DIY Black and White Coasters + Idea Swap

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It’s National Swap Idea Day. In honor of the swap day, we teamed up with some of our favorite bloggers to create DIY desk accessories to swap with one another. The challenge was to create a DIY desk accessory or DIY desk organization item for under $20. That’s it! Every blogger that participated was assigned to another blogger, so no one went home empty handed…and now we all have a new desk accessory!

I know Jodi and I {Jessica} are in the need of a serious desk overhaul, so we were excited to see what everyone came up with.

Our girl, Christina Williams Blog, was the lucky recipient of our gift swap – DIY black and white coasters with quotes. We all need inspirational and uplifting quotes while we work, and a hot cup of joe to keep us going. So, our black and white coasters with an antler base is a chic way to get rid of those annoying coffee cup rings. Plus it’s a daily reminder to dream and believe in ourselves.

Shh! Jenna secretly wishes she could keep the coasters because it’s black and white {those are the only two colors she likes} and she drinks coffee all day! 

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Here’s how we did it.

Materials Needed:

  • Coasters {we found ours at the thrift store, along with the antler base for $6}
  • White, gloss spray paint
  • Black Vinyl from Silhouette
  • Frog Tape
  • Shellac

Directions:

  • Step 1: Spray paint the coasters, and antler base white. Below is our original thrift store find.

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  • Step 2: Design or purchase a design from Silhouette with inspiration words. We used our Silhouette electronic cutting machine to cut the vinyl for this project; however, you could easily use Mod Podge to adhere your design and favorite quotes to the coasters, or just paint your own quotes.

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  • Step 3: Transfer the vinyl to the coasters, following Silhouette vinyl transfer directions. Instead of transfer paper, we used Frog Tape.
  • Step 4: Spray the coasters with waterproof Shellac or sealant.

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  • Step 5: Sip while you work.

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We are obsessed with the Pencil and Air Plant Holder Miranda at One Little Minute Blog sent us. Air plants is just about the only indoor plant we can keep alive, so it’s perfect!

Check out all the amazing projects and women involved – you are gonna LOVE what you find. All projects are featured on instagram, too.

DIY Horseshoe Coasters

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We had some extra Pony horseshoes from Jodi’s wedding, and since they are considered very lucky and a lucky holiday is coming up {March 17}, we made DIY St. Patrick’s Day coasters out of horseshoes. Luck and a cocktail – the perfect combo for St. Patrick’s Day! The DIY horseshoe coasters will be a staple in your home long after the green holiday…and make a great housewarming gift.

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You’ll Need:

  • Cork board
  • Liquid Gold paint
  • Horseshoes. We used Pony horseshoes, and found them at a local farm/ranch at a very affordable price, but you can find them online.
  • Gorilla Glue
  • Scissors
  • Clear, waterproof sealant
  • A cocktail. Our choice was Bailey’s Irish Cream. Yummy.

How To:

  • Trace the entire outer part of the horseshoe onto the cork board, then cut.
  • Trace the inside of the horseshoe 2 times, then cut.
  • Paint the top layer of cork the color/pattern of your choice. We chose gold.
  • Place the horseshoe on the large piece of cork board {which should fully cover the bottom of the horseshoe} then stack the two pieces of cork board in the middle of the horseshoe. The coaster should be completely level with the three layers of cork board.
  • Once all pieces are in place, add Gorilla glue to each layer. Be careful because Gorilla Glue expands 3-4 times as it dries. Stack books on top of the coasters, then let dry overnight.
  • Apply a clear, waterproof sealant.
  • Pour a cocktail and enjoy.

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{images via j. sorelle}