Funky Coasters

Customized coasters for any occasion - Sue Martin

These cool coasters are a snap to make. I make custom coasters for parties and the guests get to take their coaster home. They're made out of plexiglass that you can buy by the sheet at large home centers such as Home Depot or Lowes. Buy two sheets of plexiglass and ask the employee in that department to cut them into four inch squares for you. Don't peel off the protective backing until you're ready to assemble them.

This would be a great classroom project, home craft party project, or a quick and easy teacher's gift that you can whip up at the last minute. Use your imagination, and you'll be making all kinds of fun and funky coasters.

Tip:
You can also cut the transparency into smaller sheets, such as 4x6 or 5x7, but you have to leave the white leader strip in place so the printer will recognize that there's something in the tray (paper sensors can't see clear sheets :-)

What you need:

1. Two pieces of 4x4-inch plexiglass for each coaster
2. Transparency film (one sheet will create four coasters
3. Metallic confetti (you can buy this in party or craft stores)
4. 1/4-inch metallic tape.
5. Photos or clipart

Do it yourself:

1. Select digital artwork or photos to be used in the coaster.
2. Use your favorite software program and insert clipart or photos onto an 8.5x11-inch page. You can place up to four images with text on the page. Use the rulers and guidelines to ensure that the text and images are no larger than 3.5x3.5 inches.
3. Add text phrases.
4. Print on inkjet transparency film and cut into 3.5x3.5 inch squares.
5. Peel protective backing off of both sides of two of the plexiglass pieces.
6. Center the transparency on one piece of plexiglass.
7. Sprinkle confetti on the transparency
8. Set second piece of plexiglass on top of the confetti and transparency, sandwiching them in between.
9. Align edges and squeeze the two pieces of plexiglass together so that nothing will move in between them.
10. Uncoil the metallic foil tape and peel off about two inches of the protective paper. Starting at one corner, center the sticky part of the tape over the edge of the plexiglass. Firmly press the tape onto the edge, and cover the entire edge of all four sides (pulling away the protective paper as you go).
11. Fold over edges of the tape onto both sides of the plexiglass. Use a craft stick or credit card to smooth out any bumps.

Your tables will never have water marks on them again!

For more creative photography and printing ideas, check out my book, Digital Delights for Scrapbooking.