Painted Cork Coasters

If coasters could talk, I’m sure they have great stories to tell. The English teacher in me likes to think of inanimate objects coming to life, so why not coasters? That thought led to the project I’m sharing with you today.

Painted cork coasters are a win-win kind of craft- inexpensive and easy for a non-crafty person to do. Not that into DIY and more about SDIFM (someone do it for me)? Even you can do this. Really, I promise. I first saw the idea on Martha Stewart ages ago, but it wasn’t until a recent ladies’ craft night that I actually made a set. Mine were made as a gift, and I plan on making more sets for the holidays. Planning the designs was the fun part for me, but it stressed some of my friends out. Even sticking with simple stripes or dots, theirs ended up looking like something a little boutique might sell in the gift section.

Painted Cork Coasters
A FEW TIPS:

1. I used a light coat of black or white spray paint. I liked the texture of the cork to show through, but you could do heavier coats if you wanted to disguise it more.
2. Tying string around the coasters did not work so well…I wish that I had used quilter’s tape instead. You definitely want the surface to stick to the cork. (Instead of wasting a coaster, my beloved Sharpie came to the rescue.)
3. Make sure your stickers are completely adhered to the coaster surface with no bubbles. This will help you get crisp lines.

I am knee deep in the current black and white obsession. Black and white is everywhere lately-in home decor, fashion, branding. I have some friends who are already anxious for the trend to be over. Personally, I’ve always felt comfortable with the simple appeal of black and white. When I redid the Lovely Cupboard logo last year, I knew that I wanted simple black on a white background.  These coasters were a fun way to experiment with quirky designs while keeping the colors classic.

In baby news, little Miss is crawling like a pro, pulling up, and “walking” with the help of the stairs. A pile full of toys are no match for a coffee table and fireplace. We have entered a new world, folks. It’s one where I do a lot of chasing.