Dollar Store Clay Plant Saucer Drink Coasters
Today I'm sharing a budget-friendly idea for turning dollar store clay plant saucers into drink coasters for summer. They have a pretty French Country vintage-style charm and are not difficult to make.
You can have a set of these coasters made in just a few hours. They can be used indoors in the sunroom or outdoors for entertaining on the deck. But they also make lovely mothers' day, bridal shower, birthday, or hostess gifts too.
French Country Terracotta Saucer Drink Coasters
It's easy to give the terracotta saucers an aged patina with paint and I'll show you how further down in the post. The instant wow factor came from the pretty vintage-style French Dans le Jardin Prima decor transfers.
I made a set of six of these pretty French country terracotta saucer drink coasters to use on our deck this summer. But I'll also use them indoors during the Spring. Enough chatter, let's get to deets on how to make them.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to make the clay saucer drink coasters, almost all of the DIY projects shared here at Interior Frugalista have step-by-step tutorials so why not get your budget DIY on and subscribe. You can also follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
What You'll Need To Make Them
Pictured below are the supplies I used to make the drink coasters. This post contains affiliate links so you can see what products I used or recommend for this project. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Four-inch clay saucers are a great size to use as drink coasters. The pretty Prima French Decor Transfers fit inside the saucers perfectly. I'll show you how easy they are to apply further down in the post.
Here's How I Made It
Step 1 - Prep Clay Saucers For Paint
The inside of the 4-inch terracotta saucers is glazed and in order for the paint to grip all you have to do is rough up the surface with 150 grit sandpaper.
Step 2 - Paint Terracotta Saucers
I used mineral-based chalk paint but any chalky style paint or multi-surface craft paint will be fine to use. First I brushed two coats of a pretty green paint color called Upper Canada. It dries fast and you can speed up the process with a blow dryer or heat gun set on low.
Next, with a cheap chip brush, I dry brushed white paint in the color Raw Silk. A little goes a long way with this paint technique. Dip the tips of the brush into the paint and dab the excess onto a paper towel.
With very little paint left on the brush and with light pressure, swipe the brush over the green paint in random brush strokes. The key is to still see the green paint underneath.
Step 3 - Add French Decor Transfers
I absolutely love Prima furniture and decor transfers. They add an instant wow factor to furniture and home decor. They have a matte finish, unlike glossy decals, and give pieces a handpainted look.
They come with a sheet of nine vintage-style French graphics and a rub-on stick. I tried to find a link for you but it looks like they may be discontinued. I've included a link to alternative prima decor transfers. Larger transfers can be cut to fit smaller projects.
Cut around each transfer and be sure to keep the paper backing behind each transfer. Eyeball the graphic to the center of each saucer. Remove the paper backing and rub the image with the rub-on stick provided.
Carefully lift the plastic as you work to check if any areas haven't transferred. If not, set it down and rub some more over those areas. It's also a good idea to gently rub your finger over the graphic once it's transferred to press down any loose bits.
Step 4 - Protect The Coasters
You want to protect the paint finish and transfer with a few coats of a waterproof clear coat. I applied three thin coats of my favorite matte Gator Hide water repellent clear coat.
Step 5 - Protective Pads
Last but not least, stick small felt pads on the bottom of each coaster to protect furniture from scratches.
That's it, fairly easy, right? They look like a lot of time and effort went into making them.
To see how to get a similar look on large terracotta flower pots, see my French Country Painted Terracotta Pots post. Here's an idea you may like for making French Country Place Cardholders with mini dollar store flower pots and saucers.
Thanks for stopping by the Interior Frugalista today! I hope you were inspired by these DIY Summer Drink Coasters. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below or the Contact Me tab at the top to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!
If you enjoyed these repurposed dollar store clay saucer drink coasters, I'd be so thankful if you shared it with a friend and pinned it to your DIY Home Decor or Dollar Store Crafts board on Pinterest.
I share my projects at these inspiring link parties.
What can I say Marie, they are gorgeous. I have to see if I can find some of those transfers. They are really beautiful. Love the way they looks so naturally distressed
ReplyDeleteYou will love the Redesigns From Prima transfers, Michelle! I have so many projects planned for using them. They add instant charm!
DeleteOh, wow! I really love these! They would make a great DIY gift. I hadn't seen transfers like these before and have only used stencils in the past. They are now on my radar! Pinning this!
ReplyDeleteYou definitely must try them Crissy - promise you'll be hooked! I do a lot of image transfers on my pieces where I handpaint the details but after trying the Prima Transfers and how they instantly add such character and charm, they have completely changed my graphics game. More projects using them coming soon!
DeleteBeautiful Marie! And these could be used for many things...like candles. Thanks for sharing this fabulous idea. And P.S. Love that Upper Canada color. XO
ReplyDeleteThanks Susie! I know right, the Upper Canada is gorgeous and more projects to come with that color. Putting these coasters to good use this May long weekend 😊
ReplyDeleteGosh, Marie---after 4 years of staring at chalk paint/other paint projects and all the steps to be easy and then the wax,sealer/yadayada/and the dollars for all said---I seriously wonder why three fine coats of a spray paint(under $5.00) isn't easier/and more durable. Love the transfer idea...and I would simply spray seal that also.
