This project has absolutely nothing to do with 9/11. But I do want to take a minute to remember that very tragic morning 11 years ago today. To honor those who lost their lives, those who lost loved ones and those who saved lives. I remember that morning so clearly. The shock, the horror, the fear. I was glued to the television for days. I couldn’t stop watching, crying, praying. I’m grateful for the freedoms we have here in America, and for those who defend our country day in and day out. May we never forget, and may this piece of history never be repeated.

On a much, much lighter note…

Sometimes I just want a quick, easy craft project that doesn’t require a mess of materials or skill. Something that provides instant gratification. This is one of those projects. In just 10-15 minutes, your coffee table can be sporting a cute new set of coasters. If you’ve got an hour to spare, you can whip up several sets for gifts!

TOOLS/MATERIALS:

1 piece of self-adhesive shelf liner or contact paper* (about 16″ x 4″)
1 set of 4 circle-shaped cork coasters*
a circle cutter*
a ruler
a self healing mat (or something to protect your work surface)

*NOTES:
I like shelf liner for this project because it resists stains, wipes clean and has the easy peel and stick self-adhesive. I found this cute shelf liner (in the photo) at TJMaxx (two rolls for $6). While this pattern (called ava pool) isn’t available on the manufacturer’s website any longer, they do have some other cute designs. This website also has a ton of great options. I got the set of coasters at Target for $3 (on the giant wall of kitchen gadgets/utensils). The circle cutter is from the Martha Stewart Crafts line (found it at Michaels). If you don’t have/don’t want to buy a circle cutter, you could just use a compass to create a circle template with card stock. Then place it on the shelf liner, trace around it and cut out the circles by hand.

STEP 1
Measure the area you wish to cover with shelf liner (mine was 3¼” in diameter).

STEP 2
Locate the circle size and hole on your circle cutter.

STEP 3
Place the circle cutter on the shelf liner. Insert the cutting tool into the appropriate hole. Using your non-dominant hand (left hand if you are right-handed), hold the circle cutter in place (note – I was using my left hand to take the photo). Push the cutting tool down and in a circle shape (it will self-guide and cut a perfect circle).

STEP 4
Peel off the paper backing (an exacto knife helps) and press the shelf liner onto the coaster. Press it down firmly, rubbing as you go to make sure there are no bubbles. Repeat three times for a set of 4 coasters. Voila! – you’re done!

If you’re really ambitious, you’ll use the remaining roll of shelf liner to pretty up your cupboards/drawers ;)