Backyard Coaster Craft

Summer is backyard BBQ time, and this Backyard Coaster Craft is a fun way for kids to bring a little beachy style to the picnic table. Using recycled plastic food container lids, printable beach scenes, sand, and tiny shells or pebbles, kids can make their own cheerful coasters for outdoor meals, pretend play, or summer party decorations.

This is also a great recycled craft for kids because it turns something headed for the trash into a useful summer project.

Fun Fact

The modern drink coaster began as a beer mat in Germany, where it was called a bierdeckel. Early coasters were made from cardboard and designed to absorb moisture from cold drinks. Today, coasters come in all kinds of materials and styles, including homemade versions like these beachy backyard coasters.

Supplies

• Quart or pint sized plastic food container lid from a deli or takeout container
• Printed beach scene
• Tacky glue
• Scissors
• Sand
• Small seashells or pebbles
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Print out the beach scene patterns.
2. Wash and dry a plastic food container lid completely before starting.
3. Place the bottom of the lid over the printable beach scene and trace around it with a pencil.
4. Cut out the traced circle.
5. Cover the inside bottom of the lid with a thin layer of tacky glue.
6. Press the cut out beach scene into the lid and smooth it down gently.
7. Spread a thin layer of glue around the outer edge of the lid.
8. Sprinkle sand over the glue, then gently tap off the extra sand.
9. Glue small seashells or pebbles around the edge to finish your backyard coaster.
10. Let the coaster dry completely before using it.

Craft Tips

Use a light layer of glue so the paper does not wrinkle too much.

For younger children, an adult can help with tracing and cutting.

If you want the coaster to last longer, an adult can seal the finished project with a clear craft sealer after the glue has dried.

Patterns, Templates and Printables

Click on a pattern to open it in a new window to print.

Patterns, Templates and Printables

Click on a pattern to open it in a new window

Contributor

The FreeKidsCrafts Team

These projects are created by Terri, Betty, Jamie or one of the talented staff members at MakingFriends.com. They have been created exclusively for publication on FreeKidsCrafts.com with supplies you'll be able to find around your house.