Make Upcycled Cork Coasters Using Stencils with Michelle Schenker

Hello Stencil Fans,

My name is Michelle (@michelle.schenker.art on Instagram), and I am a mixed-media and watercolor artist who loves transforming trash into treasures. So, my first project for the StencilGirl® blog follows this passion. 

I often go to my local Goodwill to seek out unsung treasures, and I found a set of Bunco coasters for $2! I could not resist bringing them home to see if I could create a new coaster design for my house!

StencilGirl® Stencil:

• Portugal Tiles by Laurie Mika

Other Supplies:

• Cork Coasters
• Sandpaper
• White Gesso
• Lukas Acrylic Paint, Terracotta
• Lukas Acrylic Paint, Fern
• Lukas Acrylic Paint, Prussian Blue
• FolkArt Outdoor Satin Varnish
• Painter's Tape
• Makeup Sponge 
• Wet Cloth or Baby Wipes 

Step 1:

Gently peel off and sand the coaster surface to remove any plastic or other protective covering. Wear a mask if you are sensitive to dust, and consider working outside for this step. Dust off with a baby wipe or a wet cloth and let it dry before moving to the next step. 

Step 2:

Add tape if you wish to protect the sides. Paint White Gesso onto the sanded surface. Let dry.

Step 3:

Apply a layer of paint (I used Terracotta by Lukas for that old Europe vibe). Let dry. 

Step 4:

Once dry, center the Portugal Tile stencil on the painted coaster.  Apply paint with a sponge (I chose Fern by Lukas for a bright pop of green). 

Bonus Tip: If you wish to isolate certain colors to certain parts of the design, use painter's tape to block off certain areas of the stencil. Then, once each layer of paint is dry, you can move the tape to the next section to add your next paint, etc. (after Fern, I used Prussian Blue)

Step 5:

Remove the Stencil. Repeat with the other coasters, varying the colors as you desire. Let dry.

Step 6:

Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for each coaster.  Feel free to vary the colors or even the stencil design (since there are 6 tile designs to choose from!) if you want a variation on the theme for each one. Let dry.

Step 7:

Once all coasters are dry and you are happy with them, add 2 layers of FolkArt Outdoor Varnish, waiting 30 minutes between layers (or any water-resistant varnish). This helps them resist condensation from glasses.

Step 8:

Let dry overnight, remove the painter's tape, and enjoy!!

Cheers and have fun creating! If you decide to make these, please tag me on your social media posts (links below) - I'd love to see what you make! 

All the best,

Michelle Schenker

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