It’s being a little while since we’ve owned some coasters. I bought some last year from IKEA and they were on the cheaper side. They were neutral and made of cork so of course, they broke apart after a little while. We have not had any since, in part because I am kind of picky about coasters. I have this thing about wanting our coasters to match with our kitchen decor. Maybe weird? But whatever the reason, whenever I come across a set, I always ask myself whether I would really like them and whether they would go with our kitchen decor. Which by the way, I have not really figured out what our kitchen decor should look like. Do I want white with pops of blue, red, or some other color? Not sure. That’s probably why I have not figured out the coaster thing yet. But anyway, I decided to DIY some in a fun pattern using some paint I had on had. Keep in mind, that I still had no idea what I wanted to do with them when I first bought them. This leads back to the undecided kitchen decor color scheme.
I bought some unfinished wooden coasters from Michaels craft stores way back in the summer to customize them but it did’t happen. During the fall, I gave them a first coat of paint on one side and then decided I was to busy to get back to them. Then I wanted to do work on them while I was doing some holiday projects, a few weeks ago, but could not find the stickers in the stores we checked. Then Christmas decor and what-nots too over and I had no desire to do the coasters anymore. The other day though, the kids were making ornaments for the tree and I while I was getting their craft stuff ready I saw the coasters and decided to work on them while the kids crafted. It turned out to be such a fun little project.
Why polka dots? I figured I’d try something new and something fun. Not sure if polka dots are ‘in style’ but I do love the pops of circles that appear on some patterns. Paint is always an easy fix. They say your fashion sense inspires your decor or is it the other way around? Either way, might be so because this little pair of leggings from one of our kids is totally similar to the coasters (except the dots are in gold). When we saw it at Target, we both loved it instantly and this was after I had already decided on the polka dot coasters. So I’m guessing this fashion and decor go hand in hand after all.
Anyway, here are the materials needed to make these coasters (be sure to use two different colors of paints):
- Unfinished wooden coasters
- Gold Spray Paint (or color of choice)
- White Paint (or contrasting color of choice)
- Clear Acrylic Sealer
- All Purpose Labels (1/4 inch round)
- Small Paint brushes
- Scrap paper
- Sand paper (optional)
Don’t let the amount of steps scare you – this is really a simple project. The drying time between the paint coats is what makes this little DIY seem long. The technique I used is one I’ve shared before such as How to Write on Canvas.
Step 1: Paint the back of the coasters in the desired color in the direction of the lines on the coasters (I used white paint). Let it dry, then add another coat of that same color. Allow it to dry fully. I had a photo of the unfinished coasters as purchased but cannot find it. I took it way back then so just imagine them in normal unfinished wood condition. (Do sand them and clean off the dust before painting if you find some uneven spots).
Note: Generally, I would use better paint but this is the only white I had on hand (regular acrylic paint that the kids use for their crafts). Supposedly, it is all purpose and would not wash off.
Step 2: Once the backs are dried, paint the front in desired color. Be sure to paint in the direction of the lines on the coasters. The front color does not necessarily have to match the color on the back but the first coat needs to be the color of the dots.
I wanted the dots to be white so I painted the entire top of each coaster with white paint. To be honest, I was not sure if I wanted the dots to be white or gold but I ended up with white.
Step 3: Add stickers randomly on the top of each coaster. Don’t cluster them all in one place – leave some room between each one. Add some at the ends too, creating half circles. The stickers will cover the white spots and protect them from the contrasting second coat of paint.
Step 4: Shake the gold spray paint well then spray over the stickers making sure that the entire tops of the coasters are covered in gold paint. Let them dry about 5 minutes before removing the stickers.
Note: Try not to let them dry too long because the longer they dry the harder it will be to remove the stickers. You want to be able to remove the stickers while they are still somewhat wet.
The dots should look something like this when the stickers are removed. Some of them came out perfect while the others got smeared. Don’t worry about the little smears on the dots; they are an easy fix.
Step 5: Take some paint (same color as the dots) and use a thin brush to polish them up a bit. They do not have to be super perfect either, but they do need to be polished.
Step 6: I painted the sides of the coasters last just in case there were any paint runs from the top. Choose a paint color and carefully apply. I could not decide between the gold and the white but I ended up using the white to match the dots and the bottom.
Step 7: Once I felt everything was good to go, I applied some clear acrylic sealer over each coaster. You can see how the color got a bit darker but once dried, it brightened up again.
Look how lovely the coasters turned out! They are cute and will go with anything. I think they will make a great DIY for parities – keeping the polka dot theme real.
We tested them out on our dinning table and my hubby commented on how lovely they were. Don’t you love it when your husband likes your projects?
I mean, these coasters would work in any space, think dinning room, office desk, coffee table, etc. And because they are fairly neutral (gold and whites are neutrals), I think they will go well with any plain color.
And let’s not forget that these could make some serious cute little holiday homemade gifts. Who wouldn’t want these? They’re just too cute. The thing is I’m still not sure what exactly I had in mind for the coasters and I’m still not sure if we are gifting them. But they look pretty good on a table and so bold and fun!!
What do you think? Are you digging the polka dot idea? Would love to know what you think in the comments!!
I have the same coaster dilemma! I don’t have any because I can’t find ones that will look good in my living room. This diy project is great! simple but so pretty. I would be very happy to receive a set of these tied up with ribbon for Christmas
my blog is http://www.makesbakesanddecor.com if you wanted to visit and say hi!
I know – I feel like finding the right ones are so difficult (or maybe we’re just too picky)…ha! These little ones will really make a cute gift. Will check out your blog.
I’m crazy about polka dots and this looks like such a fun project. I actually like that the circles aren’t totally perfect and that some of the paint may pull off when taking the stickers off. These would make great gifts, but I may be tempted to keep them for myself. 🙂
Oh great!! Glad you are ‘crazy about polka dots”. It was a fun little project and so easy too. There was a few imperfections but that is part of the beauty of it. I think we are keeping them.. ha ha!!
Those are so cute! And a great homemade gift for someone this holiday season. I could totally have my daughter help me with a project like this. It would be a good one for the grandparents! 🙂
I’m sure your daughter will have fun doing this little DIY. After all, it has polka dots:)
Such a fun DIY project – these would make great stocking stuffers.
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
True – they would! Thanks Amanda!!
So cute! These would be so cute to give in a gift exchange with some cute wine glasses or a coffee mug! Thanks for sharing 🙂
– Kaitlin
kedgotwed.com
Pairing these with a drinking glass or mug is such a great idea!!
this is such a cute idea! I love giving DIY gifts to my friends 🙂
Handmade gifts are always a great idea!!
Super cute!!! I didn’t even know you could purchase plain unfinished coasters like that!
Yes, they do sell them unfinished so you could make them however you want!! So fun!!
These are great, Zan! They would be a great stocking stuffer. I may have to pick me up so unfinished wood coasters 🙂 Pinning!!
Thank you for pinning!! The unfinished coasters are so easy to customize.
Well now, isn’t this a simple, cute, and festive idea for a coaster. Love it! 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Isn’t it! It was just so easy and seriously so cute!
These turned out great and would make super cute Christmas gifts. 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Merry Christmas!
Vanessa
Thank you Vanessa! Yes, I think so too!!