30 D.I.Y. Coaster Gifts
Balance has been my word of the year this year. And in the words of Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof,
“How do we keep our balance? That I can tell you in one word: tradition!”
The last two Novembers, I’ve made it a tradition to make a few sets of D.I.Y. coasters: a set to keep, and the rest to give away as gifts!
In 2012, I discovered how to get my hands on free wallpaper samples from Anthropologie {read more about that HERE} and used those samples along with some Mod Podge to create some fun tile coasters.
Then, in 2013, I created some Painted Cork Coasters using painter’s tape and acrylic paint. Easy peasy.
And so, in effort to keep my balance, the coaster crafting tradition will live on this November!
As I contemplate what type of coasters I want to tackle this go-around, I decided to scour blogland for inspiration. It’s my favorite kind of research!
I’m still debating between a few of the ideas herein, so you’ll have to tell me which ones you’re most keen on in the comments section below. K? K!
25 D.I.Y. Coasters: Gift Ideas Galore!
You’ll see I have the coasters divided by material for your convenience…and as you peruse them, don’t forget to click through to pin from the original source!
Tile
I absolutely love the idea of taking maps from your own travels and transforming them into coasters; and this tutorial by Angie makes it so do-able. Every time you set a drink down, you’ll take a walk down memory lane!
And how much fun would it be to create coasters for every season? Amy’s autumnal coasters got my creative juices flowing with that idea!
It’s high time I venture into the world of gold liquid gilding…and these chevron beauts Katie created have me mega-inspired to give it a go!
These cute motivational coasters were created by my coffee-lovin’ friend Amy using clear sticker paper and her Silhouette machine! Doesn’t get much easier than that.
These Glass Etched Coasters Rachel created are so exquisite, I think they’d make a perfect wedding gift!
Now that I’ve seen how bright and beautiful alcohol inks look on tile, I’m eager to try out this new medium!
Cork
If ever have the opportunity to plan a wedding shower, I think some lacy coasters just like these treasures Dominique made would be just the ticket!
The wordsmith in me was immediately drawn to this collection that Kendra made. Now, I need to go thrifting for an old Scrabble game from which to harvest tiles!
Hearing how Bonnie used some time on her “staycation” to get lost in a fun painting project made me want to do the same. I love how these botanical coasters are reminiscent of the Swedish Rosmaling technique.
These uber cool-looking Woodgrain Cork Coasters are just one of the many creative projects Tanner and Courtney have made over on their blog, A Little Craft in Your Day {they’re some of the craftiest teenagers you’ll ever meet!}.
And these stenciled Anthro-inspired cork coasters would be the perfect guy gift! And ChiWei generously offers up the free cut files so you don’t have to re-create the stencils from scratch.
Do real live corks count as cork coasters? You betcha! Look at this awesomeness by Mayi:
Leather
As if I need any other machines, I got very excited about the powers of an embossing machine after seeing how Kristy transformed pieces of leather into mini-works of coaster art!
Brittany made some gorgeous painted leather coasters that are really making me think that this might need to be my next coaster medium!
Have some leather scraps lying around? Nähmarie has the perfect coaster project fer ya!
Felt
I have dubbed my buddy Jessica the Queen of Felting…and these delicate Felt Doily Coasters are evidence enough of her crafting royalty! Wouldn’t these be fun at a ladies’ tea party? With crumpets and scones?
I feel like the hexagon has been all over the design world this year…and it has even hit coaster trends, too! Check out these eye-catching felt creations by Ciera Design:
A project that invites you to release your inner crazy? Sign me up, Nancy!
The gals at A Beautiful Mess never fail to wow me with their innovative ideas, and this tree stump coaster is no exception.
Fabric
These watermelon wedge coasters Carolina made were too cute not to feature; I especially love how they nest together!
I’m always looking for creative ways to repurpose items I already have – – and this awesome upcycling project Kara tackled using an old t-shirt or fabric remnants is right up that alley.
I just love the idea of a scented coaster that releases soothing aromas when I nestle my hot mug into it! Another genius idea from Tara of Suburble.
Clay
Oh my goodness – – Leanne has merged two of my loves into one here with her ombre and chalkboard coasters! What a great way to be able to customize coasters for guests!
For the more daring, you can DIY your own clay…and even create a beautiful floral imprinting like Jessa did! Aren’t those gold edges divine?
Wood
As we have already established, I love all things pallet…so of course, my heart’s all a’ flutter for these Wooden Pallet Coasters that ChiWei whipped up.
