Making Cheap Cardboard Coasters

In this instructable, simple, useful coasters are made out of free materials, generally. I have lots of papers on hand and the cardboard is gathered from used boxes, available just about everywhere. Good way to recylce the cardboard. Gather some cardboard pieces, here are the end flaps from regular cardboard boxes.

Cardboard pieces glued together in stacks of three each.

Cardboard pieces after being cut out on bandsaw. Make them the size you want, I drew circles of 4 and one quarter inch, and the inside circle 5/8 inch smaller. Whatever works for you.

Pieces glued together. Just use white glue (or hot glue), weigh down, and wait a while.

Starting to decorate: use your imagination in decorating your coasters. Paint, photographs (make sure ink is permanent, not ink jet type), magazine pictures, construction paper, scrapbook paper, etc.

A pumpkin design is selected for this coaster

Several coats of an acrylic varish is used to enhance and seal the coasters. This step will protect them from moisture in limited amounts.

For additional moisture absorption, I cut out circles of napkins and or paper towels. These can be used if it is particularly humid, and will protect coasters from water damage. And they are easily replaced.

Completed coasters, ready to use.