August 24, 2012

Easy cork backed coasters

This is one of those projects inspired by the presence of left over odds and bobs. I had some cork tiles and I always have scraps of decorative paper, so why not do something with them both?

finished1

To do this you’ll need

  • pieces of cork (tiles, sheets)
  • heavy paper board (like you see on the back of note pads)
  • decorative paper
  • decoupage adhesive
  • white glue
  • sponge brush
  • a heavy Xacto or Olfa cutter
  • a straight edge
  • a cutting mat or other suitable surface

Decide on the shape and size of your coasters – I went with a basic 4×4 inch. Using your straightedge, measure this off and cut yourselves some squares.

Next, cut the paper board to match (same size or a sliver smaller) and use the white glue to adhere it to the cork, minding your edges are well sealed. This may take a little bit of pressure for a minute or so, so if you want to put them under a heavy book that’s fine. If I were making many of these at once, I’d get out my clamps and a few boards of wood to hold then between). Use the white glue for this step as it is heavier than the decoupage adhesive, which I found did not work a treat on this step.

Have some decorative paper cut out in squares or shapes slightly larger than your coasters. Once the paper board has adhered and is pretty much dry (20 minutes) go ahead and put the decoupage adhesive on the paperboard surface and carefully lay your paper on it. Use a smoother or even a flexible spatula to make sure it’s down cleanly and without bubbles.

Side note: I have a set of the smoothers you see in the picture – not expensive at all and more flexible than they look. Steve got them for me as he rather likes our silicon spatula and was forever finding it missing.

Once that’s nicely on, leave it be for at least 45 minutes. Tell you what – go pour a glass of wine and cruise Pinterest.  It’s only 11am you say? Throw in some orange juice and we’ll call it brunch. When it’s dry, turn the coaster upside down on the cutting mat and carefully slice away the excess paper.

Then you simply  brush on a few coats of the decoupage adhesive to seal it – go ahead and daub that on the sides as well to seal those up a little. Two or three, drying in between and Bob’s you runcle! Coasters!

Like any decoupage project, let them sit for a few days to cure. And don’t throw these in the sink to wash – a quick wipe with a damp cloth should do it. You could even paint the edges if you were so inclined. Why not? Improvise! You are creative – you are the interpretive jazz dancer of the DIY world!

Well, clearly I’ve had a cocktail, so why not mix yourself once so you can test out your handiwork? Testing handiwork is very important so we’ll make that drink in the name of science! Til next time – cheers!