The wonder of creating woodworks is that it can be as detailed or as simple as the crafter chooses. This means that lots of wood items and woodworking equipment may be used or, conversely, very simple wood items and woodworking equipment may be. Coasters can be made for their traditional use, such as placing glasses on them to prevent rings on beautiful and often costly furniture. Or consider non-traditional uses for coasters. Using fitting, appropriate dimensions, faux bamboo coasters can be used as kitchen pot holders, placed under plants in plant holders, or under pets’ food and water dishes. Follow these simple steps to create faux bamboo coasters that project decorative chic, but with very little effort or expense.
Determine the function of the coaster, and in doing so, determine the necessary dimensions. This information assists in determining the size and durability of the supplies needed. If uncertainty remains, consult the expertise of a local craft store or home improvement warehouse employee. If any are known, consider consulting a more experienced woodworker for guidance.
Purchase the necessary supplies. For this simple project, basic supplies include a dowel, sandpaper, and wood glue or hot glue.
Based on the pre-determined dimensions of the wood dowel, use a pencil or other marking tool to determine where cuts will need to be made. Then, using a circular or hand saw, make the appropriate cuts.
Use sandpaper to smooth the edges where the cuts were made. Anywhere between 150 to 200 grit sandpaper should be acceptable for this project, but grit can certainly be tweaked to achieve the final result the crafter wishes to accomplish.
Use wood or hot glue to glue the dowel sections together. Allow the glue of the newly joined pieces sufficient time to dry.
Consider adding fitted non-slip rubber to the underside of the coaster to prevent easy slipping and big messes.
If so desired once the glue has dried, and the coaster is therefore assembled, apply a light stain to the hardwood dowel sections to achieve a more natural, wooden tone, as reflected when bamboo is drying, or apply a light coat of earthy (nearly pastel) green, as reflected when bamboo is fresh and thriving. As with the glue, allow sufficient time for the stain or paint to dry.
Once the stain or paint has dried, place the coaster in the designated area for which it was created.
Some simple variations to consider for this craft include making cuts of various lengths and sanding them to achieve abstract designs or shapes. Consider applying twine to the coaster in a lengthwise fashion to enhance a more rugged, earthy ambiance. Also consider different locations or uses for the coaster. Made largely enough, what begins as a coaster could become a kitchen placemat or a piece of art. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!