ReplyDeleteGosh, Sandi - for so many reasons! (1)You cannot get that beautiful porous ultra matte finish with spray paint. (2)It can be blended and layered beautifully. (3)It is quick drying and VERY durable. (4)More importantly, because it has no VOC's (volatile organic compounds), you can paint indoors, unlike spray paint. Especially important for those of us living in climates where painting outdoors isn't an option nine months of the year. (5)It bonds to most surfaces (unlike spray paint). (6)It doesn't require sanding or priming on most surfaces. I love spray paint and use it on metal and plastic surfaces. If you want a good comparision between chalk paint and spray paint visit this post (https://www.interiorfrugalista.com/2013/06/the-nests-got-makeover.html).
DeleteThese are so clever, Marie! They definitely would make great gifts. You are just full of unique creative ideas! I love reading about them all.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Naomi 😊 I'm glad you like them. Hoping to put them to good use this weekend.
DeleteThis is such an amazing idea and brilliant to topcoat them with gator hide incase of spills! Love your staging/styling too Marie! It's making me thirsty for some lemonade! ;) Hope you're long weekend is going great despite the rain. XO
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Denise! I'm glad you like my coasters AND how I styled them (always a work in progress). The weather this long weekend hasn't been rainy but very windy. Looks like today is going to be a nice day so hopefully I'll get some flowers planted.
ReplyDeleteThese coasters are adorable, Marie. Softening the green makes them look vintage and those transfers are lovely. I am sure you will get lots of compliments from your guests when they see them.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Pili 😊 I am in love with the decor transfers and have several more projects in the works using them.
DeleteMarie,
ReplyDeleteI love your coasters. I am wondering if I can get some of those transfers or something similar in our English language, or perhaps something with coffee, tea, or cocktails theme on them? Thanks. You work like a pro - which I think you are! You give us good advice and in reading the above comment about spray paint, you are absolutely right - these products seem much more durable.
Thank you so very much, Barb, you made my day! xo If you press the link in the post to the transfer I used, you can find several other options available on Amazon. If you don't find what you're looking for I suggest you visit www.redesignwithprima.com/products to see their complete line of transfers. Hope this helps 😊
ReplyDeleteLove how they turned out Marie! The color and transfer are just perfect!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, my friend! xo
DeleteThank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared.
ReplyDeleteWell, aren't those just lovely??? And, I've not seen this done before! Great home project, Marie!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Julie! I'm still waiting to put them to good use on our deck but the weather has been awful.
DeleteI love these, the transfers look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sarah! I'm having such fun with these decor and furniture transfers.
DeletePinning for inspiration Marie. I can't wait to try these transfers. Thanks for linking up with Tuesday Turn About!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the pin, Michelle 😊 Have fun with the transfers but be forewarned, they are addictive! LOL
DeleteThank you so much for sharing these and your other posts with us at the Summer Fun party. I've pinned them all!
ReplyDeleteYou are so kind! Thank you so much for the visits and all those pins - much appreciated! xo Such a fun Summer inspired link-up too btw 😀
DeleteAnother beautiful, easy to follow and inspiration project. You always do such a great job. I love the French transfers! Pinned!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Jasmine for your sweet comment and the pin. I'm so glad you like this idea for dollar store clay saucers!
DeleteI love this idea, Marie! I need some coaster for outside, too, so I may try something similar. Thanks for sharing at Sundays on Silverado!
ReplyDeleteNiky @ The Houe on Silverado
Awesome Niky! Have fun making your outdoor drink coasters.
DeleteI love these! I never thought of using plant saucers for coasters, but I will definitely be trying these out! Pinned.
ReplyDeleteHi Cherryl, thank you! They are a great size for drink coasters and just so cute used outdoors with patio furniture.
DeleteThese coasters are great! I'll be featuring them at this weekend's Snickerdoodle party :)
ReplyDeleteAlexandra
EyeLoveKnots.com
Woot woot, thank you so much for the feature Alexandra! xo
DeleteThank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. We appreciate your shares. They have been Tweeted Pinned. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Please stay safe and healthy. Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us - I'm featuring you this week! See you next time at the To Grandma's house we go link party!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Tarahlynn, for the feature! See you at the party. xo
DeleteThis is such a crafty idea and great for personalizing for Mother's Day or just to match your interiors. I am working on things for my new sunroom and these are a great idea. Thanks for sharing the inspiration. #HomeMattersParty
ReplyDeleteThese would be perfect in a sunroom! So glad you like this drink coaster idea, Donna and thanks for popping over for a visit.
DeleteI cannot believe these were terracotta before and how adorably cute they are now! Love these and what a great idea. Featuring them on the Farmhouse Friday LP tomorrow. Thank you for always linking up and supporting us. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like them, Cindy, and thrilled to hear they'll be featured. Thank you so much!
DeleteI love these so much Marie! Great tutorial and the finished product is absolutely gorgeous! Pinning! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Denise, I'm glad you like them and found the tutorial helpful. Appreciate the pin too. Have a great weekend to you as well!
DeleteMarie, these are beyond gorgeous. Such pretty detail, and they are useful as well. You hit it way out of the park with this one!
ReplyDeleteWould love it if you would share the post over at the Friday with Friends link party.
RR
Thank you very much, Rachelle, for your sweet comments! Oh, I haven't heard of the Friday With Friends party, I'll head over there next.
DeleteYour gorgeous DIY coasters would be perfect for a garden party!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week,
Kippi
Thank you Kippi, I think so too! Now if only we could have people over for a dang garden party (still in lockdown restrictions over here).
DeleteBack again Marie, to let you know these were featured at the Friday with Friends link party! Thanks for adding them :)
ReplyDeleteHi Rachelle, thank you so very much for the feature! Heading over there in a few minutes. xo
Delete