I looove coasters. Maybe because I'm a freak about getting rings on our furniture. Or maybe because they're so fun to make :) When I first discovered craft blogs, I saw this idea for coasters made out of terra cotta pots over at Sweet Charli. I thought it was perfect and I had all of the stuff to make it, but I didn't get around to it until now! I thought I'd share with you my version of this project.
First, take the bottoms of terra cotta planters. Prime them with a light coat of spray primer. (They'll be really hard to spray paint if you skip this step.)
Once that dries, paint both sides with your spray paint. I used Oil Rubbed Bronze- my fav!
Next, cut a circle of scrapbook paper to fit the inside of the coasters - around 2 inches.
Distress the edges with a distressing ink... or plain black ink if you're cheap and don't want to spend the $ on distressing ink! :)
Put a thin layer of mod podge on the back of them, making sure not to miss anything (especially the edges!) Don't use too much or else it will all squirt out the sides and cause a huge mess. 
After that layer dries, add a decent layer of mod podge to the top. Make sure to seal the edges well. After that's done, use a paper towel to clean off the massive amount of leakage.
I'm a messy crafter. What can I say. :)
Once the mod podge dries, spray the whole thing with sealer to make it waterproof.
While they're drying, cut out a strip of felt and cut 4 small circles for each coaster.
Once the coasters are dry, hot glue your dots to the bottom.
And done!! Easy peasy! Now you can use your new coasters.
I love them! However, these will not be staying at my house. I tied a ribbon around them and they'll be a Christmas gift this year!


Yes, I'm already thinking about Christmas presents. It's easier to space it out when you have a million people to buy for!
**Update: I have had a lot of emails wondering what spray sealer I used for these. I used Krylon Make It Last Sealer:
I'm pretty sure that rustoleum also has something similar that would work just fine. It just needs to be clear sealer or finisher. Still haven't had any problems with these coasters wearing down so I think it works pretty great!!! Sorry it took me so long to update this!**
Hope you're having a wonderful day!!
**Update: I have had a lot of emails wondering what spray sealer I used for these. I used Krylon Make It Last Sealer:
I'm pretty sure that rustoleum also has something similar that would work just fine. It just needs to be clear sealer or finisher. Still haven't had any problems with these coasters wearing down so I think it works pretty great!!! Sorry it took me so long to update this!** Hope you're having a wonderful day!!
I'm linking to these fab parties:







Frugality is Free




Hi! ute coasters. I am a new follower from Monday's blog hops. I am looking forward to reading more of your blog. Blessings...
ReplyDeleteSaved By Love Creations
Those are adorable! I'll have to give them a try:)
ReplyDeletewhat a great idea! I never would have thought of using the terra cotta saucers. They look beautiful and will make great gifts! Thanks for sharing,
ReplyDeletejennifer
so simple, but really beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI really love your idea, you could even create coasters for each season of the year, how much fun would that be!
ReplyDelete-Kim (aka Mr. Gnome)
http://mrgnomesgreenblog.blogspot.com/
Adorable! And I need some coasters!!! :) Thanks for the tutorial. I see a trip to Lowe's in my future.
ReplyDeleteThese turned out beautiful! That is a great gift idea too!
ReplyDeletehttp://thecraftinme.blogspot.com
Hello thank you for following me, I'm following you now too!
ReplyDeleteI love the coasters that you did.. I have not used Mod Podge yet.. I'm going to try it one day..hehe
Love this idea! They'll make great Christmas gifts and I like to start early!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by my blog and becoming a follower! I'll be following you now too! Cute Blog!
Cute idea! What kind of sealer do you use? Is there a spray sealer near the spray paints?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I have seen lots of coasters in blogland, but never made out of tera cotta saucers, love it! Great gift idea, too!
ReplyDeleteThis post is JUST what I needed. What with my new nightstands that need protecting and so many names on my Christmas list. Hooray! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeletePerfect! I've seen many posts on coasters, but yours is ideal! I never would have thought of using the terra cotta pot bottoms great idea, beautiful outcome! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous idea! I absolutely love this! They would actually fit and hold the cup much better than other coasters, too! Bravo!
ReplyDeleteThose turned out really cute! I've never seen coasters made out of terra cotta pots and I love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to SS!
Hannah @ http://youngancrafty.blogspot.com/
Way cute! Love this idea!!
ReplyDeleteLove your coasters! As another self professed coaster lover - this is very clever!
ReplyDeleteThose look great! What type of sealer did you use? I made some a while back and it never dried and it was slimy! UGH!!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
These are adorable! I am stopping over from sal's sisters blog. Great Christmas idea!
ReplyDeletelove the idea! i'm your newest follower! stop on over if you get a chance. :)
ReplyDeleteI love these SOOOOO much!!
ReplyDeletelove how it has a lip to prevent spillage! but I think I have to pass because my 1yr old will throw them on the floor and break them!
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of sealer did you use? I saw that Trish asked in Oct 2010 and Mallory asked in Dec 2010, but no answers yet. I am making these and would really like to know what kind you used. Thanks and happy holidays!!!
ReplyDeleteHey what did you use for the spray sealer? Could you please email me and let me know?
ReplyDeletemandyellingson@gmail.com
I love this idea, I shared a link to your tutorial on my blog http://craft-connection.blogspot.com/2011/12/terra-cotta-coasters-diy.html
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea! Can you purchase just the terra cotta saucers, minus the pots?
ReplyDeleteYes, hobby lobby sells them without the pots. I believe they come in a pack of 6 and they are really cheap if you use a coupon!
DeleteSoo nice! With the Mod Podge AND sealer do you think fabric could be used as well?
ReplyDeleteYes, I definitely think that'd work! I've used fabric on tile coasters and it worked just fine! You may even be able to skip the sealer since the fabric will absorb some of the liquid! Good luck!
DeleteI updated this post w/the spray sealer since everyone is wondering! But I don't have a preference (I have made these a few times with different kind). Just the regular "clear sealant" that you find in the spray paint section. I usually buy whatever is cheapest!
ReplyDeleteCould only find distress ink in pad. Any tips on applying?? Just roll edges?? Or use some type of brush to apply?
ReplyDeleteI used the ink pad also & I just held the paper in one hand and rubbed the ink pad gently around the sides... it got darker in some areas so i tried to just apply very lightly! Hope that helps!
DeleteHi! Thanks for the great tutorial! It inspired me to make my own (with your blog credited, of course): http://sunshineandsometea.com/2012/03/22/spring-fling-craft-diy-terracotta-coasters/
ReplyDeleteI love them so much! Thanks again!
Heather