Step 1
Preheat the oven to 130ºC/266ºF/Gas Mark ½ and line an oven tray with greaseproof paper.
Divide the white polymer clay into four equal blocks of 50g (2oz).
Step 2
Lay a sheet of greaseproof paper on a table or flat surface and place one block of roughly flattened clay on top. Lay the balsa wood sticks either side – this will help to keep the top of the coaster even when rolling it out.
Step 3
Place another sheet of greaseproof paper on top of the clay and roll out your DIY coasters until level. Don’t let any leftover clay go to waste, use the scraps to make our DIY salt spoons.
Step 4
Then, using the craft knife, cut small strips off the various coloured clay blocks and cut them into random chip shapes, as shown.
Step 5
Remove the top layer of greaseproof paper and carefully place the coloured pieces over the rolled out white clay. Layer some colours together but try to keep the colours evenly distributed
Step 6
Place the greaseproof paper back on top of the clay and roll over it with the rolling pin. Once the colours in your DIY coasters are flat, smooth over each piece with your hands to ensure there are no gaps. Roll one more time, then once you’re happy, peel the paper back off.
Step 7
Place the circle cutter on top of the clay and press down firmly.
Step 8
To remove the excess clay, make a small cut with the craft knife, then carefully peel the excess away from the circle cutter.
Step 9
Lift the cutter off, then remove the coaster from the greaseproof paper. The easiest way to do this without distorting the shape is to place it on the edge of a table, then pull the paper down while sliding the coaster towards you.
Step 10
Carefully place the DIY coasters onto the oven tray and repeat steps 3-10 three more times until you have a set of four coasters. Bake for 30 minutes and leave to cool. Gently sand the edges if required, using fine sandpaper.
