I Went A Little Coaster Crazy

One of my last projects from a couple of weeks ago was a set of two pictures for my wall made out of stenciled burlap. I had some burlap left over and after seeing some of the ideas posted at The DIY Show Off on what to do with Burlap, Hemp, and Jute……I decided to make some coasters similar to the Stenciled Coasters I saw made by Hirondelle Rustique . Mine are only a little bit different and so here is my “tutorial” on how to make my Stamped Coasters.

First thing I did was cut 5 X 5 inch squares out of the Burlap. To speed things up fold your Burlap over so that you are cutting them out 2 at a time. Cut out 3 of the sides and then cut down the fold line. I made a set of 6 so you will need 12 squares. (Also, FYI, Burlap is messy! It sheds fibers almost as bad as my dog sheds her hair. So be prepared for a bit of a mess….but so worth it!)

Augh!!! I know many of you did not want to see this but……sewing these little babies is not difficult! DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THE SEWING MACHINE! Four straight seems and you are done! Take two of your cut out 5 X 5 inch squares, place them on top of each other and sew them together on all 4 sides about 1/2 inch in.

After you have your squares sewn together, it is time for the fun part…adding your design. You can stencil on a design, hand paint if you are really artistic or if you are like me… STAMP IT! I had some stamps on is the scroll design you see and I also thought I would try a Fleur de Lis.

I used black acrylic craft paint and I carefully painted the black paint on to my stamp. I have heard that those little white wedge make up sponges are also good for adding paint to a stamp…..foam brushes work well too.

After I completely covered my stamp with black craft paint I carefully eyed the center of my coaster and pressed the stamp down on the Burlap. I carefully added pressure to make sure the paint transferred. Then very carefully, peel off your stamp. (If you have any spots where the paint isn’t dark or covers as mush as you wish you can touch up with a very fine brush with more black paint.)

Another fun part is “fringing” the coaster. Simply start pulling out threads along the edges to create a fringe. If you squares seem uneven after you fringe the edges you can take a pair of scissors and evenly trim the edges.

And VOILA! Here are six of my coasters. I actually got a little carried away and made two sets of four. Will give a set away as a gift. And then I also made a sample with a Fleur de Lis on it which I also really liked. I am going to make a set of them next.

Lots to choose from. Not sure which ones I like best.

And Here they are in action. Quick, cheap, and easy!! Love these!