Keep Your Drinks Cool with Fun DIY Summer Coasters | Craft Ideas

Keep Your Drinks Cool with Fun Summer Coasters

When the weather heats up, there's nothing better than an ice-cold summer drink in hand. But condensation on your glass can lead to water rings on tabletops. The solution? Fun, stylish summer coasters that keep your drinks from sweating and add a pop of personality to your patio décor.

Liven Up Your Patio with Bright Summer Motifs

Coasters make the perfect small DIY summer craft. They're inexpensive to make and you can create sets to match your outdoor furniture cushions and throw pillows. Get the whole family in on the fun by crafting customizable summer coasters together on a rainy day.

Look for summery Cricut designs, SVG files, or printable patterns featuring tropical motifs like palm trees, flamingos, fruit, and flowers. Nautical themes with anchors, shells, and stripes pair well with coasters too. Use markers or paint pens to color in the designs on ceramic tiles, wood slices, or cork.

Keep Drinks Chilled with Smart Materials

Ceramic, marble, and stone summer coasters have natural cooling properties to keep condensation from pooling. Or opt for coasters made from absorbent materials like felt, cork, or burlap to soak up moisture. Pair different materials together in a set for extra visual interest.

Upcycle felted wool sweaters found at the thrift store by cutting out circles or summer shapes like seashells, starfish, and sand dollars. Add non-slip cork backings so they don’t slide around on tabletops. This eco-friendly project saves perfectly good materials from the landfill.

Craft Your Own Concrete Summer Coasters

For an earthy, organic look, make your own concrete summer coasters. Line muffin tins with plastic wrap then fill the cups halfway with concrete. Press shells, beads, stones, or sea glass into the concrete before it dries, then seal with an eco-friendly sealant once fully cured.

Concrete DIY summer coasters can also be stamped using silicone molds with summery patterns. Try pineapple textures, tropical leaves, citrus slices, or watermelon designs. The mold options are endless!

Personalize Summer Coasters for Friends and Family

Customizable summer coasters make fantastic homemade gifts for teachers, newlyweds, grandparents, and recent grads. Jazz up plain ceramic tiles by mod podging on tissue paper, scrapbook paper, or wrapping paper with summer motifs. Apply several coats of decoupage medium for a smooth finish and extra protection.

Preserve Vacation Memories with Photo Coasters

For a personal touch, use printable decal paper or transfer gel medium to affix vacation photos onto ceramic tiles or wood slices. This allows you to create custom summer coasters with pictures from beach trips, lake getaways, or poolside hangouts. Arrange in sets of four or spell out names using the first letter from each coaster design.

Craft Monogrammed Summer Coasters

Monogram coasters make great housewarming and wedding gifts. Paint or stencil initials onto round ceramic tiles or wood slices. For a nautical vibe, incorporate navy and white stripes, rope textures, or anchor icons. Add pops of summer color with starfish, coral, and seashell accents.

An easy embroidery hoop summer coaster can also be personalized with initials or names using colorful floss. Just stretch fabric over an embroidery hoop, stitch on letters, then glue on felt or cork backings so drinks don’t seep through.

Creative Ways to Use and Display Summer Coasters

Now that you’ve created cute summer coasters, how will you use them? Here are some creative display ideas beyond just saving your tabletops.

Liven up Outdoor Serving Carts

Use an assortment of handmade summer coasters to add personality to outdoor beverage stations. Arrange different shapes, sizes, and designs on serving cart shelves next to pitchers, garnishes, and cocktail supplies. Keep additional sets on lower levels for guests to grab.

Outfit Outdoor Kitchens and Bars

Bring your custom summer coasters outdoors to fancify patio bars and outdoor kitchens. Use them under beverage tubs, next to blenders and drink mixers, or in serving areas. Show off fun motifs that complement your backyard decor.

Display as Wall Art

Turn ordinary summer coasters into wall art by affixing magnets to the backsides or screwing in tiny hooks. Mount them on painted patio walls, garden sheds, or fridge fronts to liven up outdoor living spaces with bright colors and summer motifs.

With so many easy DIY options, you’re sure to find an inspiring summer coaster project perfect for showing off your creativity this season. Just add ice-cold drinks and enjoy!

FAQs

What materials can I use to make summer coasters?

You can make summer coasters out of ceramic tiles, marble, wood slices, cork, wool felt, burlap, concrete, stones, or seashells. Choose absorbent materials like cork or felt for soaking up condensation.

What is the best homemade coaster sealant?

Mod Podge and other decoupage mediums work well for sealing custom coasters made from wood, ceramic, or other porous surfaces. You can also use outdoor-grade concrete sealers or polyurethane for extra protection.

Can I make concrete summer coasters in a muffin tin?

Yes, muffin tins make perfect molds for easy and inexpensive concrete coaster DIYs. Line them with plastic wrap first for easy removal. Then embed stones, shells or beads as decorative accents!

How many coats of sealant do I need?

Apply at least 3 coats of decoupage medium, polyurethane, or concrete sealant for a smooth, durable finish. Add more coats if you plan to put the coasters outdoors or use very porous materials.

What's the best way to personalize summer coasters?

Customize coasters by mod podging on scrapbook paper with summer motifs, adding photos, stencilling initials, embroidering names, or using Cricut patterned vinyl. Get creative with colors and textures!