Hand Print Coasters

My mom's birthday is in January, and since she lives far away from her precious grandchildren, I usually try to make her gifts with photos and such of the kiddies. (By the way, it is a time investment, but handmade gifts are cheaper and usually more appreciated!)

I wanted to do something with the kiddies' handprints, and decided to attempt making some drink coasters for her.

For this project you will need:

Coasters: 1) white cardstock, 2) non-toxic acrylic paint, 3) paintbrush, 4) markers, 5) contact paper, 6) sharp scissors, 7) hot glue gun, and 8) sheets of corkboard (I got mine at the dollar store)

Coaster Holder: 1) empty can ( I used a formula can, but you could use an empty cocoa can, coffee can, dishwasher detergent can, etc.), 2) scrapbook paper, 3) glue stick, 4) ribbon, 5) sharp knife

How to Make the Coasters:

1. Trace the bottom of the can you are using for the holder on the cardstock. Then cut a slightly smaller circle from the cardstock. Use that circle to trace as many more coasters as you want on the cardstock and cut them out. (I did 6 coasters, 2 for each child)

2. Paint your child's hand and place hand firmly on the center of each circle. Lift hand directly up and put aside to dry. Use your favorite colors; I chose primary colors for my kiddies.

3. After the paint is dry, use matching markers to write names, sentiments, dates, or whatever you would like on the coasters. For each child, I wrote their full name and the date on one coaster; and I wrote "I Love My Grammy" and their age on the other one.

4. Carefully cover both sides of the cardstock circles with contact paper. Smooth out any bubbles and be sure there is at least a 1/4 inch "seam" around each circle.

5. Trace the cardstock circles onto the cork board and cut them out. Brush off any excess cork pieces from the edges.

6. Using a hot glue gun , adhere the cardstock circles to the cork. Your coasters are finished! (If you don't wish to make a coaster holder, stack up the coasters you've made and tie a matching ribbon around them. Great gift presentation!)

How to Make the Coaster Holder:

1) Stack up all the coasters next to the can you are using and mark the top of the stack on the can. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the can at that mark and all the way around.

2) Mark a place in front where the coasters will be easily lifted out and cut that out with the knife.

3) Again trace the base of the can on colorful scrapbook paper and cut it out. Glue on decorations of your choice. I chose a photo of the three little angels and wrote out a cute little poem about toddler's fingerprints.(I found a great poem here.)

4) Glue the circle into the bottom of the can. Cut matching scrapbook paper and glue it around the sides of the can. When completely dry, overlap the cut edge of the can with ribbon and glue in place.

As you can see in the picture above, my daughter made "fingerprint flowers" to add her special touch to the gift. I tied the coasters with colorful ribbon and wrapped the whole thing up in primary colored tissue paper.

And there you have it - a complete functional set of coasters! My mom was thrilled with these permanent reminders of the kiddies' tiny fingers!

Please let me know what you think. Also, I am looking for tips to help my photos of the crafting process turn out better. I can't seem to get rid of that glaring white spot!