DIY Class: Coastal Coasters

Hi all! I am so excited to share the project we completed in the first DIY class. Apart from sharing how cute these little coasters are, I wanted to share the projects we complete here on the blog so that you can participate in the fun, either doing the projects on your own, or getting together with friends and having your own DIY class.

So, here's how we started. I picked up supplies at Michael's for each participant: a neutral colored foam sheet, spool of rope/cording, and hot glue gun and glue sticks if they didn't already have their own. 

Glue Gun / Rope/Cording/ Foam Sheet

The foam sheet can be cut in half and shared between two people, and the spool of rope contains enough to be split as well. The total cost of supplies to create 6 coasters was $5 per person. I mean, seriously? That's so cheap! I love projects like this! 

Of course I didn't take a single picture during the class, however, I begged Brit to let me walk through the steps with him so I could snap a few photos. Doing DIY late night with the hubsters is super fun guys, this man cracks me up constantly and definitely keeps me on top of my game. Anyway, so the pictures I have to share are from our little late night class after LBJ was asleep. 

Step 1: 

Before unwrapping your rope, set it down on the foam sheet and trace 6 circles. This will be the approximate size of each coaster. Don't worry if it's not cut into a perfect circle, the foam will only serve as a guide for our rope. It will be completely covered by the rope once we're finished. 

Measure out approximately 4 feet of rope, about 47 inches, and cut 6 pieces. The rope will be slightly frayed at the ends, don't worry about that, we'll take care of it as we assemble the coasters. 

Step 2:  
Using a hot glue gun place a small dot of glue in approximately the center of the coaster {if you don't have a glue gun and you enjoy crafting or want to start crafting, I highly recommend picking up one. They're crazy cheap and can be used for so much!}. Place the end of the rope on the glue, careful not to burn yourself! Brit was shocked by how "hot" the hot glue gun was and looked as me as though I had burned him myself when he touched the glue. 

This part is tough to explain but easy to do, circle the rope around itself so the the frayed part is covered up. If you need to, add more glue on top of the frayed bit so it covers nicely. It's ok if a little is still sticking out the sides, you mainly just want it so the pieces aren't sticking up. 

Step 3: 
Start gluing the rope around. Add a small amount of glue around the base of the rope that's already glued down. Then press the rope into the glue while circling it around. 

There's no need to glue the entire rope down, just add glue about every 1-2 inches as you go. Continue to glue until you reach the end of the rope. If you run out of foam, you can continue to circle rope by adding glue to the side of the existing rope. 

Step 4: 
The end of the rope is likely to be slightly frayed, so in order to keep it together I covered the end in glue. To do this, you simply stroke the frayed part several times while applying glue. 

If pieces are still sticking out feel free to use your fingers to pat it down, or use a barrier like Brit did. Again, glue from a hot glue gun is hot :) 

Step 5:

Start using your new coasters! 

Not too shabby for a couple of sleep deprived parents

What do you think? Aren't they adorable? Especially for how inexpensive and easy they are to make. I'm thinking about making some placemats to match with the leftover supplies! 

Also, any suggestions for a great name for the DIY class? I've been trying to brainstorm something cute/witty/applicable and am coming up empty every time. I'd love to hear your ideas and then maybe we can vote on them! You all know I love any excuse to use a poll. 

Check out what we've created in previous classes here! 

Thanks for visiting!