Download my FREE printable labels and follow my easy instructions for creating adorable handmade Halloween cement coasters. Four individual designs creates a set of four coasters.
HANDMADE HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS
I am well aware that I am crazy late to this party train called Halloween. But it’s not over until our kids are in a sugar coma so I still got time. Most bloggers, instagrammers, and YouTubers are well past Halloween and into Thanksgiving/Christmas land but I’m still back here hanging with Jack the Pumpkin King, enjoying spooky fun. Maybe there are some other procrastinators out there like me who still haven’t carved the pumpkin or purchased the Halloween candy. (I’m wondering if I should even bother with candy since the pandemic ruins anything fun.)
Anyway, I decided that I was going to go all out with making homemade Halloween decorations this year, no matter what was happening in the outside world. As part of those decorations I made some spooky Halloween-themed cement coasters this year. They turned out great and add such fun to my decor while also posing double duty as protection for my wood furniture while we party.
Here are the supplies you will need to make Halloween Themed Cement Coasters:
• An old tupperware or mixing bowl
• A large spoon
• Coaster Molds (I use silicone molds from Amazon because I make a lot of coasters for holidays, special occasions, or gifts, but you can find cheap plastic molds at craft stores for cheap)
• Cement (I use Portland, but I’m not sure it matters)
• Dark Antique Wax (I use Behr, but any antique wax will do)
• An old rag
• 8.5 x 11 Full Sheet Clear Labels
• Coaster Designs (which can be downloaded for FREE at the end of this post)
• Matte Finish Spray
• Corkboard
• Black Trim (optional)
• Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
MIXING CEMENT & POURING INTO MOLDS
Start by mixing roughly a cup of cement per coaster with enough water to mix into a thick pancake batter consistency. How much you need of both cement and water will depend on the size of your coaster mold and the climate you live in. But this is a good starting point.
Spoon the cement into the molds making sure they are all roughly the same depth. Agitate the molds to release all of the bubbles. Then let them sit on a flat, level surface, undisturbed for 2-3 days. Once they harden, release the coasters from their molds.
If you have extra cement left over put it in the garbage and not down your sink. 🙂
SANDING & WAXING THE COASTERS
After removing the cement coasters from the molds, use a piece of fine sandpaper and sand any rough edges until smooth.
Next, use a slightly damp old rag and apply the dark antique wax in circular movements. Apply to the top and sides of the coaster. Don’t worry about the bottom because it won’t be seen. Be sure to remove an excess wax and allow to dry for an hour.
ADDING THE HALLOWEEN THEMED LABELS
Download the Boroughfare Halloween Coaster Label
Print them onto full sheet (8.5 x 11) clear labels. These labels are designed to fit a 3.5″ coaster.
Use a cement coaster to trace a circle around one of the designs on the label sheet. Cut out the circle INSIDE the line drawn so that the label lays nicely inside the edges of the coaster.
Remove the backing from the label and carefully place the label onto the coaster. Smooth out the bubbles with your fingers and then use an old credit card or a craft stick to thoroughly smooth out the label. Rub out all the filminess and visible edge lines of the label.
FINISHING TOUCHES TO THE COASTER
Now it’s time to apply a few coats of a spray or brush matte finish. Allow plenty of time to dry between coats.
Next, cut a circle of corkboard that’s slightly shorter than the size of your coaster. I prefer to use a hot glue gun, but you can use your preference of glue to adhere the corkboard to the back of the coaster.
FINISHED
Yay! Now it’s time to enjoy your handmade Halloween decorations! I love to use mine for Halloween-themed parties or dinners. I use them as part of the themed table setting. I also love to give these as gifts, especially to those who love the Halloween holiday. But mostly I just use them as part of my everyday Halloween decorations. They sit out amongst my candles and spooky books on my coffee table.
If you enjoyed this project, then please check out my other homemade Halloween decoration posts: Spooky Potion Bottles
Also, both of these projects, and more, are featured in my brand new Enchanting Halloween Decor YouTube Video. Please stop by for a visit. I would love to see a subscribe, a thumbs up, and a comment from you! Also, join me on instagram @boroughfare
As always, take care and continue being creative. Enjoy lots of Halloween fun and I’ll see you on the other side. 🙂
—Jayme
