Paper Coasters

As I was fumbling through old papers and magazines, deciphering which ones I may need in the future, I thought of an idea. What can I make with this paper, rather than disposing of it? Sure, recycling it is fun, but who knows how much of it is actually recycled. I sure don't.

I figured I would craft something out of it! My siblings and parents are always using post-it notes, and other pieces of paper for coasters, but those papers usually are something important. So I made the paper coasters.

Read on.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Here is what you will need for this project:

• A stack of unwanted paper
• Circle template or a protractor
• Pencil/Pen
• Strong scissors & thin scissors
• Stapler

Step 2: Collect the Paper

The paper that you can use can be any paper. I used some pieces of magazine, newspaper, and paper from my backpack.

I gathered a stack of paper around 25 high, and I placed the glossy magazine paper on top. I put the glossy paper on top, because I felt it absorbed the liquid better than traditional computer paper or newspaper. But then again, it is your choice. If your stapler cannot handle 25 pieces, take a few pieces off so it can.

Once you have your stack, staple twice or three times around the edge, so the tracing and cutting is easier.

Step 3: Draw the Template

Get your circle template or protractor, and start tracing circles on your stack of paper.

Try to make as many as you can.

Step 4: Start Cutting

Start cutting the circles out. Take your strong scissors for this, and once you cut the circle out, take smaller scissors and trim the edges so that they are even.

You don't want to get a paper cut!

Step 5: Stapling Time

Now grab your stapler. I used four staples for each large coaster. You could use three, but then there is more of a chance for them to pull apart.

Once they are stapled they are finished! You have a paper coaster, made from unwanted paper!

Comments

[mysterion]

Stack of unwanted papers...is that a bad test grade on top?

[jmeservy]

I am thinking that the staples would do the opposite of what you'd want the coasters for. Maybe you could cover them up with felt afterwards?

[chotzeny]

https://www.instructables.com/id/Duct-Tape-Tear-Away-Scratch-Pad/Cool Idea...
Instead of Staples use .... Duckt Tape around the rims... simmiler to :https://www.instructables.com/id/Duct-Tape-Tear-Away-Scratch-Pad/
you can also use difrent color tapes...

[lovegreen]

I like the idea, but am wondering how you keep the staples (bottom side of coaster) from scratching wood surfaces??? Do you attach a layer of protection on the bottom somehow?

[Brennn10]

Coasters are commonly used in bars and restaurants, so that people can place their drinks with condensation onto this piece of paper, so that it does not damage the table surface, or cause unnecessary water on the table.

[Dalya]

Neat! I give you a 5!

[GorillazMiko]

One of those Instructables when you just have to say: WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT?! Great job. +1 vote. +1 rating.

[asyrith]

Great idea, but I have to agree with SpeakForTheTrees. If you seal it by using glue, they'll probably last a lot longer too.

Also, it seems like having staples may damage your surfaces instead of protecting them from your cups.

This is cool, though. I want to make them with magazines i have laying around now. It might be cool to make a collage. lol, thanks for getting me all crafty. :P

[SpeakForTheTrees]

Nice idea, but I think wheat paste would be a better way to finish the coasters. It would create thicker layers and it would be less flimsy.

[joejoerowley]

Cool! Great Idea,.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Cool!

[Shadow Dragon]

Coolio! Good way to reuse paper! +1 rating +1 vote