Laser Coasters       


Bellinghm Coasters  San Juan Coasters Whatcom   Lake Whatcom Lynden  Planer  Gray Stain 





Wood Block .40   Felt Square 4x4 self adhessive .16  Cork Top .33 Total materials  =~.90
Round Foam Pads  ~.10
Retail 24.99 with cork non slip back.

Coaster Holders $5

AI: Simple line drawing of Bologna skyline in the 1600s with a white background
AI II:
Please create a black and white line and ink drawing skyline of balogna in 1600
Created complex drawing.

## You
line drawing balogna skyline 1600s
## Copilot
I'll try to create that.
## You
simple line drawing balogna skyline 1600s  white background
## Copilot
I'll try to create that.

Gray Stain

Felt Backed

As a product designer, here are some suggestions for feet for your laser engraved 5x5 coasters:

Material:

  • Cork: This is a classic choice for coaster feet. Cork is naturally slip-resistant and protects surfaces from scratches. It's readily available, affordable, and can be easily cut to size.
  • Felt: Dark Blue, Blue, Green, Burgundy, Purple, Dark Gray, Black,  Dark BrownSimilar to cork, felt offers good slip resistance and scratch protection. It comes in a wide variety of colors, allowing you to complement the design of your coasters. Felt is easy to find at craft stores and can be glued on.
  • Silicone: Silicone is another popular option that provides excellent slip resistance and heat protection. It comes in various colors and can be molded to create different shapes or patterns. You can find pre-made silicone furniture pads at hardware stores or online.

Shape and Size:

  • Small squares: Small squares of cork or felt glued to the bottom corners of each coaster is a simple and effective solution. This adds stability and protects surfaces without being too visually distracting.
  • Thin strips: Thin strips of felt or cork running along the entire bottom edge of the coaster provide a more finished look. You can use a contrasting color to create a design element.
  • Custom shapes: If you're feeling creative, you can cut the felt or cork into custom shapes that complement the design of your coasters. For example, if your coasters have a nature theme, you could use leaf shapes for the feet.

Application:

  • Adhesive: You can use a strong adhesive suitable for the material of your coasters and feet to attach them securely.
  • Double-sided tape: Double-sided tape is a quick and easy way to attach felt or cork feet. However, make sure the tape is strong enough to hold the feet in place, especially if the coasters will be used for hot drinks.

Additional factors to consider:

  • Thickness: The thickness of the feet will affect the stability of the coasters. Opt for slightly thicker feet if your coasters are heavy or engraved with a deep design.
  • Noise: Cork and felt are good choices for noise reduction when placing the coasters on a table.

There isn't a single "best" color for felt coasters, but there are some factors to consider that can help you choose the right one for you:

  • Visibility of stains: Lighter colors will show stains more easily than darker colors. If you're concerned about spills, a darker gray, brown, or black might be a better choice.
  • Matching your decor: Felt coasters are a great way to add a pop of color or pattern to your table. Consider choosing a color that complements your existing decor.
  • Style: Felt coasters can be classic or modern, depending on the color and thickness. A bright color or pattern can add a fun and whimsical touch, while a neutral color can create a more sophisticated look.

Here's a breakdown of pros and cons for different color choices:

  • Dark colors (black, brown, gray): Pro: Less likely to show stains. Con: Can look boring or disappear on some tables.
  • Light colors (white, cream): Pro: Bright and cheerful, can easily match light-colored tabletops. Con: Will show stains more easily.
  • Bold colors (red, blue, green): Pro: Can add a pop of color and personality to your table. Con: May clash with some decors.

Ultimately, the best color for your felt coasters is a matter of personal preference. If you're still not sure, you could consider buying a set of coasters in multiple colors to see what you like best.

Food Safe Finishes for Wood
Mineral Oil
Azen Mineral Oil 67¢ per oz
Hampton Bay @ home depot 

  • Tried & True Original Wood Finish: This is a great all-natural option that is safe for food contact surfaces. It's made with linseed oil and beeswax, and it will enhance the natural beauty of the cedar. It's also relatively easy to apply, with a drying time of around 8 hours. https://www.rockler.com/tried-true-original-wood-finish
  • Minwax Wipe-On Polyurethane: This is a good option if you want a more durable finish. Polyurethane will create a barrier that will protect your coasters from moisture and stains. It's also relatively easy to apply, but it will take longer to dry than the Tried & True finish (around 24 hours).

