Coasters

Not the amusement park coasters, but drink coasters for your beverages!! These coasters were made using 4" square tumbled marble tiles that are found at your local home improvement store. When I first started buying these tiles, they came in boxes of 50--now I can find them only in boxes of 9. The following stamp images are from Stampin' Up!, PSX, and Just For Fun.

When I first made the coasters, I tried a variety of coloring techniques and tested them at a dinner outing with friends. I knew there would be beverages, so I took a bunch of coasters to "test" at the restaurant and see the results of my efforts, and there were some coasters that just didn't stand up to the sweat from the drink glasses. As a result, whenever I make coasters, I stamp the image using StazOn ink, then color using chalks and a blender pen or markers (you can also color with any permanent markers). The coasters are then baked in a toaster oven that is dedicated for crafts -- find one inexpensively at garage sales, flea markets, or your local Goodwill or Salvation Army store. If you are coloring with permanent inks, you can skip the baking step (I still bake the coasters, just for good measure). After completely cooling (they will be HOT!), the coasters are sealed using a Krylon sealant spray (I tend to use the satin finish, but I have also used matte and glossy). After the sealant spray has completely dried, I cut cork sheets to 3-7/8" square and apply to the back of the coasters using basic white craft glue (Aleene's). Even with the Krylon finish, the coasters absorb the sweat from a chilled glass. I keep a coaster at my desk--home and office--and often rotate the coasters, depending on the season or my mood!

The sky's the limit, so to speak, with these coasters. You can color or choose not to color, depending on the look you want. Any image can be stamped onto the coasters, including bold images. You can stamp with a variety of stamps, creating a collaged image. Make a set of four and give them as a gift; the gift recipient will be AMAZED that you made these!! As always, thanks for stopping by and visiting today. Have a terrific day!!