This post was sponsored by Tradewinds Slow-Brewed Iced Tea as part of the Mom It Forward Blogger Network. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are entirely my own, reflecting an honest and enthusiastic take on a delightful summer pairing.
As the sun climbs high and the days stretch long, there’s nothing quite like the relaxed rhythm of summer. It’s a season that calls for easy living, refreshing drinks, and creative projects that add a touch of personal charm to our homes. That’s exactly why we’re so excited to share these incredibly easy-to-make DIY summer cork coasters. They are not only a fantastic way to protect your furniture from condensation rings but also a vibrant addition to any summer gathering, perfectly designed to cradle your favorite chilled beverages, especially a tall, cool glass of iced tea.
Summer, for me, embodies a much-needed shift in pace. While the intense heat, particularly here in Phoenix, can be a challenge, the opportunity to slow down and create lasting memories with my children is truly invaluable. My youngest daughter, affectionately known as “the Diva,” is the resident crafting prodigy in our family. While I enjoy a good DIY project, her patience and innate creativity truly set her apart. She meticulously curates a summer bucket list of crafts she’s eager to tackle, and these adorable DIY cork coasters were at the very top of her creative agenda, promising a fun afternoon of hands-on artistry.
My daily routine usually revolves around a steaming mug of coffee. However, as the temperatures soar, the thought of hot coffee becomes less appealing, and strangely, iced coffee has never quite captured my affection. There’s something about its taste profile that just doesn’t resonate with me. Yet, with Phoenix experiencing record-breaking heat waves, even my morning hot brew sometimes goes unfinished. And let’s be honest, friends, a caffeine deficit is a state I prefer to avoid!
Growing up, summer meant a constant supply of sun tea. My parents would fill a large glass jar with water and tea bags, letting it steep in the warm sun, then chilling it in the fridge for easy refills. It was a staple of our childhood summers. As an adult, being the sole tea drinker in my household, I typically resort to brewing a single serving and pouring it over ice. While functional, it never quite replicates that rich, full-bodied flavor of traditionally brewed tea. This is precisely why having a generous gallon of **Tradewinds Slow Brewed Iced Tea** readily available in the fridge has been an absolute game-changer for me. These teas are crafted with genuine tea leaves and undergo a meticulous slow-brewing process, ensuring every sip is bursting with authentic, satisfying flavor. It’s the perfect complement to lazy summer afternoons and a wonderfully convenient way to stay refreshed.
And what better way to enjoy a perfectly chilled glass of Tradewinds Iced Tea than with a set of charming, handmade coasters? These little creations not only serve a practical purpose by safeguarding your surfaces but also infuse your home with a touch of personalized summer cheer. They’re a testament to the joy of crafting and the simple pleasures of the season.
How to Make Delightful DIY Summer Cork Coasters
Creating these vibrant cork coasters is a wonderfully simple project that promises both fun and functional results. It’s an ideal activity for a relaxed afternoon, whether you’re crafting solo or enjoying quality time with family. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Cork board (thin sheets are easiest to cut, or you can opt for pre-cut cork rounds/squares)
- Sharp scissors or a craft knife (for precise cutting of cork)
- Pencil (for outlining your desired shapes)
- Acrylic paints in various bright, summer-inspired colors
- Paintbrushes (a range of sizes for details and broader strokes)
- Clear sealer or decoupage medium (e.g., Mod Podge Outdoor, clear acrylic sealant spray) for protecting the painted surface
The Diva and I embarked on a quick and exciting trip to our local craft store, where we discovered thin sheets of cork board, perfectly suited for this project. While we chose to cut our own shapes, don’t hesitate to look for pre-cut cork forms if you want to streamline the process. The Diva, with her keen artistic eye, took charge of sketching various shapes onto the cork with her pencil. She opted for classic circles and playful triangles, envisioning them as different fruits. Once satisfied with her designs, she carefully cut out each shape using a pair of sharp scissors, demonstrating her impressive precision.
With the shapes meticulously cut, the real fun began: the painting! We decided to transform these simple cork cutouts into whimsical fruit slices, perfect for summer. This was a fantastic opportunity for collaboration, and the Diva graciously allowed me to contribute my artistic flair. We carefully selected vibrant acrylic paints to bring our vision to life. For a lemon, we used bright yellow; a lime called for a zesty green; and a watermelon wedge came to life with shades of green, red, and tiny black “seeds.” The beauty of this step is the freedom it offers for creativity – you can choose any summer motif that sparks your imagination. Think pineapples, oranges, or even abstract summer patterns!
Once our painted masterpieces were completely dry – a crucial step to prevent smudging – we moved on to the final, protective layer. We applied a clear sealer to each coaster. This step is essential for several reasons: it safeguards the paint from moisture and wear, significantly extending the life of your beautiful creations, and it also imparts a lovely, subtle gloss to the coasters, giving them a polished and professional finish. You can opt for a brush-on sealer or a spray-on version, following the product’s specific instructions for the best results, usually involving multiple thin coats.
The culmination of our crafting session resulted in a delightful set of coasters: a vibrant lime, a sunny lemon, a refreshing watermelon wedge, and, in a truly unexpected but thoroughly charming twist, a slice of pepperoni pizza! This last design perfectly encapsulates the playful spirit of tweens and adds a unique, personal touch to our collection. It’s a testament to letting creativity lead the way!
Aren’t they absolutely super cute?! We were so thrilled with how they turned out, each one bursting with character and perfectly embodying the fun-loving spirit of summer. These coasters are not just functional; they’re conversation starters and a sweet reminder of a fun afternoon spent together.
The beauty of this DIY project lies in its simplicity and speed. You can easily complete the entire set in a single afternoon, from cutting the cork to applying the final protective sealer. Once the clear finish has fully dried and cured, typically within a few hours, your new, custom coasters are ready to be put to good use! They’re the ideal accessory for entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quiet moment of refreshment on your patio.
While we were diligently crafting, I was happily sipping on a tall glass of Tradewinds Slow Brewed Unsweet Tea. It was one of those perfect moments – creative, relaxing, and filled with the simple joy of companionship. During the busy school year, free time is a precious commodity, so these unhurried crafting sessions are especially cherished. And now that these delightful DIY summer cork coasters are complete, I can finally enjoy my chilled beverages without the constant worry of unsightly condensation rings damaging my furniture. It’s a small victory, but a welcome one!
The unsweetened Tradewinds tea holds a special place in my heart because its authentic flavor truly reminds me of the classic sun tea my parents always made. It’s pure, refreshing, and simply delicious. However, Tradewinds offers a wonderful array of other slow-brewed flavors, and I’m definitely eager to explore them all throughout the summer. Each promises to be a refreshing treat, perfect for any occasion.
We hope this project inspires you to add a handmade touch to your summer decor and enjoy every moment of this beautiful season. Grab your supplies, pour yourself a glass of Tradewinds Iced Tea, and let your creativity flow! Happy Summer!
Sharing at TT&J, Met Monday