Monday, April 19, 2010

Map Coasters--A Great Gift Idea!

I received a very cool handmade gift for Christmas this year. Nancy, my brother's girlfriend (also known as Fancy Nancy) made these very personalized coasters by adhering the map to a cork coaster. She cut a circle from heavy map paper. I think she printed the maps herself on cardstock, but it is possible she used actual maps. I would think both would work. The circles were then adhered to the cork with acrylic gloss or Mod Podge. The best part of these coasters is that the maps are all close-ups of places I have lived, making it a very personal gift. The are really sturdy and have had lots of use, not only as coasters but as building blocks, wheels, babies and more. Personal and functional are always such a good gift combination.

5 comments:

  1. great idea... awesome for left over kid art too that might not need to be kept but would look great in a coaster!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Andrea-Kid art coasters would make a great Mother's or Father's Day gift--or end of year for a teacher. I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. yay! i'm so glad they are holding up! i did use real maps - from AAA actually and i had to go back for more because apparently i need remedial circle cutting. i also put a very thin layer of acrylic spray on them to help seal them in case of drippy beverages.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a wonderful idea! And I wanted to let you know about an International Postcard Swap for Families which I'm hosting - I see you're taking part in the Great American Postcard Swap. Detail of my swap are here:
    http://www.playingbythebook.net/international-postcard-swap-for-families/
    I can see myself making coasters like yours with maps corresponding to where my postcards will come from!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a cute idea for the well-traveled!

    ReplyDelete