Bringing Autumn Indoors: Step-by-Step Red Leaf Coasters DIY

In this instructable, I am going to guide you through the process of creating beautiful red tree-leaf polymer clay coasters. These coasters will feature realistic leaf impressions and subtle shading, making them perfect for adding a touch of nature to your home decor.

Supplies

• Red polymer clay
• Large tree leaves with your preferred shape
• Acrylic roller for flattening the clay
• Acrylic board as a work surface for the clay
• Polymer clay tools
• Pastel chalks
• Red foam sheet
• Glue

Step 1: Flatten the Polymer Clay

Take the red polymer clay and use the acrylic roller to flatten it into a sheet approximately 4mm thick.

Step 2: Impress the Leaf

Place one of the tree leaves onto the clay sheet and roll the acrylic roller over it to impress the leaf's shape onto the clay.

Step 3: Trim the Excess Clay

Carefully cut away the excess clay surrounding the leaf shape, leaving only the leaf impression.

Step 4: Remove the Clay From the Leaf

Gently separate the polymer clay from the tree leaf, ensuring the leaf impression remains intact on the clay.

Step 5: Add Detail to the Leaf

For more defined lines, use one of the polymer clay tools to lightly trace along the leaf's natural lines.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Lay the leaf-shaped clay pieces on a baking paper or tray.

Step 7: Apply Pastel Chalks

Use a cutter to scrape fine powder from the pastel chalks and apply it to the clay leaves using a brush. This will create shadows, highlights, and subtle details on the surface.

Step 8: Bake the Clay

When you like the way they look, follow the baking instructions provided by your polymer clay supplier to bake the clay leaves.

After the clay leaves have cooled, use a damp cloth to wipe off any excess pastel chalk powder.

Step 9: Create the Coaster Base

Trace and draw the leaf shapes onto the red foam sheet using a marker, then carefully cut out each leaf.

Step 10: Attaching the Clay Leaves to the Foam Base

Apply glue to the back of each clay leaf and attach them to the foam leaves. Follow the glue manufacturer's instructions.

In my case, I had to allow the pieces to set for 10 minutes before joining them together.

Step 11: Trim the Foam

If any excess foam is visible around the edges, use a cutter to trim it off.

Step 12:

Your red tree leaf polymer clay coasters are now ready to use! Enjoy your nature-inspired and handmade coasters.

Remember to follow each step carefully, referring to the accompanying images for guidance. Happy crafting!