How to make: Antique Map Coasters

Hello crafty minions! Today I am going to talk through something I made a couple of weeks back for my brother. He likes old maps you see and I picked up on this craft craze and decided to try it out for myself.

To make some vintage-looking map coasters, you will need:

• Paintbrush
• Scissors
• Pencil
• An existing coaster (Psst! Nick one from the living room!)
• Used soggy teabag
• Sandpaper
• A map
• Ageing/Antique Varnish (optional)
• Modpodge (there is no substitute I'm afraid. If you don't have some or can't find any, then, as a last resort, use PVA but I would really suggest getting some because it is more than just a glue; it adheres, seals and finishes.)
• Now you can either use cork board like I have, or you could use pre-made cork coasters (I found some on Ebay for you here) or you could buy some old coasters from the charity shop to re-cover.

This tutorial will be for making some coasters from scratch.

Lets get started!!

The first thing you need to do is to trace around your existing coasters onto the cork board, of course you could do this freehand too. Then carefully cut them out.

 

Now I found the edges to be rough and uneven so that's why I've suggested to use sandpaper to smooth these edges down. I also rounded the corners for safety. This makes a big mess so I suggest sanding the coasters onto a sheet of paper or cloth to catch all the bits.

Place your coaster onto your map (I got mine from the charity shop for about £1) and trace around it. You could chose a map with special locations on for you to make it personal. Then cut it out.

 

Then glue it! :) Simples eh?

 

Rub the wet tea bag over the coasters and wait for it to soak up, whilst you make yourself a fresh cuppa!

Keep layering up the tea stain to build depth and make it look antique. Equally, now would be the time to paint on a layer of antique varnish.

Then, once that is dry, paint with a final layer of modpodge to seal in your creation and make it more waterproof and durable. I would also paint the edges of the cork to avoid the map coming away from the coaster.

 

Leave to dry overnight and voila! An antique, vintage-looking coaster made with your own hands!

Foolishly, I sent them away to my brother before taking a proper picture, sorry!

If you decide to make your own version of this design, then please send me it over twitter or email! I'd love to see them!

Thanks! See ya soon!

 

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An Explaination

So I need to explain a few things. One, I'm sorry this blog has been neglected recently. I have been really busy finishing off my final college project so I was trying to make the most of it and savour the last days of innocent education. Then I had to tie a few lose ends up, namely college projects with unsatisfactory grades and days full of plans.

Secondly, I wanted to show you a list of things I plan to do on this blog. Then, I have promised it to you and I will have to do it! Of course, I won't give everything away but I will tell of some instalments I aim to post next in chronological order so you (and I!) know exactly where we are. Lets get rolling!

1.) I will post things I have already promised on my Twitter account, such as something using maps and modpodge.

2.) Then it will be a tutorial on how to wrap a cylindrical present, because this is an essential piece of knowledge everyone must know about :P

3.) Next I will work on revamping this blog, i.e. a new header, background etc. A complete, spangly, and professional look is what I’m aiming for.

4.) Then I will talk about my final project at college, show the results and upload the photos onto my dA account (this is turning out to be a very detailed list isn't it?...)

5.) Next, I have a really big project I want to do with my mum. I don’t know how long that will go on for but at least a few months!

6.) After that I have a whole other list of crafty ideas that I get really excited about when I read through it!!

Oh! I've also got a super exciting plan to post something every other week but I'll explain more about that next Tuesday!

Most of the things I have mentioned here, I revealed first on my twitter account (click here -> @staralisecrafts). I would highly recommend following it (teehee) because its easier to update and you will get to hear of things first on there. Plus, I like to tweet little motivational sayings and quotes that I find, so that's another reason to tag along!

I hope you do follow me as this blog grows from a seedling into a blossoming tree and that you enjoy the journey with me! It's going be to a crazy fun one! Don't forget to follow me on twitter and keep on eye on the other pies I have my fingers in because I like to mix and match things. It makes life exciting, you know?

Have a great day! See you soon!
xx

 

Twitter | Etsy | Pinterest | DeviantART | Email: staralisecrafts@yahoo.co.uk