Easy to Craft Scented Coasters

These scented coasters are a perfect way to add a homey and aromatic touch to the holidays. Scented coasters are intended to be used under a hot beverage (coffee, cocoa, hot cider etc.) The heat from the beverage will activate the spices and release a heavenly scent. These scented coasters are so easy to make, so be sure to make several. You can offer one to each guest to help protect your furniture and let them take it home as a small token of your appreciation. It's a win win situation for everyone!

Materials:

Cotton Christmas print fabric
muslin fabric
felt
cinnamon (1 tablespoon per coaster)
cinnamon oil (1/8 teaspoon per coaster)
straight pins
pinking shears

Directions:

Begin by mixing the cinnamon and the cinnamon oil together in a small container. Set the mixture aside. Now you are going to construct the spice packet. Begin by cutting the muslin fabric into 4"x 4" squares (2 squares per coaster). Place 2 of the muslin squares on top of each other and sew a straight line across three sides. Turn the fabric sack and fill it with 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon mixture. Sew the fourth opening, closed. Continue this step, to create all of the spice packets needed to fill your coasters.

Next, you will be crafting the outside covers for your coasters. Using the cotton fabric, cut the fabric into 5" x 5" squares (2 squares per coaster). Then, cut the felt into 5" x 5" squares (only 1 per coaster). Now begin layering the fabrics together in this manner: Cotton fabric (wrong side facing up), felt, spice packet and cotton fabric (right side up). Pin the scented coasters together and sew a 1/4" seam around the edges of each coaster. Clip around the edges of each coaster with the pinking shears to give them a decorative finish. You have finished crafting your scented coasters.

Scented coasters are not only useful and yummy smelling, they also make great inexpensive gifts. Just make a set of six scented coasters, stack them on top of each other and tie them together with a satin ribbon. Then, top them off with a handmade gift tag.

Hints: Scented coasters can be used all year round, just switch the Christmas fabric to another cotton print design. To re- freshen your scented coasters, simply dab them with cinnamon oil.

Warning: Do not use your scented coasters for cold beverages. The condensation will cause the spice packet to clump together.