DIY: Easy Upcycled Coasters

Dearest readers, it has been quite some time since I've posted a DIY project (where has all the time gone?) To get us back into the swing of things, I've chosen a simply DIY "upcycling" project involving one of my very favorite mediums: Mod Podge. I'll go through the simple steps if you care to follow along.

1) I found a set of wooden coasters at a local thrift store. They even came with this nifty storage stand and the coasters cost me no more than $2.
2) With the tip of a flat head screwdriver and a small paint spackle, I removed the cork-y, cheap, peeling crap off of the top of each coaster.

3) I lightly sanded the coasters and used a spray on primer to seal the wood.
4) I chose my trusty high-glossy white spray paint and carefully applied a few light layers. Do this in a ventilated area unless you want to get high, and in that case, all the more power to you.

5) I have a stash of decorative paper for packaging materials and I chose two different black and white patterns. I eye-balled the measurements but, in retrospect, I should have bought a damn compass.

6) After applying a light layer of glossy Mod Podge, I used my handy bone tool (from my old bookmaking days) and smoothed the paper neatly into the edges. A simple butter knife would work too, in case you don't have a bone tool laying around.
7) I applied a few more layers, allowing drying time in between, and lightly wet sanded the dried Mod Podge with fine sand paper. This allows for a smooth finish so your glass doesn't wobble.

8) Finally, I finished the coasters with a glossy layer of spray on sealant. This helps waterproof the wood and paper.

Fancy huh?! We aren't actually in need of any coasters, but it was a fun project. I am a firm believer that you can decoupage just about anything back into life.


To see my previous less-than-sophisticated and super easy DIY projects, click here!