Easy Coasters Kids Can Make Using Cork or Towels

Simple coasters can keep your furniture from being scratched as well as protect from water damage. Kids of all ages can have fun making these easy coasters from materials found around the house or very inexpensively at your local craft or department store.

Coasters made from any material can keep your table from being scratched, but to protect from water damage from condensation, they should also be somewhat absorbent.

Cork

Cork is perfect for making coasters as it is absorbent and soft enough to not damage your table. You can buy thin cork in sheets or strips then cut to the desired shape and size. Round coasters fit well under a glass or mug, but it's easier to cut into squares and they work just as well. Some craft stores sell cork already cut to the size of a coaster, making it even easier for kids to finish.

The cork coasters can be left plain, or dress them up by painting freehand or using a stencil. If making them for a gift, you might stencil the recipient's initials on them for a personalized look. A gift for a poker player might be a set of cork coasters with the four card suits painted on them. A paw print would be a cute idea for an animal lover.

Towels

The absorbency of terrycloth towels and washcloths make a good choice for coasters. We all have towels that have seen better days and they can easily be made into coasters instead of rags. Cut off any frayed or worn pieces and evaluate what you have left. Cut into circles or squares, piece two of the same size together with right side out, and use a simple running stitch or fabric glue to hold them together.

Coasters made from towels and washcloths can be pretty, practical or both. Plain coasters are handy for everyday use, while coasters made from a washcloth with a pretty flower would even make a nice gift. All can be tossed into the washer and dryer and give you years of use for virtually no cost.

If you want a sturdier coaster, you could slip a thin piece of cardboard or plastic between the two pieces of toweling before stitching or gluing, but you wouldn't be able to launder a coaster with a cardboard insert.

With a little ingenuity you could probably find other things around your home to repurpose into useful coasters.

Source:
Personal experience