Simply Elegant Mirror Coasters
The big trend in wedding crafting lately can be summed up in two words: BLING and MONOGRAMS. I’ve seen monograms on wedding wraps, toasting flutes, invitations, heck- even the chair covers.
So today we’re going to ride that trend and make classic and lovely coasters for your wedding reception for about $1.50 each– and your guests can take them home as mementos of your special day.
These are ridiculously simple to make using the Cricut die-cutting machine (that’s how I’m doing them today) but you can also use pre-purchased vinyl stickers from the office supply store, too!
Supplies:
- 4″ scalloped-edged mirrors (Item 1633-62)
- Cricut vinyl (Item PV29-0458)
- Storybook cartridge (Item PV29-0589)
- Cricut machine (Item PV29-0001)
- Armor Etching cream (Item AR15-0151)
Start off by selecting your initial from the Storybook Cricut cartridge, and cut them out using the vinyl. I used a 2 3/4 letter to fit nicely within the mirror’s area. Remember to use the “3=Speed/3=Pressure” formula for perfect cuts through the vinyl but not the backing material.
I decided to make the most of my materials and use both the positive and the shapes- that way with every monogram cut I actually get two stencils to use.
While the Cricut is cutting out that intricate shape for you, clean your mirrors with a bit of alcohol or window cleaner.
When your Cricut is done, unload the mat and remove the vinyl from the mat. Carefully cut a square around the vinyl shape. Remove the “negative” space first (not the monogram, but the area around it. Place it on your mirror. You may need to position internal spaces, as well– like the part inside my “R.”
Place the monogram sticker in the middle of a second mirror.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the package of the etching cream, and apply the cream to the exposed areas of mirror. (My bottle said to leave it for 10 minutes, so I used that time to cut another stencil and prep another set of mirrors!)
Rinse off the cream according to the directions, and remove the vinyl. Dry with a soft cloth. Ta-Da! You’re done!
This is also a great gift idea: what couple wouldn’t like a set of 6 coasters with their monogram? It would make a fabulous wedding, anniversary, or housewarming present!
So have fun, and get crafting!
19. May 2010 at 9:45 pm
I think these would make geat Christmas gifts for those friends and family that have everything and you just don’t know what to buy for them.
16. July 2010 at 11:24 am
Great idea! I think making the mirror smaller and gluing it to some rounded cork (you can buy at the craft store) would be great. That way when it gets wet it wont slip off and the cork will absorb the water more.