Homemade Coasters

There's this one song from an 80's Kenny Rogers Christmas record from my childhood that still makes me cry.  It's called Kentucky Homemade Christmas, go ahead, listen to it and tissue up.  Well I decided since my mom is all crafty and stuff, she might appreciate something homemade this year.  No, she doesn't come here so I don't think I'm ruining the surprise.  This is what she's getting this year and if you're up for it, you can make them too.

They're a little crude because I used the exacto knife more than the scissors (which weren't very sharp) but if your scissors are sharp and nick free, you should be good to go.

Here's what you'll need:

A picture printed onto card stock or paper about the size of a coaster.  (I used punch out bingo cards since mom's a bingo nut)
A sheet of cork
Sharp scissors and/or exacto knife
Mod Podge
Small foam brush


Place the card on the cork sheet and hold firmly (or tape it to the cork) and use the exacto knife to score the cork.

Like so.

Cut the scored cork with scissors or the exacto knife.

Time to get down to business.

Break out the Mod Podge.

Put a goodly amount along the edges.

Put a thin coat on the rest of the cork.

Center the card on the cork and press out from the middle to the edges making sure it stays flat.  Put a book or other object on top if it curls up for about 1-3 minutes.

Once you make sure it's dry, add a layer of Mod Podge over the top of the card, let it dry then put another coat on top.  I did one coat going one way then another coat going the opposite way.  Make sure it's thoroughly dry.

Put a thick coat of Mod Podge along the edges of the cork/card to seal any water out when it's being used.  Wait for it to dry.  (It dries clear)

It's ready to go!

I made 6 of them so she'd have plenty when her scrapbooking friends come over to stamp and make merriment on the weekends.

Bingo!

I wrapped them up in bakers twine and fingers crossed she likes it.  I'll report back after Christmas!  I'm probably going to get some vintage Christmas postcards and make some for myself!

Total Cost for me about $3.

Mod Podge (affiliate link) (I had on hand.  It's $8 (or almost half that if you get the 40% off coupon to Hobby Lobby) but I used about $1 worth for the project)
Cork Sheet  (affiliate link) (Which I got for $3 with a coupon and used $1 worth)
Punch-out Bingo Cards  (affiliate link) (I got mine at an antique store for $3 and I used a little less than 1/3 so about $1)

Can you imagine how cute these would be for a mom/grandma done with pics of her kids/grandkids?  Or a gift for newlyweds with some of their pics you printed from their Facebook page of their wedding and honeymoon?  Or even pics of you and your best friend over the years of your friendship!  It was a fun little project and I hope you can incorporate it into a fun holiday gift for someone you love!

This project was linked up with Something Swanky, Tater Tots and Jello and The Shabby Creek Cottage.

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