Coasters

Here are a few variations of simple and stylish coasters that can be made cheaply and easily in a matter of minutes. In fact, all of the materials I used came from the local $1 store and I managed to make all of these in less than an hour. This is a fun and easy craft project that is sure to not only sure to please your aesthetic sensibilities, but also your beloved furniture. Check the variations below and find the one that pleases you. No longer will you have to suffer from cup rings! Welcome to a brave new world!

For coasters #1:
3 sets of two fly swatters (in a variety of fun colors)
Scissors

For coasters #2:
Four magnifying glasses
Pliers and/or hacksaw

For coasters #3:
4 rubber sink mats
Scissors

Open the packaging.

Take your scissors and cut the fly swatter neatly along the edge connected to the stick such that, when done, it forms a square. Repeat.

For round fly swatters, simply cut along the circumference.

Open the packaging

If you have a magnifying glass where the handle unscrews, unscrew it. For mine, I needed to bend back some metal tabs with a pair of pliers so it wouldn't fall apart.

If you have a magnifying glass that is made from molded plastic and the handle can't be unscrewed, then you can remove the handle by sawing it off.

Suggestion: You can increase the magnification by placing the circles on plastic pegs to raise them slightly off the table. I didn't do this because I found it more aesthetically pleasing without this.

Open the packaging.

Cut out the center circles.

Another variation that turned out nice was cutting out 4x4 squares on the square-patterned part.

A possible variation is to paint the outer ring of the circle black or painting in every other square black.