Here are some other things to keep in mind when choosing a finish for your coasters:

  • Cedar is naturally water-resistant, so you don't necessarily need a super-sealing finish. However, a finish will help to protect your coasters from stains and will make them easier to wipe clean.
  • You may want to consider a stain if you want to change the color of your coasters. However, since cedar is a beautiful wood, you may prefer to leave it natural.
  • Make sure the finish you choose is safe for food contact. This is especially important if you plan on using your coasters for hot drinks.

No matter which finish you choose, be sure to sand your coasters smooth before applying it. This will help the finish to adhere better and will give your coasters a professional look.

Wood Plank
Wood Squares
Cork
Wilson Art Contact Adhessive
Brown Felt
Black Felt Self Adhessive
Multi Color Felt
Felt Self Adhesive  48 4" squares for $11= 24¢ each.

   

Cork Underlayment


Here are three ways to attach felt to older wood for your laser engraved coasters:

1. Spray Adhesive:

  • This is a quick and easy method for attaching felt to a large surface.
  • Choose a spray adhesive specifically designed for fabrics and wood.
  • Ensure good ventilation in your workspace.
  • Here's how to do it:
    • Lay the felt on a flat surface.
    • Place the wood coaster upside down on top of the felt, ensuring it's properly positioned.
    • Following the instructions on the can, lightly spray the entire wood surface with the adhesive.
      • Maintain a distance of 8-10 inches while spraying.
    • Let the adhesive dry according to the recommended time (usually a couple of minutes until it becomes tacky).
    • Carefully flip the wood coaster and press it firmly onto the felt to ensure a good bond.
    • Place some weight (books work well) on top of the coaster for a few hours to create a secure hold.

2. Craft Glue:

  • This is a good option if you prefer a less messy application compared to spray adhesive.
  • Use a permanent All-Purpose craft glue suitable for both wood and fabric.
  • Here's how to do it:
    • Apply a thin and even layer of glue to the wood surface using a brush.
    • Place the felt on top of the glued wood, ensuring proper positioning.
    • Gently press the felt onto the wood to create good contact.
    • Use a roller or similar tool to smooth out any air bubbles trapped between the felt and wood.
    • Place some weight on top of the coaster and let the glue dry completely, which can take several hours.

    Aleene's Fabric Fusion Permanent Adhesive is a great brand of craft glue that would be appropriate for attaching felt to older wood for your laser engraved coasters. Here's why it's a good choice:

  • Permanently bonds fabric to wood: This ensures a strong and long-lasting hold, especially important for coasters that will see frequent use.
  • Dries clear: Aleene's dries clear, so it won't leave any visible marks on the wood, preserving the look of your coasters.
  • Low odor and non-toxic: This makes it safe to use indoors and around children (with proper supervision).
  • Machine washable and dry cleanable: While not essential for coasters, this is a bonus if you ever need to wash them.

Aleene's Fabric Fusion is widely available at craft stores and online retailers.

    3. Double-Sided Tape:

    • This is a simple and mess-free method, but it might not be as strong as the other two options, especially for frequently used coasters.
    • Use a double-sided tape with strong adhesive properties suitable for wood and fabric.
    • Here's how to do it:
      • Cut strips of double-sided tape according to the size of your coaster.
      • Adhere the tape strips to the bottom of the wood coaster, leaving a small gap around the edges for a clean look (optional).
      • Remove the protective film from the tape.
      • Carefully position the felt on top of the exposed adhesive tape and press firmly to secure it.

    Additional Tips:

    • Regardless of the method you choose, pre-clean the wood surface to remove any dust or debris that might affect adhesion.
    • For all methods, ensure the felt is cut to the exact size of your coasters or slightly larger to allow for trimming after attaching.
    • If you plan to use the coasters for hot beverages, consider using heat-resistant felt or adding a layer of cork underneath the felt for better heat insulation.



    Each glue that works on felt has its own pros and cons. Here’s a little comparison:


    Hot glue

    Tacky glue

    Fabric glue

    Super glue

    Spray glue

    Extra-strong hold




    Dries quick



    Dries clear

    Child-friendly




    Washable


    Doesn’t stiffen fabric




    Let’s take a look at these glues and their traits in more detail.

    Hot Glue

    Many crafters find hot glue to be the best glue to stick felt togethe