How to Make Stone Coasters and Trivets

9:21:00 PM


When you work as in an architecture firm, you get an extra special bonus every once in a while: access to cool samples. And when your architecture firm moves, well, you get access to a LOT of architectural and interior samples. Why? Because who wants to MOVE those samples…those things are heavy!

My architectural firm moved a few weeks ago, so my coworkers and I got to scavenge…I mean sort through all sorts of samples that we were not going to move to the new location. I scored a whole lot of neat items. I’ll be sharing some of the projects with you in the coming weeks—you know, in honor of National Craft Month and all.

My first project from the spoils of my office move was to make trivets and coasters from these cool stone samples I found. I have many more stone samples, so I may be making some of these as gifts…so if you are a friend/family member of mine and you’d like a set, you can start dropping hints now….

I considered several methods to make a piece of stone into a trivet or coaster. One way would be to put self-adhesive rubber feet on the bottom of the samples and call it a day. Another option would be to adhere felt to the bottom of the sample. The final option that I considered was to put cork on the bottom of the samples. I went with the cork option. I could tell you that it was to juxtapose the design aesthetics of two natural products, to contrast the rough texture of the cork with the polished texture of the stone. Doesn’t that sound architectural? I could tell you that, but I’d be lying. I chose the cork because that was the option my husband wanted, and this first set of coasters are for him.

Step 1: Examine your stone. Remove any labels on the back of the stone. My stone for the coasters was 4 inches square. The granite for the trivet was 6 inches square.

Step 2: Measure and cut cork with a razor blade. I used a self healing mat underneath that helped me measure my sizes and keep everything square. I used a metal ruler to help keep my cuts clean. I purposely cut the cork about 1/2 inch short on all sides because I didn't want the cork to be noticeable from the side of the completed trivet and coasters.

Step 3: Once everything was cut, I used a quick craft glue that will adhere wood and stone. This is the one I selected, but I am sure there are others. This product called for each piece to receive a thin layer of glue, so I spread it with the craft stick to the left. Since it was quick drying and clear, I didn't have an opportunity to take a picture of the gluing process--sorry!

Step 4: Press the cork down onto the stone. Let everything dry completely, since there are crevices in the cork that may leak the glue a little, so be careful!


Step 5: Enjoy the product of your labor with a cold (or hot!) drink!







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