pleasure in simple things

Beverage coasters make great gifts, and with Father’s Day coming up soon, I have some quick and easy diy gift coasters that are sure to be a hit with the dads!  And, they are easy enough for the kids to create!

I made all the coasters in this post from repurposed items (and a little bit of chalkboard paint)…here are three different ways to create some great nautical themed drink holders!

JAR LIDS make great coasters.  I like to use  the tops of old canning jars.  There are so many ways to decorate a jar lid!  An old photo of dad is one great way…you can use a copier if you don’t want to compromise a favorite photo.  I like the old black and white photos!  If you would rather draw your own design, it is easy enough to create a design on a circular piece of cardstock to later glue to the lid.  For a new dad, a footprint of a newborn would be a sweet idea.

Here, I coiled a scrap piece of rope and used a glue gun to attach it to the lid.  If you don’t have any rope, it is very inexpensive to buy by the yard at a marine store (or, you can buy a jumprope at a dollar store).

Another way to embellish the lid is to add a piece of cork.  Here, I added cork and decorated it by simply adding a design with a permanent marker.

A map of the recipient’s favorite vacation spot is another idea…here, I used a page from an old atlas.

I found an easy way to protect the photo or map you use for your coaster – simply cut a circle of plastic from a fruit or vegetable container and lay it right on top!

For the next two designs, you will need to create a template…decide on the size and shape you want for the coaster and cut one out of cardboard.  I made mine a 3 ½” square with rounded corners.

CHALKBOARD coasters are easy to make and are so fun!  Using your template, cut coasters out of cardboard or chipboard.  For Father’s Day, you will probably want to create a set – decide how many you want, cut them out, and coat one side of each with chalkboard paint – I used chalkboard spray paint.

For a nautical look, I tied a set of newly made coasters in twine and added a fish gift tag made from brown kraft paper.  Don’t forget to add a piece of chalk!  I also added a fishing bobber as a final touch!

Cardboard SIX PACK CARRIERS, that six packs of beer are sold in, are a great source for a fun coaster material.  Using your template, just trace and cut coasters!  I found some great six pack holders in recycling bins!

Any summertime design is really fun to use (wish I found some Landshark!)…or, a design from a favorite beer of the recipient!

I hope you enjoyed these ideas for easy ways to make coasters as gifts this Father’s Day.  They are a super project to work on with the kids…enjoy!

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at Liz Marie Blog,  Coastal Charm, Silver Pennies, City Farmhouse, and Sand & Sisal.