhomeecteacher]

Thanks for the comment. Be sure to be careful with the chop saw if you try to make this.

[modhomeecteacher]

There are so many materials all around just begging to be made into gifts. Ha!

[Ninzerbean]

Great idea! My mom found a really nice hunk of tree 40 years ago and it became our cutting board for years, I had forgotten all about thinking that if something doesn't come from a store then it's not as good, thanks for the reminder.

[goodgnus]

Nice idea, personally I'd use a water based stain, dry them completely and then coat them in 2 part epoxy made for bar-tops for a nice gloss finish. Alternatively you could wet sand them with a very fine sandpaper after epoxying to get a matte finish.

[modhomeecteacher]

I wish I knew about that two part epoxy finish. Oh well, hopefully it just gives people the idea of making coasters out of an old dried up tree limb. :)

[hollasch]

Wouldn't you need to need to dry this wood first? Should be a simple matter of putting it in the oven overnight at the proper temperature.

[modhomeecteacher]

It had been cut for awhile and I put it out in the sun the day before I cut it.

[Treelan]

Great idea!! Your bow is a nice touch. :)

[randofo]

I saw these on the Craft blog the other day. These are fantastic! I've been thinking about making a set for myself.