Alright, so I like to make coasters. They’re easy, and everybody needs them. Since we had a new neighbor move in last month, and we’ve got another one moving in next month, there’s no harm in having these around. Right?
So…I did what any normal, self-respecting blogger does, and I used free items from a store that rhymes with foam repo. I was scavenging looking around the flooring department, and I found these wood laminate samples. Score!
They were already cut into squares, so all I had to do was put some adhesive on the back for the cork. Easy enough.
I like to lay out the cork and place the glued coaster onto it. I weigh them down with whatever heavy objects I can find. Once they’re dry, I run a razor blade down the edges of each coaster to cut them out.
I find it makes a really clean cut, and it keeps you from seeing the cork or jagged edges.
Pour a glass of $6.00 wine, fill a bowl with fishy crackers, and enjoy.
{Disclaimer: I’m not a drinker, so it was very lucky that I had this wine on hand. I was not above using water and some food coloring at one point to get my effect!}
I love how these look a little less feminine and a little more contemporary. I tried to make the wrapping match that.
I’ve got another project lined up for these, and I’m excited to show you that one too! Total cost? Nothing.
Bella says
UMMM yeah, like I TOTALLY have a bunch of potential coasters waiting to happen too. I thought only I shopped the Foam Repo, for these free goodies, hehe.
Great idea using the cork, love that, and the wrapping is pretty cool too.
Hugs, Bella 🙂
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Heather@The Black's Best says
I love the goldfish with the wine. That would definitely be a pairing in my house! Hahaha! These coasters are a great idea…I might be giving my local Foam Repo a visit soon.
Stephanie :o) says
What a great idea for a housewarming/welcome gift. Love the wrapping too!
Kristen @ More Than Mulberries says
Mmmmm…goldfish and wine. Every stay at home mommies mid morning treat. (kidding, I’ve only had 1 glass of wine and that was 12 years ago)
Who knew Foam Repo had housewarming gift supplies? Coasters are cute but you know the riboon wrapping is my favorite part!
Chris says
Mine too, Gayle. Mine…too. 🙂
Meghan says
Very cool, I love the way they look stacked and wrapped. =)
Skye @ Neathering Our Fest says
Wow! I wish I had a fancy Foam Repo in my neighborhood with floor samples! 😉
Alison says
I hope those are flavor blasted goldfish?!?! My PERSONAL favorite.
Oh, and the coasters are lovely too.
Chris says
Uh oh…let’s just say they are. K? 🙂
Allison @ House of Hepworths says
I’ve seen lots of tutorials on coasters, but I LOVE these ones!! They are my favorite so far. So easy, yet they look so classy. Great idea!
xoxo
Allison @ House of Hepworths
Chris says
I think YOU’RE classy. 🙂 Thanks, lady!
Jeanette says
Those are really cute and what a great idea!
Marydon says
How fabulous an idea. I could actually do something like this. TY for sharing.
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Anita says
I love these! The wrapping is just as gorgeous!
Natalie says
Gorgeous!! I made wood coasters in the early spring and yours would have been a WHOLE LOT easier!! Great job, here’s mine if you care to take a look http://aturtleslifeforme.blogspot.com/2011/04/every-cup-needs-place-to-rest.html
Chris says
But yours are awesome! I actually put that idea away in my folder for my daughter’s birthday party coming up. I just love it! Just need to find a branch and a saw… 🙂
Natalie says
Thanks, but easy usually wins out in my book! The branch and saw weren’t hard to find… the table sander was another matter! Can’t wait to see what you come up with for the party!
Cassandra says
Maybe you can settle an argument I’ve been having in my head (I know, don’t ask), aren’t you supposed to put the coasters cork side up so it can absorb the sweat from the glass? Otherwise you just get a puddle of liquid on the non-absorbant side of the coaster that drips onto your table anyway? I dunno…
Corey Monroe says
hehe i just made coasters for my mom. i got some clearance stone/ceramic tiles, square cork tiles i found at ‘a craft store’, and some scrapbook paper and modge podge. she loved them! easy, cheap and quick gift!
Kala says
I may have already said this, but I love, love your blog. Your ideas are gorgeous and priceless … literally this time:):)
Jessica says
I absolutely love your sense of humor! I laughed out loud when I saw the Foam Repo. Love your blog:)
Judy says
Love, love, LOVE! Pinning it… 🙂
melinda says
Really cool idea! Great for showers or as you are using–a gift!
Melinda
Heldy says
Chris, you did it again. Those are great, lovely idea for a housewarming gift to:)
Jordan@the2seasons says
Great idea! We just had someone new move in across the street and what a perfect little housewarming gift. Thanks for the idea. I have made some coasters in the past with tile and it was super easy.
http://the2seasons.com/2011/03/15/monogrammed-coasters/
Al McLeary says
Foam Repo – lol. Love the project
ella says
Great idea! And I just happened to be at foam repo last night and guess what I found?
Now I need some cork backing and I’m set!
Linda says
I do like the coasters but am I the only person that thinks its not quite right or fair, for you to take so many samples?
Chris says
Probably not, Linda. I took a handful of squares of laminate that they offer for free. Anyone that has a problem with it is really just over-thinking it. HD gets plenty of my money, so I’m not too concerned that they’re going to go under as a result of those samples. As a matter of fact, I ended up buying supplies on my way out that I was planning to buy at Lowes. We’re talking about a multi-million dollar corporation. Things need to be put into perspective, eh? Thanks.
Linda says
Your reply doesn’t impress me, its not about profits but honesty. You’re rationalizing your actions to justify them. Taking your blog off my reading list. Bye.
Rich Girl says
Wow! I really love these coasters! You make it sound so easy to make! 🙂 Although I am not a crafty person, so I better buy stuff than make it myself. I just can’t make it so tidy and clean and perfect! Yours look really professional!
Chris says
NO way! You don’t give yourself enough credit. If I showed you the first craft I ever made, you’d ban this blog forever. 🙂 Just dive in!
Emily says
Hello! I just wanted you to know I love love love your blog and featured these awesome coasters in my “friday favorites” this week – thanks for always providing so much inspiration!
http://www.pecklife.com/
Happy Friday!
Chris says
You are too nice! Thanks so much, Emily!
lacie@creative attempts says
I pinned these to my pinterest because I have to remember to make them 🙂
Jennifer S says
and I loved this one so much I pinned it too!
Thanks Chris!
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
I love coasters….I think I’ll be hunting through your spiffy new Project Gallery to find all sorts to make as easy Christmas gifts!!
Doreen Brannan says
Where do you get the cork backing?
Please email it to me. Not sure if i can find my way back to this. 😉
blessings,
Doreen
Chris says
I found it at Hobby Lobby, Doreen. It was just a 24×36 corkboard, and I removed the frame. Good luck!
Doreen Brannan says
Where do you get the cork backing?
Please email it to me. Not sure if i can find my way back to this. 😉
blessings,
Doreen