Straight Coastin'

I made some coasters out of rope. RE: thinks we have too many coasters but I say, not possible! They are great, and pretty straightforward to make. I started these while watching TV because I had rope and thread lying nearby and I compulsively make things. Now I have a set of six and I love them! 

Materials Needed:

• Rope (I used this cotton rope)
• Embroidery thread (color(s) of your choice, here is an option)
• Needle
• Scissors
• Felt (for the bottom, whatever color you like)

My embroidery thread comes with six strands, I used only three which means I separated the thread into two. 

After separating the thread, I threaded the needle with the three threads and got started. To begin, you coil the rope up and stick the needle through the center of the rope, through the entire coil. This starts the base of the coaster. 

Then, continue to coil the rope around while wrapping the embroidery thread around the new rope and the closest existing coil. 

I ended up making these 3 3/4 inches because it seemed like a good size when I put my glass on top of it. You can make them bigger or smaller based on your preference. Here is the finished coil.

I debated making a set of one color but settled on a multi-colored set. You could do your favorite team colors, all one color, whatever you like. After finishing off the coasters, I cut six circles in the grey felt and sewed them onto the bottom of the coaster. Here is the set.

There are so many variations you could do using colored rope, dying natural rope, using different kinds or colors of thread. The possibilities are endless! I also like these because you could wash them if they end up dirty. 

What colors would you choose? 

Twine It Up

I have a thing with glass jars and bottles: I can’t throw any of them away. I scrape off the label, clean them, and put them aside for random projects like this one. I ended up using two jars I had laying around, one old spice jar and I honestly can’t remember what the second jar was, maybe a jelly or salsa?

Materials needed:

• Glue gun
• Glue sticks
• Twine
• Yarn (color(s) of your choice)

This is a pretty basic project, easily done in an hour in front of the TV. After the bottles have been de-labeled, cleaned, and dried simply put a dot of glue on the bottom and start winding the yarn around, going up the sides, until you decide you want to switch to twine. I kept adding glue for every row to ensure the yarn stayed in place and continued that pattern for the twine.

I ended up doing these two slightly differently. For the larger jar I started with the yarn on the bottom and for the spice jar I started on the sides. When they are displayed, I can’t really tell a difference so do what you’d like depending on the bottom of the jar you’re using and how well it will stand with or without yarn on the bottom.

I filled one of mine with a collection of shells I have from various beach trips. It is a nice reminder of vacations I’ve taken and people who are special to me. And, since I had all of these materials on-hand this project was free! If you had to purchase yarn, twine, and a glue gun I’d imagine this might run you $25 (depending on how fancy you get with the glue gun and yarn) and you would have the materials for future projects. 

The style of these can vary greatly depending on what yarn/twine you used. Mine ended up with a slightly nautical look (partially because I added seashells) but they blend right into the rest of our decor. What combinations would you choose? I've seen some great projects around with neon rope which I think would be fun on these.

Enjoy!