DIY coasters - terrazzo style!

Terrazzo is all the trend, so spruce up your coffee table with these DIY coasters. We've created a simple tutorial for you to follow. Happy making!

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Sophie GIbbons

Published: July 5, 2024 at 10:19 am

Step aside marble – your speckled cousin terrazzo is taking the spotlight in interiors and homewares right now. Designer Sophie Gibbons (aka @junkandglitter on Instagram), shows you how to make these DIY coasters which are bound to fancy up your next drinks gathering. Sophie originally made this project for Mollie Makes so if you're after more creative inspiration then check out their page.

Use neutral shades of polymer clay to keep it minimal, or swap in bright speckles for to give your DIY coasters confetti vibe.

Materials

200g (7oz) white polymer clay
Small amounts of polymer clay in black, grey, tan, terracotta and pale pink
Craft knife
10cm (4″) circular cutter
Greaseproof paper
Rolling pin
Fine sandpaper
Two equal lengths of balsa wood, approx. 0.5cm (¼”) wide
Oven tray

DIY coasters

For even more crafty projects check out our craft ideas for kids and our calligraphy section which includes loads of beautiful, free makes.

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 130ºC/266ºF/Gas Mark ½ and line an oven tray with greaseproof paper.

making coasters terrazzo style step 1

Divide the white polymer clay into four equal blocks of 50g (2oz).

Step 2

making coasters terrazzo style step 2

Lay a sheet of greaseproof paper on a table or flat surface and place one block of roughly flattened clay on top. Lay the balsa wood sticks either side – this will help to keep the top of the coaster even when rolling it out.

Step 3

making coasters terrazzo style step 3

Place another sheet of greaseproof paper on top of the clay and roll out your DIY coasters until level. Don’t let any leftover clay go to waste, use the scraps to make our DIY salt spoons.

Step 4

making coasters terrazzo style step 4

Then, using the craft knife, cut small strips off the various coloured clay blocks and cut them into random chip shapes, as shown.

Step 5

making coasters terrazzo style step 5

Remove the top layer of greaseproof paper and carefully place the coloured pieces over the rolled out white clay. Layer some colours together but try to keep the colours evenly distributed

Step 6

making coasters terrazzo style step 6

Place the greaseproof paper back on top of the clay and roll over it with the rolling pin. Once the colours in your DIY coasters are flat, smooth over each piece with your hands to ensure there are no gaps. Roll one more time, then once you’re happy, peel the paper back off.

Step 7

making coasters terrazzo style step 7

Place the circle cutter on top of the clay and press down firmly.

Step 8

making coasters terrazzo style step 8

To remove the excess clay, make a small cut with the craft knife, then carefully peel the excess away from the circle cutter.

Step 9

making coasters terrazzo style step 9

Lift the cutter off, then remove the coaster from the greaseproof paper. The easiest way to do this without distorting the shape is to place it on the edge of a table, then pull the paper down while sliding the coaster towards you.

Step 10

making coasters terrazzo style step 10

Carefully place the DIY coasters onto the oven tray and repeat steps 3-10 three more times until you have a set of four coasters. Bake for 30 minutes and leave to cool. Gently sand the edges if required, using fine sandpaper.

Your DIY coasters are done. Making coasters is a really quick, easy craft and they make fab presents too! For more craft projects check out our five minute crafts and free daily craft patterns round up.