Introduction: Coasters
Here are a few variations of simple and stylish coasters that can be made cheaply and easily in a matter of minutes. In fact, all of the materials I used came from the local $1 store and I managed to make all of these in less than an hour. This is a fun and easy craft project that is sure to not only sure to please your aesthetic sensibilities, but also your beloved furniture. Check the variations below and find the one that pleases you. No longer will you have to suffer from cup rings! Welcome to a brave new world!
Step 1: You Will Need.
For coasters #1:
3 sets of two fly swatters (in a variety of fun colors)
Scissors
For coasters #2:
Four magnifying glasses
Pliers and/or hacksaw
For coasters #3:
4 rubber sink mats
Scissors
Step 2: Coaster 1 - Step 1
Open the packaging.
Step 3: Coaster 1 - Step 2
Take your scissors and cut the fly swatter neatly along the edge connected to the stick such that, when done, it forms a square. Repeat.
For round fly swatters, simply cut along the circumference.
Step 4: Coaster 2 - Step 1
Open the packaging
Step 5: Coaster 2 - Step 2
If you have a magnifying glass where the handle unscrews, unscrew it. For mine, I needed to bend back some metal tabs with a pair of pliers so it wouldn't fall apart.
If you have a magnifying glass that is made from molded plastic and the handle can't be unscrewed, then you can remove the handle by sawing it off.
Suggestion: You can increase the magnification by placing the circles on plastic pegs to raise them slightly off the table. I didn't do this because I found it more aesthetically pleasing without this.
Step 6: Coaster 3 - Step 1
Open the packaging.
Step 7: Step 2
Cut out the center circles.
Another variation that turned out nice was cutting out 4x4 squares on the square-patterned part.
A possible variation is to paint the outer ring of the circle black or painting in every other square black.
30 Comments
12 years ago on Introduction
I really like the first method coasters! I tried it and ended up breaking the entire thing in half! Guess they were bad quality or something...!
14 years ago on Introduction
May I add another idea for a coaster? A Hard Drive platter from a dead drive, I scrounged loads from when i was at work experience taking apart drives to be destroyed. They work great and are easy to clean
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I use this on my desk with a little non slip rubber mat under it to stop it slipping and scratching my desk!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
They and old CD's/DVD's make great sun catchers too.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
And cattapillas!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
The game?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
game?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Cattailla: The game
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
CataPilla little flutterby babie
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
my turn ??
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Your turn? I ment flutterby babies you know CataPilla
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
my turn to ask the question :-) above you wrote: game?
so I said my turn to question what you mean ??
:-)
Oh ok, you meant the larvae :-) not the game nor the heavy equipment plant ;-)
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
They're darned hard to pick up without smudging the shinyness up, though. I took some little bits of rubber and superglued them to the bottom...now it sits up so you can grab it by the edges.
14 years ago on Introduction
dinosours own!!!
14 years ago on Introduction
I use CDs with a bad iso burn or whatnot on them, and they work great.
14 years ago on Introduction
Coaster Magic! for the magnifying coaster, is it okay to put cups on it that dont fit snug inside it because they could tilt and slide around the converging lens
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I thought that I would need to use coffee mugs without a flat bottom, but the one I used for the picture had a flat bottom and seemed fine.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I wouldnt use anything but water on them, I wouldnt want to clean them
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Hmm, so you spill your drinks a lot then? ;-)
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
No but the thought of spilling might drive me away