The wood slice craze still exists in my rustic-loving world…and I think Cheryl really did a great job dressing these guys up with a stenciled monogram.
My gal Keri is one of those people who can take something ordinary and turn it into something extraordinary…and that’s exactly what she did with these coasters made from painted cedar shims.
Unconventional Materials
There are some really innovative ideas for using grout to create mosaic coasters…like Brooke did with this pebbles coaster.
And I’ve been a fan of Chelsea’s sisal rope coasters since they first hit blogland two years ago! Maybe it’s high time to make my own, eh?
Have you ever thought of the coaster potential in clothesline? Me neither! Not until seeing what Bettina crafted with some….
And there you have it! A bevy of inspiration in the coaster department. No more excuses for drink rings…or for running out of handmade gift ideas. In fact, make it a crafternoon project with a friend or family member, and then send me a pic of your coaster creation for my next round-up!
The Ultimate Library of Handmade Gifts
I’m not the only one sharing a round-up of gift ideas today. In fact, a whole slew of my favorite bloggers have each curated collections of gift ideas that together make up what we call The Ultimate Library of Handmade Gifts!
We trust it will prove to be an invaluable resource to you this holiday season as you make your gifts personal, and make them handmade this year.
Gather up your ideas from the fabulous collections below!
Sewing Gifts for Kids by Li’l Miss Tori
30 Minute Gifts by It Happens In A Blink
Mason Jar Gifts by Sweet Tea and Saving Grace
Jewelry and Wearable Gifts by One Artsy Mama
Gifts for the Loveable Nerd by 4 You With Love
Handmade Beauty Gifts by Pitter and Glink
Gifts for Avid Readers by The Benson Street
Wooden Handmade Gift Ideas by One Dog Woof
Handmade Gifts for Men by Suburble
$5 Handmade Gifts by Happy Go Lucky
{Linking up at these parties.}
What a fabulous round up for creative ideas…just in time for the holidays… Thanks so much for adding our coasters from this summer’s grouting adventures… We had a blast and I know we will be trying out a lot of other ideas from the list…I am heading over to see the embossed leather coasters now….
So delight to share your beauties in the mix, Brooke! And I’m glad to know you’re finding some inspiration of your own. Yes, my buddy Kristy is responsible for those embossed leather coasters and they really are so gorgeous. It really is my joy to get to showcase the talent of other bloggers like yourself. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and leave such a sweet comment.
Is it possible to have too many coaster sets? Because I want to make alllll of these! Fantabulous round-up, my friend!
I don’t think so, Emily. The more coasters, the merrier, I say! At least…that’s what I keep telling myself, lol. So glad you enjoyed the round-up!
These are so cute! What a great roundup, Lauren!
Why thank you, Erika! So happy to have you stop by my lil bloggy home for a visit. Come back anytime, friend!
Love the coasters roundup. Many of these I have never seen before!
Yay! Delighted to know I could offer some new inspiration up your creative alley, Hani. Always wonderful to hear from you, friend!
I love these different ideas. Great, and I am going to have to try some of these. You are I are from the same city.
Hooray! I always love connecting with other Orlando-nians!
As a homeowner with a full bar in my basement…I love coasters! These are fantastic! It would be cool to make a variety of these, and take one from each set to put in a shadowbox for the bar wall. (Ok, wheels are turnin’….off to craft!) 🙂
Oooo…lovin’ that creative shadowbox idea of yours, Kirsten! Your gears are always turning aren’t they? Love it!
Thank you for including me in this fabulous round-up! There are so many great ideas here – and I love getting cool coasters. They’re such a great gift!
LOVE all of these coaster ideas. Thanks for including my chevron gold gilded coasters
I love that leaf leather coaster, too! And thanks so much for including my easy peasy shim coasters 🙂
Holy gift ideas, batman!! LOVE this round up of coasters and other other ideas too! Pinned! xo
Who knew there were so many DIY coaster ideas? These would definitely all make great gifts!
WOW! WOW! I am pinning all of these 😀 Thank you so much for always sharing amazing and cool DIY ideas.
I love all these coaster ideas. Thank you so much for including my chalkboard ombre coasters.
Awesome round-up my friend! I love that leather leaf one! Pinning 🙂
What a great roundup! I LOVE giving coasters for those that I care about but I have no idea what to get…everyone can use more coasters! I LOVE the nautical ones!