ETCETERAS: Cork & Gold Glitter Coasters with Lifestyle Crafts

For this month’s Lifestyle Crafts tutorial, I stepped away from a paper project and experimented with die cutting cork. As I become  more comfortable with my Lifestyle Crafts Evolution tool I’m trying new things and get to be a little more creative with the projects.

Etceteras: cork and tile coasters

If you have leftover tile from a house project, here’s an easy way to put them to good use.

These white tiles are the perfect size for coasters. The only problem is that a drink might slide off the coaster if it becomes damp. Solution: use little cork pads. Not only will they keep the drink in place, they’re decorative.

These cork pads are usually used to protect furniture from scratches. They’re placed on the bottom of lamps or other knick knacks.

They come in little packages and are self adhesive. Just peel them off and stick them to your tile.

Don’t forget to put some on the bottom of the tile – to protect your table.

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This project is linked at the following:

      

Upcycling: t-shirt yarn braided coasters

Have you ever heard of t-shirt yarn? Recently, I came across a few projects that used old t-shirts cut up into strips and used as yarn. I may try that someday, but in the meantime, I decided to use the t-shirts and make coasters.

To make these coasters, all you need are old t-shirts and a needle and thread.

Cut up the t-shirts into strips by cutting the t-shirt from the bottom into a continuous circle until you have a desired length. The strips for these coasters were approximately 1 yard.

Braid the strips and tie off with thread.

Roll the braid into a circle and stitch the bottom side together. Tuck the end under the bottom side and stitch securely.

Note:  If you want to knit or crochet with the t-shirt yarn pull your strips lengthwise and they will form tubes resembling yarn. It’s amazing – try it.

If you have the time, t-shirts and patience, you can keep the circle going and make a rug.

I don’t have any of the above so I'm stopping at coasters.




This project is linked at the following:
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Sew and Tell: embroidered coasters

If you saw my post on my Thanksgiving napkin rings, you may recall I made two types and couldn’t decide which ones to use. I finally made a decision to go with the more casual berry napkin rings.

Now that I can solve life’s major dilemmas like napkin rings, I can move forward. Next up for my Thanksgiving table… coasters.

I used the same casual beige cotton, cut out squares and embroidered a simple acorn on one corner. Then, I simply sewed two squares together with cotton batting in between.  

It's starting to all come together, napkin rings, coasters and my fall centerpiece.

My embroidery skills are a bit rusty and I only know a few basic stitches. For some true inspiration, check out this embroidery piece I found.

Wow!



Etceteras: easy summer coasters

Although summer is coming to a close, there’s still plenty of good weather for outdoor gatherings, barbeques or just sitting outside with a cool drink.

I have to confess, these pretty coasters were probably the easiest thing I’ve ever made. These started as dollar store plastic placemats.

I honestly didn’t know if this project would work or not. I wasn’t sure if my circle cutter would cut through the plastic or if once they were cut, the plastic would separate. Amazingly, the plastic cut nicely and easily.

In my photos, I’m using the textured or wrong side of the coaster as the top. The texture seemed more coaster-ish and I liked the muted colors better.

Cheers!