Drink coasters are to home decor what earrings are to a clothing ensemble: eye-fetching accessories. Why stick with just one set when you can interchange them to match your mood?
With one box of lightweight resin, you can assemble your own line of table protectors that will double as clever conversation pieces. I've seen this project created with plastic molds and heavy-duty casting resin, but I tried a new method that works just as well using four shallow glass candleholders. However, I haven't ditched the molds altogether. I used some small soap molds to make key chains, magnets and paperweights. In fact, I love this stuff so much, someday I may cover a decoupage table in it.
Chunky Resin Coasters
Supplies:
* Glass cleaner
* 4-inch shallow glass candle bases
* Small lightweight items (toys, marbles, flowers, feathers, coins, bottle caps, game pieces, etc.) or pictures (matchbook covers, playing cards, CD covers, stamps, small photos, etc.)
* E6000 glue
* White glue
* Dropcloth
* 4 empty toilet paper rolls
* 1 8-ounce box of Envirotex Lite
* 3 paper or plastic-foam cups for mixing
* Craft or popsicle stick for stirring
Directions: Use glass cleaner to remove any residue or dust from glass candle bases. Arrange and attach small items to the inside of the bottom with E6000. If using pictures, use the white glue, then cover image with a thin layer of glue as well. Let dry.
Lay out the dropcloth in a well-ventilated or outdoors area. Set your coasters on top of the empty toilet paper rolls so that the resin will drip over the sides evenly.
Mix resin using the 3 cups and craft stick according to directions on package.
Slowly pour the resin over the coaster, spreading it with the craft stick if necessary. The liquid will appear cloudy and bubbly at first, but will clear up within minutes. Let stand for and hour until resin sets, then carefully wipe the drips from the bottom of coaster and set aside in a dry area to cure for 48 hours.
Tip: Follow directions exactly as they are stated; otherwise, your resin will not cure properly.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: inside, Latin-inspired, outdoors