By painting the backs of glass squares ordered from a window glass supplier, you can create distinctive coasters--for yourself or for gifts. Practical as protectors under wineglasses, they can also be set side by side to create a trivet for a vase or a pitcher.
TIME: 15 minutes to 1 hour per coaster (plus drying time), depending on the complexity of your pattern
COST: $5 to $8 each
MATERIALS
* 1/4-inch-thick glass in 4- to 4 1/2-inch squares with polished or sanded edges, cut to order from a window pass supplier
* Thin paintbrush for detail work
* Acrylic paint
* Self-adhesive paper
* Craft knife
* 1-inch-wide foam brush
* Small adhesive-backed felt pads
DIRECTIONS
1. For solid-colored coasters, skip to step 3. On what will become the back of your coaster, paint a pattern with the thin paintbrush. Or, stick adhesive-backed paper to the coaster and, with craft knife, cut out a pattern; apply paint to cutout areas. Allow the paint to dry completely.
2. If you have used self-adhesive paper, score its edges with the craft knife, then remove it.
3. With foam brush, paint the entire surface. For patterned coasters, use a color that contrasts with the pattern. Allow paint to dry completely Apply a second coat if necessary.
4. Once paint is dry, adhere a small felt pad to each corner, approximately 1/2 inch from the edge of the coaster.
