Hello There,

Welcome to the Lab!

I am so happy to have you stop by for my latest experiment. The idea for this craft came from this site and this video. If you are interested in the reduction of textile waste you should definitely check out the links.

And, if you would just like to use up some of your own textile waste, you can check out my latest project. These hard plastic coasters are made with upcycled fabric scraps.

For this project you will need the following.

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• Fabric Scraps
• Scissors
• Regular Can Opener
• Safety Can Opener
• Metal C Clamp
• Glossy Mod Podge
• Old Cookie Sheet
• Sharpening Stone
• Parchment Paper
• Small Scale
• Tuna Tin

Step 1 – Prep Tuna Can

To prepare the tuna can use the safety can opener to open the tuna can. Empty contents wash and dry. Place the lid back on the can and use the regular can opener to separate the rim of the lid. Once this is completed you should have three separate pieces the can, the lid, and the top ring from the can. You do not need the ring for this project so it can be discarded or if you are like me saved for some future project. 🙂 Also, since the can lids are flexible I recommend using at least two lid pieces per can to help keep the pressure more even.

Step 2 – Prep Fabric Scraps

You can play around with different weights depending on the fabric that you are using but a good place to start is .8oz to 1oz of fabric.

Use the scissors to cut the fabric scraps into small pieces. You can mix fabrics or make solid colors. My favorite is the solid denim but it is fun to experiment.

Step 3 – Add Glue

Use your hand to mix the fabric and glue thoroughly.

Your results my vary but I used about 2 tablespoons of glue for each coaster. There should be enough glue to mix with all the fabric pieces but the mixture shouldn’t be overly saturated.

Step 4 – Mold Fabric Mixture

Add mixture to the tin can and press firmly.

Step 5 – Press and Dry

Use tin can lids and clamp to compress the mixture. You may see a small amount of glue squeeze out as you tighten the clamp. Place clamp and can on a cookie sheet and bake at 250 degrees for 2 hours.

Step 6 – Remove and Finish

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for half an hour, then use a table knife to carefully remove the disc from the can. The coaster should still be a little flexible. Use scissors to trim off any excess or loose fabric pieces. Then set aside and allow to dry completely.

Once the discs have hardened the sharpened stone can be use as needed to sand down any sharp edges.

Video Tutorial

You can find more information in the video below.

And that’s it for todays silly little experiment. I hope you have a lovely week. Thanks so much for stopping by. Drop me a note in the comments I love to hear your feedback.

And of course Happy Upcycling.

Until next time.

Cindy

Advertising Disclosure: Upcycle Design Lab may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website.

P.S. More about Me and Mod Podge

You may or may not already know this but I am a big fan of mod podge. Remarkably they haven’t asked me to endorse their product yet. I am sure my invitation is lost in the mail. Anyway, that is my cheeky way of saying these are not sponsored opinions.

So where was I?

I wasn’t always sold on it, Mod Podge that is. In fact, I spent years making projects with Elmer’s glue. My thinking was that these products were really about the same. Recently I decided to test these two products side by side, and that is what won me over to the Mod Podge side. You can check out my review below.

But first here are a few other projects that use used mod podge. Just in case you missed them.

• Packing Paper Ceiling
• No-Sew Chair Cushion
• No-Sew Curtains
• Watch Face Earrings