Okay, so I had this idea kicking around in my head for a while – unique beverage coasters. I was tired of the same old boring ones, you know? The plain cork ones, the cheap plastic ones… blah. So, I decided to make my own. Here’s how it went down.
First thing’s first, I needed a plan. I spent a bit of time just browsing online, looking at different coaster designs for inspiration. I knew I wanted something durable and a little bit different. I eventually landed on using resin – I’d seen some cool projects with embedded objects and figured that’d be a good way to go.
Next up, materials. I hit up my local craft store and grabbed some epoxy resin, hardener, molds (I went with square ones, about 4 inches), and some fun stuff to embed. I got some dried flowers, a few small seashells I had lying around, and some glitter. You know, gotta add a little sparkle!
Now, the fun part! Mixing the resin. This is where you gotta be careful. I followed the instructions on the package to a T – get the ratio wrong, and your resin won’t cure properly. I mixed it slowly, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the container to get everything combined. Air bubbles are the enemy, so I tried to avoid whipping it too much.
Then, I poured a thin layer of resin into the molds. This was to create a base for my embedded objects. I let that sit for about 30 minutes to thicken up a bit, then I started arranging my flowers, shells, and glitter. I tried to spread them out evenly, but honestly, I was just kinda winging it. Artistic license, right?
Once I was happy with the arrangement, I poured another layer of resin over the top, making sure to completely cover everything. Again, slow and steady to avoid bubbles. I used a heat gun on low to gently get rid of some of the surface bubbles.
Now comes the patience part. Waiting. The instructions said 24-48 hours for a full cure. I checked them after 24, and they were still a little tacky, so I gave them the full 48. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
After the waiting game, it was time to demold! This was probably the most satisfying part. They popped out pretty easily, and they looked awesome! The resin was clear, the embedded objects were visible, and they felt really solid.
The final step: sanding the edges. A few of my coasters had some sharp edges from the mold. I used some fine-grit sandpaper to smooth them out. After sanding, I applied a thin coat of clear varnish to give them a nice, glossy finish and protect them from scratches.
Overall, it was a fun project! There were a few hiccups along the way – a couple of air bubbles I missed, a slightly uneven pour on one, but hey, that’s what makes them unique, right? I’m already planning my next batch. Maybe I’ll try embedding some coffee beans or even some small stones next time. The possibilities are endless!
- Things I learned:
- Patience is key with resin projects. Don’t rush the mixing or curing process.
- A heat gun is your best friend for getting rid of bubbles.
- Experiment with different embedded objects to find what you like.
Would I do it again? Absolutely!
Making these unique beverage coasters was a blast, and now I have a set that I actually enjoy using. Plus, they make great gifts! Give it a try – you might just surprise yourself with what you can create.
