I have been super inspired by my shelter magazines as of late. Just a couple of days ago I showed you my DYI Brass Cornered Frames that I copied from House Beautiful. This time it was Designer Nathan Harkrader who inspired me with his map coasters. I stumbled upon them in Country Living. The great thing is that I ended up pulling these off for $1.25! ……………………..my inspiration
I started out in the tile aisle wanting to use tumbled tile like in the magazine. But then when I started picking them up and feeling them, it suddenly dawned on me that with two little ones in scurrying about it would be a big mistake to have heavy breakable tiles sitting around. Next to the tile section in my local home improvement store were these fantastic laminate samples. And do you know what? They are free. Shhhh. I picked up four of them. What I used:
- 4 samples of laminate flooring
- one piece of scrapbook paper
- spray adhesive
- urethane
I think my friend Chris from Just A Girl has made some pretty cute coasters using the same type of thing. My dear hubby used his table saw to cut off the one uneven edge and to square them off. What I love is that they already have a layer of foam attached to the bottom. Ta da! There is a super cute scapbook store in our neighborhood so I scooped up three pieces so I could decide once I was home which one I liked best.
Once I traced and cute four squares of paper, I used craft bond to adhere them to the coasters. After they dried, I applied two coats of urethane to the top of each one. Although these will mainly be used for cocktails and wine glasses when we entertain, I wanted to make sure they were water resistant so they would not be damaged.
……………………. map coasters
And for a grand total of $1.25 {for the paper} I am ready to invite you over! {I had the spray adhesive and urethane already on hand}. What do you think? Maybe not an exact match to the tile inspiration coasters, but they are making me smile. …………………………….. Between Naps on the Porch My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Savvy Southern Style The Shabby Nest
Super cute idea Courtney! They turned out great! AND congrats on 2000 followers!!
I love anything with maps. Very neat!
those are adorable!
Oh super dee duper cute!!!! I am a huge map junkie. Love them. But what will I do with my beloved chalkboard coasters? 🙂
Courtney–I am recreating this one for sure. I am in need of new coasters too—my dogs ate the old ones. Yes–they ate them. These coasters look awesome and at that price–I love it.
Oh my. This is the kind of idea I look at and think, "Well, of course! Why didn't I think of that?" Only, clearly, I never would have. LOVE. IT. Going to go try that. And the laminate samples are a much better way to go than tile – again – wouldn't have thought to grab those. Nice job!
Wow-LOVE these!! I may have to try this!
I love this idea! So simple and so many possibilities!
Love this idea!
Love them! What a fun personalized gift, too!
very cute! What a great gift for the world traveler or even a wedding gift.
Love them! So cute! I like that you used laminate flooring too! I have a few that were made with the tiles.
These are so beautiful. They would make a great gift. You had me going until I read table saw 🙁
These are super cute! I want to make letters for Baby Schue with the map applique. Love this idea!
I like! It looks great how you left the edge showing!
I love these. Yours turned out great.
You've done it again! So cute!!! What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing!
Oh my God I love it you are so creative and an inspiration. I see all of your projects and makes me want to go look for supplies to start making some of my own. I am a new follower but love all of the projects you post
Well you are knocking it out of the park this week with DIYs 🙂
These are awesome! I love maps and this is just the best idea! So great how you used samples. Love. 🙂
Great little chic accessory! And practical to boot! <3 xoxo!
Totally stealing this idea 🙂 Love, Love it! How cute to give as gifts-thanks for the awesome idea!
Yep! This is definitely a keeper. What a great idea and I need some new "free" coasters. Great job!
These are great, Courtney! They'd make a sweet hostess gift, too.
LOVE the coasters ~ they are so fun!!
LOVE this idea!
What a great idea! Loved it!
Such a great idea! 🙂 Love it.
Great idea! I never thought of using laminate for coasters! You are very crafty. Keep up the great work!
way too wonderful!
Great DIY project! I never thought to use laminate flooring. It makes them look nice and substantial on your table.