Coaster Set

Step by Step

1. 1 Roll your slab

   Roll out your clay to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness on parchment paper. This is slightly thicker than you might expect, but coasters need the weight to stay put under a glass. Roll in multiple directions to keep the thickness even.

   

2. 2 Add Texture (Before Cutting)

   This is the key: texture first, cut second. Press your chosen material firmly into the clay surface. Linen creates a beautiful woven pattern. Fresh leaves pressed and peeled away leave botanical imprints. A fork or needle tool dragged across the surface creates clean lines. Press firmly enough to leave a visible impression but not so hard you thin the clay.

   

3. 3 Cut your Shapes

   Press your round cutter straight down through the textured slab. Don't twist or drag. Lift the excess clay away from the coasters, not the coasters out of the slab. This prevents warping. Cut all four from the same slab so the texture is consistent.

   

4. 4 Refine the edges

   Dip your finger in water and run it along the cut edges of each coaster to smooth them. You want the top textured surface to meet a clean, slightly rounded edge. This step takes each coaster from craft-project to something you'd see at a ceramics market.

   

5. 5 Flatten and Level

   Place each coaster on a flat surface and gently press down to make sure the bottom is completely flat. A coaster that wobbles is a coaster that lives in a drawer. Check by pressing each corner.

6. 6 Dry Flat

   Dry on a flat surface for 24-48 hours. Place something flat and light on top (a book, cutting board etc) to prevent curling as they dry. Flip after 12 hours. Once dry, sand the bottoms smooth and seal with acrylic sealer. Consider adding small felt pads to the bottom to protect furniture.