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Create Japanese Inspired DIY Decoupage Coasters in 3 Easy Steps

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Make Japanese-inspired DIY decoupage coasters with dollar store supplies in minutes with this easy tutorial.

Hello there!  Welcome to Day 5 of the Fall Series.  This is our final handmade decor DIY for this week. Creating handmade decor all week while I was sick was fun but I’m exhausted!  

I just want to curl up and read a book but am feeling much better along with my little one who is back to her silly self.  Bring on the weekend!!

DIY Decoupage Coasters with Origami Paper

Don’t you just love easy DIY ideas? This one is so versatile with the wide availability of materials from dollar and craft stores and you can create DIY coasters to match any type of decor. Of course, since we are living in Japan, I had to use Japanese washi paper!

It has been such a fun experience learning about a new culture and incorporating local finds into my crafting and decorating and it makes really unique decor items! Pull out your crafting supplies and let’s make a beautiful drink coaster set!

A picture collage showing DIY drink coasters that are decoupaged with washi paper in a house in Okinawa, Japan with a graphic.
Decoupaged Coasters DIY

Here’s what you need to make decoupage coasters

  • cork coasters (or this is a great project for thrifted/outdated coasters of other material
  • craft, origami, or washi paper – There were many beautiful choices of origami and washi paper at our local 100 Yen Store (aka dollar store). I selected a pack with oranges, pinks, and purples.
  • craft knife
  • cutting mat or board
  • paint
  • decoupage or Mod Podge glue (or 50/50 Elmer’s glue and water)
  • paint brush
Pretty origami paper squares, cork coasters, and paint brush on a pink cutting mat.
Materials Needed for DIY Cork Coasters

How to make DIY cork coasters

  • Place a coaster on the backside of a piece of craft paper and trace around it lightly with a pencil.
  • Cut out the circle or coaster shape with a craft knife or scissors. Make sure the craft knife is sharp if you are using one so the blade doesn’t rip the paper.
A cork coaster is on a piece of paper to be traced and other circles of Japanese origami paper are already cut out on a pink cutting mat.
Trace a Circle
  • Shake the decoupage container to mix the contents. Or mix half water and half craft glue like Elmer’s in a disposable cup. Use a sponge or paintbrush to spread a thin coat of decoupage on top of each coaster. 
Cork coasters are laid out on a pink mat with decoupage glue on each one.  Circle pieces of patterned craft paper are to the side.
Add Decoupage
  • Place the cut paper on top. Brush a second layer of decoupage on top of the paper. It’s okay if the paper wrinkles a little.
DIY cork decoupage coasters with Japanese printed paper are drying on a pink mat.
Place the Washi or Craft Paper
  • Smooth out wrinkles and air bubbles as much as you can and let dry.  The great thing about decoupage is that paper dries smoothly.
Two DIY decoupaged coasters in orange and gold are on top of wood stump accent table.
Decoupaged Coasters on a Wood Stump Table

You may have to flatten the coasters if they are cheap dollar-store cork ones like mine and curve a little bit with the moisture. Just place them between heavy books for a couple of days. Warning, these are not dishwasher safe! But they do a great job protecting our furniture and look cute!

A glass of water sits on a DIY decoupage coaster on a white side table with velvet orange pumpkins and a white table lamp base next to a grey tufted leather sofa and throw pillows.
Fall Drink Coasters

I love the combination of oranges, reds, and purples in the patterns of the origami paper.  

A wood stump accent table is next to a tan barrel chair with a white and black striped throw blanket draped on the side.
Easy Fall Decor

As you can see, I’ve already tested them out!  They look beautiful in our living room in Japan.   Use a metallic pen or a little bit of paint to cover the cork edges if you prefer.

A pair of Japanese printed coasters are on a white and silver tray.
Pretty Washi Paper

I like the look of these vintage music DIY coasters from Rose Clearfield and Dollar Tree ceramic coasters with peel and stick wallpaper for a global gift idea.

Join me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes, DIYs, decorating tips, room tours, and home inspiration. I’ll see you over there!

I think decoupaging coasters is a fun and easy way to add some personality to your home decor. With just a few simple steps, you can transform plain coasters into vibrant pieces of art that will brighten up any room.

Whether you’re using photos, magazine clippings or colorful paper scraps, the possibilities for creating unique designs are endless. So grab your supplies and get ready to unleash your creativity – there’s no better feeling than seeing your handiwork displayed proudly in your home! Happy decoupaging!

Thanks for joining me all week for fun Fall DIYs. I found most of the supplies at the dollar store, and the frame for the printable I already had. If you missed any, you can find them below!

A Week of Dollar Store Fall Crafts

Do you love decorating your home for Fall but don't want to spend a lot of money? Stay out of the chain stores and join me as we create handmade seasonal decor using supplies from the dollar store for fresh and creative Fall DIYs that can be done in no time at all, even for the most novice of crafters.

Make sure to check out 50 + Fall seasonal and holiday decorating ideas, DIYs, and free printables for the season.

Until next week,

kathy
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4 Comments

  1. Kathy! These are awesome, I love that you used origami paper – this is one of my favorite patterns I’ve see around here actually. I also really have always loved your very subtle fall décor, very classy 🙂

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