instructions

Instructions & Supplies needed: (for a 4-5" coaster)

1 Sheet of parchment paper cut in 1/2 width wise.(to be used to turn coaster around as you work.)

You will need 1 log 1/4-1/2" dia. or use 1/2 of a block for the main color, maybe white, then around 6-8 strips depending on the width, of 1/4 blocks, of each color to be used.

(also equals= or 3-4 full Sculpey III blocks, or 12 -16 - 1/4 blocks......depends on the colors used and upon how thick or thin you want your design to be overall. You will have to experiment.)

1 gold flecks Fimo block (sliced and diced into small squares, knead well into one color of clay. eg. gold, green, purple or red.)

1 rolling pin (you no longer wish to use with food)

1 ceramic washable working surface (mine is 14"x20")

2 flat hot plates, ceramic

1 flat edge cutting tool

1 metal tool (also used for leather), a round dot, works best since it is thicker, to pull the clay or an old pen or pencil.

Plus a whole lot of time and patience to create your design.....don't give up, you can do it.:-)

After you make your strips above, encircle the main color and press gently these strips together and make a log of 10" with 6-8 colors 1/4" to 1/2" in diameter for each color.

Roll (keeping strips straight) and try to compress together without distorting it.

Here eventually you will have a long snake anywhere from around 12" to 24" depending upon the design and how thick or thin you want the colors.

Once you get the logs made, you start a spiral on the parchment paper or table, keeping the colors straight and flat, again without twisting, this will be the starburst coaster or flower coaster. These logs will stick together by working them. Flatten gently and slightly with a rolling pin

to no more than 4 -5" diameter and around 1/4" in thickness.

Gentle manner so you will not overwork it and distort it.

Pretend you are making a pie crust. Practice makes perfect.

Bake in a small toaster oven.... (preferably the oven is outside since the fumes are toxic when baking) ......with the clay sitting on the parchment paper or a ceramic square.....if it is cold outside add 1-2 minutes to baking time.

Bake at 225-240 degrees for 10 to 15 mins, for each 1/4"...........NOTE: if you bake any longer it may burn and all your work is ruined........after 10 mins. ....open door and cool for 1- minute.... take out. After it is completely cooled you can test if it is hard in an unconspicuous place such as on the back of the item with your fingernail. It should not leave an impression. If it does you can bake it 5 mins or longer and then check it again. Every over varies.

If you wish, you can add two coats of satin glaze and felt buttons or cork buttons to finish it.

I prefer no glaze since the clay sparkes in the light and I like to see both sides if I like the design especially. You can just rinse off any drink spots. I use a rubber eraser to clean the white parts that have gotten dirty on the coaster. Just rub it off with the eraser. Now you are finished.

Now you can congratulate yourself!....... and enjoy using your very own handcrafted coffee coaster for everyone to admire!

PS: If you come up with some very beautiful colors and designs I would be very happy

to see what you created, since I really enjoy making these coasters. Just email me below. I have a guest book that you can also leave a message there too. Thanks, good luck.