DIY Project: Scrabble Coasters

June 13, 2012

Scrabble Coasters have been popping up on my Pinterest feed lately and I decided it’s finally time to try them myself. I loved thinking of four different themes for the coasters and coming up with words that would fit within each. These Scrabble coasters make for an easy, customized gift for any holiday: birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, weddings, anniversaries, Christmas, graduations, etc!

You’ll need:

It’s time to craft:

First chose 16 four-letter words (four words for each coaster). I decided to theme each coaster: Coffee, Tea, Beer and Wine.

After you’ve chosen all your tiles, use leftover letters to test the polyurethane spray. Some people have reported back their wooden tiles reacted to the spray causing the letters to dissolve. Spray a couple of the leftover tiles with the polyurethane and watch to see what happens. If the tiles have a reaction, you may need to try a different kind of sealing spray to be sure the coasters do not get ruined!

DIY Scrabble Coasters

Using the E-6000, glue each letter by row to cork. I tried to get a little glue in between each letter so they would adhere together neatly. Align top of first word to top of cork square.

DIY Scrabble Coasters

Continue glueing for each letter on each coaster, trying to keep letters in line and straight.

DIY Scrabble Coasters

Once each coaster is done, stack under a heavy book to ensure they dry flat. As you can see, the pre-cut cork coasters I bought were larger than my planned square size, but it helped for aligning the letters first to the top. It was simple to trim cork after drying.

DIY Scrabble Coasters

Allow coasters to dry for 1 hour. Using sharp scissors or an X-acto knife, carefully trim excess cork from square.

DIY Scrabble Coasters

Place tiles on paper bag or newspaper. Follow directions on spray bottle of polyurethane to coat tiles. I coated mine with one layer, let dry for 10 minutes and then coated again. The spray sealed the tiles from water damage and gave them a semi-glossy sheen.

DIY Scrabble Coasters

I love the way the coasters turned out and am having a hard time with the thought of giving them away. Maybe I’ll make a second set for a gift and keep this one for myself!

DIY Scrabble Coasters

How did your coasters turn out? What words did you decide to use? Tag your pictures on Instagram with @Gourmet_Gab or #gourmetgabDIY. I can’t wait to see them! Happy crafting.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

*Update: After several years of using these coasters, the polyurethane coat has begun to peel off the letters due to liquids repeatedly resting on them. I just want to forewarn you this may happen overtime. When I created this DIY tutorial, I was not sure the longevity these would have, but I think getting four+ years out of the coasters is a great turnout!

  1. […] of my favorite projects so far this summer has been these Scrabble coasters. They would make an awesome […]

  2. Kara says:

    I love this DIY! So fun and I love the words you chose for each group. Definitely a must-try! Getting pinned :)

    • gourmetgab says:

      Thank you Kara! It was a super fun craft and has been a great conversation starter! Can’t wait to see yours!

  3. Nicole says:

    Just wanted to let you know that I referenced your scrabble tutorial at my new blog:
    http://nicoletriesdiy.blogspot.com/

    I used this popular idea and made Game of Thrones themed coasters. Thanks!

  4. […] as a basis for glitter embellished coasters- just glitter the etched parts), beer cap coasters, Scrabble tiles coasters, Perler bead coasters, scrap yarn crocheted flower coasters, and painted cork coasters. 2- […]

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  6. […] the second half of my party favor wasn’t my idea so you need to visit this Scrabble coaster tutorial. I have been saving it for something fun and the stars happened to align when a 4 letter wine […]

  7. […] Scrabble Pieces | 2. Bead and Cord | 3. Agate Stone 4. Natural Branch | 5. Maps | 6. Sisal 7. Ombre Leather | 8. […]

  8. […] get the instructions: Gourmet Gab […]

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  11. […] A versatile gift, this unique present would be great for a coffee or tea lover, a wordsmith, or even someone who loves games. […]

  12. […] Create your own custom scrabbles. Learn how to do so here. […]

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  25. Jordan says:

    I bought exactly the same spray as pictured in your tutorial, same brand and all, but it turned the black lettering of the tiles silver. Don’t know what happened but it completely ruined them.

  26. […]  My grandma and I played so make Scrabble games growing up, this is a great use for when you no longer are needing those tile.  Check out how they are made at The Gourmet Gab. […]

  27. Terri says:

    Anyone else have problems with the polyurethane? As I sprayed it, it smeared the lettering. I’m going to wait til it dries to see its not completely ruined, hopefully.

    • gourmetgab says:

      I am so sorry to hear that, Terri. I hope it dried without any more problems!

      • Kim says:

        I loved this project. I did have the same issue with the Poly though :-( Some of my letters smeared as soon as I starting spraying the poly. Other than that all was great! FYI – I used a hot glue gun and it worked great so is an option.

    • