Roll white air-dry clay to 8 mm, cut circles with a bowl, press in a texture, dry slowly for two days, sand and seal with two coats of water-based varnish. Four coasters cost about $5 and take one relaxed afternoon plus drying time.
What you need
- 250 g white air-dry clay (DAS or similar; the fibre-reinforced kind cracks less)
- A rolling pin and two 8 mm guides (chopsticks work)
- A 10 cm bowl or cutter
- Texture: lace, a leaf, a wooden stamp, the bottom of a glass
- Fine sandpaper (240 grit)
- Water-based matte varnish and a small brush
- Cork or felt dots for the base
Method
- Knead the clay for a minute so it is even, then roll it between the guides.
- Cut four circles and smooth the edges with a damp finger.
- Press in the texture in one confident push. Lift straight up.
- Dry on parchment under a loose tea towel for the first 24 hours, then uncovered for another day. Flip halfway.
- Sand the edges and the back.
- Varnish both sides, two thin coats, drying between.
- Stick felt dots on the base.
Texture ideas
Lace gives the softest pattern. A fern leaf pressed and peeled leaves a crisp vein print. For a plain coaster, dab the surface with a sea sponge before drying for a stone-like finish. I keep one plain and three patterned so the set does not look like a kit.
Keeping them nice
Wipe rings with a damp cloth; do not soak. Re-varnish once a year. If one cracks, fill the line with a paste of clay and water, dry, sand and re-seal. You can read more of my studio notes on my site and in the Slow Crafts section here.
Frequently asked questions
Will the coasters survive a hot mug?
Yes, once sealed. Air-dry clay handles hot cups fine; it is standing water that ruins unsealed clay, so seal both sides.
Why did mine crack?
Usually they dried too fast or were rolled too thin. Aim for 8 mm and dry them under a loose cloth for the first day.