Today’s DIY is one of my favorites ever. Recently inspired by my friend’s architecture studio, I’ve been on an industrial kick. Last week I made copper and steel candlesticks , and today I bring you cement coasters. Perfectly smooth & darling cement coasters.

To make your own, all you need are these supplies:

Rockite (a fast setting expansion cement; I tried it first w/another product, and they didn’t turn out the way I wanted)

– Water

– 2 tablespoon measuring spoons – one for the Rockite, one for the water (if water gets in the bag of powder, it will activate the chemicals)

– Plastic container for mixing cement (I used a yogurt container)

– Stir stick (I used a plastic knife)

– Mold for coasters (I used 6 cardboard soup containers from a local convenient store – they were nice and wide at the bottom; you could use yogurt/sour cream containers, a bucket, etc.)

– Sandpaper

– Paint (optional)

– Felt

– Elmer’s glue

And then follow these simple steps:

– Gather all your supplies and have them handy. Once you mix the cement, you have to be ready to pour within 10 minutes – it sets very fast!

– Mix the cement. I used about 13 tablespoons of Rockite and 5 tablespoons of water for two coasters. The neat thing about Rockite is that there is no perfect consistency – the thicker the cement, the stronger the coaster will be. My mixture felt like runny peanut butter.

– Pour the cement. I kinda guesstimated the amount of cement for each cup, but the above ratio (13 tbsp Rockite to 5 tbsp water) will make two nicely sized coasters.

– Wait for cement to set. I waited about one hour, then gently but firmly squeezed the sides of the mold. Then, I turned the mold upside down and tapped on the bottom of the mold until the coaster slipped out. I was working over a rag so that the coaster landed on a soft surface. When your coasters come out, they will be a light grey. They eventually turn (after drying overnight) into this lovely whiteish cement.

– Gently sand edges until your coaster is just the way you like it. I ended up only sanding the top “lip” to make it less severe.

– If you feel like giving your cement coasters a dose of glamorous, tape off a region and then go wild with paint (I chose gold…I’ve kinda been obsessed with gold spray paint for months).

– Cut a circle of felt for the underneath side. Glue felt to coaster using Elmer’s glue. The felt will prevent the cement from scratching surfaces.

– Enjoy your coasters. They are perfect for entertaining, for giving as a gift, for decorating your home, etc.

Let me know if you make these – I’d love to see. Also, if you have any questions about the process, please let me know!

Happy May, friends!

Rebecca