Eco Coaster ∙ How To by ennaneve on Cut Out + Keep

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You Will Need

- 1 Magazine(s)
- 1 Glue Stick
- Scissors
- Tape
- Varnish
- Paint Brush
- Project Budget
- Almost Nothing

Time:1h30

Nice & Simple

Description

Several things inspired me to create these swell little drink companions: 1) I noticed (with horror) how many unsightly rings were appearing on my carefully-refinished furniture (alas!), 2) Gasped (again, in horror) at the exorbitant price of coasters, and then 3) decided to do something about both 1 & 2. And so, with no further ado... I give you the Eco Coaster. NOTE: These could also be made out of newspaper, old sheet music, letters from ex boyfriends or basically anything else made of paper. You can vary the size to make placemats, too!

Instructions

1

First gather your supplies. Having them all handy makes your project a lot more enjoyable.

Rip all the pages out of an old magazine. You won't need all of the pages, so you can be picky if you like. :)
2

Fold one page in half lengthwise.
3

Fold one quarter of the folded page in toward the center.

(It may help to first fold the page in half lengthwise, and flatten it out again so you have a line to fold to.)
4

Repeat with the other side, so both sides meet in the middle.
5

Repeat steps 3 & 4 with the same paper, making the stip more narrow.
6

Apply glue liberally.
7

Use paper clips or a heavy book to make sure the paper sticks together and bonds as it dries.
8

Repeat steps 2-7 until you have 10 strips.

To make the border strips: Fold one page in half lenthwise and CUT in half (lengthwise), then repeat steps 3-5 with each half of the page. DO NOT GLUE. Think of them like paper bias tape. :)

Cut ALL of your strips exactly in half.
9

Cut a thin slip of scrap paper the length of one of your half-strips. Tape 10 half-strips to the slip of scrap paper.
10

Cover the edge where your strips are taped with one piece of paper bias tape. Make sure it covers either side, to hide all edges and scrap paper. Glue liberally on both sides. You can use clips to hold it in place if need be.

Note: I cut the edges of my bias tape at a 45 degree angle to cut down on bulk, but it's not really necessary.
11

Weave one of your half-strips over/under every other strip as shown.
12

Repeat with other strips, alternating starting one under, one over, etc.
13

Glue your other paper bias strips to edges and clamp if necessary. Allow to dry.

Use a paint brush and apply varnish to set your masterpiece.
14

Et voila! Your very own recycled coaster!