DIY Matchstick Coasters

This post comes from our contributor FP Naomi.

Here is an excuse to start saving every match you strike. Light a candle? Save it. Burn some incense? Save that too.

I’ve long been a fan of wood artists like Arielle Alasko and Aaron Moran whose wall hangings create beautifully simple patterns playing on the intricacies of wood. They are great to hang in any space, as it’s always good feng shui to add more earth element into your surroundings. But lacking both the skill and tools, I’ve never been able to replicate what they create. On a smaller scale, however, using matches, that everyone can do.

Here is how to create matchstick coasters that are rustic, functional, and add a bit of nature to your home.

diy matchstick coasters

You’ll Need:
Cardboard
Approx. 200 burnt matches (to do all three designs)
Glue Stick
Scissors
Spray Can of Polyurethane Wood Finish
Black Acrylic Paint
Paint Brush
Water
Water Cup
Paint Tray

A design of your own, or download one of the templates I created: 1, 2, 3.

Directions:

diy matchstick coasters

Cut out the template along its outside lines.

diy matchstick coasters

Trace the outline onto a piece of cardboard, or draw a 4” square with a ruler if you prefer.

diy matchstick coasters

Now, cut out the shape and trace that onto your square. If you’re doing a design of your own, draw your shape instead.

diy matchstick coasters

Cut out the cardboard squares.

diy matchstick coasters

Fill in the outlined shape with matches, cutting them to desired lengths when needed. Once you’ve done so, brush over the matches with watered down black paint. Don’t worry about getting paint on your cardboard; you will soon cover it up.

diy matchstick coasters

Fill in the rest of your square with unpainted burnt matches.

diy matchstick coasters

Spray with about three coats of polyurethane, waiting a couple of hours between each coat.

diy matchstick coasters

Put them out for use on a coffee or side table!

Check out Naomi’s blog Numie Abbot.

More DIY projects from the BLDG 25 Blog.

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10 years ago

great idea, these are simple and BEAUtiful!

http://teeshkielawa.blogspot.com.tr/

10 years ago

I really love the old barn wood feel the burnt matchsticks give off. Would be amazing to see as a bigger piece.
In Montreal Quebec its hair to fine ones this size. there are mostly the long BBQ ones, its a shame .

Roxy xox
https://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartJewelryAlways

10 years ago

Oh those are so so cute! And so simple. Definitely want to make some.

http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com

10 years ago

These coasters are too cool! Great idea for decorating too. Maybe inside a small frame, and hanging a bunch on a wall. Very cool!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BruggenSchuchart

10 years ago

these coasters are really cool!!!

Ju
10 years ago

awesomenesss!! love every DIY you guys present!

10 years ago

This are so fun!! Would make good gifts for a dinner party! I’m def gonna try these out!
-Tiffany { http://www.sunshinedaydreamphotography.com }

Milka
10 years ago

Nice! This may sound weird but I love the smell of just stricken matches. Now I have an excuse to strike away.

10 years ago

I love things that are functional and decorative at the same time- beautiful!
These would make for an adorable house-warming gift. (:

buildyourbliss.wordpress.com

10 years ago

Really cool idea! I also love to recreate stuff! I have just made a blog were I remake my old clothes in to new things :D Go check it out http://remade-remake.blogspot.dk/

10 years ago

Great idea!! ☺

→ DIYEARTE ♦ DIY

10 years ago

Nice idea with quite a rustic appeal.I have only just finished making one but found it a bit fiddly to work with the matchsticks. Perhaps it is a project more suited to all the ladies out there with delicate hands.

nay nay
9 years ago

i cant pin these! someone heeelp