Cork Christmas Coaster

Cute Cork Coasters the Kids Can Make

Help your kids make these snowman coasters to brighten a winter day.

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Hi Eileen,

Thank you for your last tips on the photo collage for my wall.

Now I have a new question.

I teach Kindergarten and am planning on my students making a hot pad out of a 6"x 6" cork pad.

I wanted them to make the face of a snowman out of construction paper and was going to Mod Podge it onto the cork.

On my sample I tried the finish stuck to my hot mug.

Is there another product I could use to seal the art onto the cork that is heat tolerant?

Or should I have my students paint on the cork pad instead? If that is the case, what type of paint and sealer do you recommend? I am open for suggestions on how to make a cute and practical hot pad out of these cork squares.

Jenny

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I had fun with this one and did some experimenting. I liked the one above so much that I'm using it on my own desk.

I think the parents will be delighted with this Christmas gift. Be sure to have the kids sign and date these keepsakes, as I'm sure they'll be treasured for years.

Starting with your ideas, I tested three versions: 1. construction paper with a protective coating; 2. paint and markers; and 3. paint and markers with a protective coating.

To make sure they would stand up to normal use, I ran both a heat and a moisture test. All three versions passed both tests.

Moisture test: I thoroughly moistened the top of each coaster, let sit for five minutes and wiped dry.

Heat test: I heated a saucepan of water to the steaming point, set it on each coaster and let sit for ten minutes. This is much hotter than a mug of coffee, though I don't suggest the coaster be used as a hot pad for pots and pans.

Here's a little ditty you might want to use for the gift card.

P.S. I should mention to always do a test sample, since your materials may vary from mine. For example, some craft cork may have its own sealant which may interfere. If any colors in your sample run, try presealing as described here.

Construction Paper Snowman Coaster

1. Cut a three-inch circle of white construction paper.

2. Draw the snowman's features on the circle using Sharpie Permanent Markers.

3. Thoroughly coat the reverse side with PVA adhesive such as Mod Podge. Smooth the snowman face glue-side down to the center of a 6-inch cork square. Glue on other cutouts, such as the hat above, if desired. Let dry thoroughly.

4. Coat the cork square with one coat of Liquitex Super Heavy Gel.

Notes: Be sure the Liquitex completely coats the paper so that moisture cannot reach it. Liquitex takes a week to reach a hard cure, but the coasters can be used after a day. If they will be gift-wrapped before reaching hard cure, use a non-stick paper like cellophane or paper with a foil or wax backing.

Painted Snowman Coaster

1. Paint a three-inch circle in the center of a 6-inch cork square using white acrylic craft paint. Let dry.

2. Use Sharpie Permanent Markers and/or Krylon Brights paint pens to draw the snowman's features.

Notes: Only the black Sharpie covers the white paint well.

The rest of the sample was painted using Krylon Brights which cover beautifully but only come in five colors at this time (fluorescent blue, green, pink, yellow and orange). Krylon Brights contain VOCs and should be used in a well-ventilated area. Children should not use them without adult supervision.

Painted and Coated Snowman Coaster

1. Follow the steps for the Painted Snowman Coaster. Be sure to read the Notes regarding Krylon Brights.

2. Follow step 4 of the Construction Paper Snowman Coaster. Be sure to read the Notes regarding Liquitex Super Heavy Gel. The gel gives a nice durable gloss finish.