Why Pottery Coasters
A coaster must absorb condensation, resist staining, protect furniture, and look good. Unglazed pottery does all four naturally. The porous clay surface wicks moisture. The fired surface resists staining. And the handmade quality makes each coaster a miniature piece of art.
Making Pottery Coasters
Size and Shape
A standard drink coaster is about three and a half to four inches in diameter or square. Thickness should be about a quarter to three-eighths of an inch.
Rolling and Cutting
Roll a slab to an even thickness using guide sticks. Cut shapes with a cookie cutter, template, or craft knife. Smooth the edges with a damp sponge.
Absorption vs. Glazing
Unglazed bisque-fired coasters absorb condensation naturally. Fully glazed coasters repel water. A popular compromise is glazing the top surface for decoration while leaving the bottom unglazed.
Decorating Coasters
Stamped and Textured
Press stamps, lace, leaves, or fabric into the soft clay before cutting.
Painted and Underglazed
Paint designs with underglazes on bisque-fired coasters, then apply a clear glaze. Botanical designs, geometric patterns, and monograms all work beautifully.
Learn from Stephen Jepson
Stephen's pottery video lessons cover the slab-building and surface decoration techniques that make coasters beautiful and functional. One-time purchase, lifetime access to all lessons.
Coasters for Every Style
The beauty of pottery coasters is their versatility. A set glazed in deep midnight blue suits a formal living room. Natural, unglazed terracotta coasters feel at home in a rustic kitchen. Bright, multicolored sets add energy to a modern apartment. Monogrammed or initialed coasters personalize a home office. Because they are quick and inexpensive to make, you can create sets for every room and every mood, matching or complementing the decor in each space.
Seasonal coasters add a thoughtful touch to holiday entertaining. Autumn leaf designs for Thanksgiving, snowflake patterns for winter, floral motifs for spring, and ocean-inspired themes for summer — each set refreshes the home decor. Store seasonal sets between uses in small boxes with felt between each coaster. Guests notice and appreciate these small details, and they make easy, affordable gifts throughout the year.