Tool Time Tuesday...Easy Handmade Coasters

What is a tool anyway? The dictionary says...tool: a noun. A hand held device that aids in accomplishing a task. Well, this CD is my tool this week. I know we all have this tool any where in our homes...whether it be an old Barry Manilow CD or one of the blank ones that are hanging around because we have no idea what's on them, but we're afraid to throw them out.




Today, we'll be making these coasters... I know coasters, but they are cute, easy and we all need them.

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I also have these adorable 5 inch charm squares from Fig Tree for Moda.
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This tutorial is my take on the coasters that have been around for a while.

Start with 5 squares from a charm pack or 5 squares that are 5 inches




Stack them on top of each other.

Place your "tool" on top...

and trace the circle.

I pin inside the circle just to keep it from moving when cutting.

Here are the five circles you will need to make 1 coaster.

Pick one circle that will be the back of the coaster. Keep it right side up.

Now take the other 4 circles, fold them in half wrong side together...

and press.

Here are the 4 pressed half circles.

Take the circle you are using for the back and place it right side up...

Place 1 half circle on the top (keep the fold towards the center)

Take the 2nd half circle and place it on the left side, on top of the first one (still keeping the fold towards the center)

Take the 3rd half circle and place it on the bottom.

Before placing the 4th and final half circle, you need to pick up the edge of the first one you placed.

Pick it up on fold it back towards the left...

Now place the 4th half circle...

and fold the first flap back over the 4th one you just placed.

Here's a close up of the final layering.

Pin the four intersections.

Sew a quarter inch seam all the way around. Do Not leave an opening. Back stitch at the beginning and the end.

Here is a close up.

Now reach inside and turn it inside out.

Press and you are done. Woo Hoo!!!

You can use it as a regular coaster with a glass or mug on top,

or you can slip the stem of the wine glass into the layers...like a slipper. This way the coaster is always on the glass. This picture of the wine glass is at the top, in the beginning. I did have that picture here too, but instead of hitting the backspace button, I hit delete and poof that picture was gone. ( I hate that blogger won't let me put that picture back in here)
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You can really change them up with the fabrics that you chose. If you want to use the coasters as a way to keep track of every one's glass, you can make each coaster a different color. That way if someone puts their glass down, they'll know that the red one is theirs. Don't forget all the holiday and seasonal fabrics too.

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You can also make a beautiful set of place mats and add these coasters for a matching set.

This a great way to use up scrap pieces or left over charm squares. They make very fast gifts too. Add them to a basket with a bottle of wine and glasses and you're all set. Think Christmas...we have all said it..."I am going to start making gifts in January, so I'm not sewing at the last minutes" Well, let this be the first one you make. It's so fast, you'll feel like you've accomplished something and it will get you off on the right foot!!

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Have a great Tuesday,

~Karen~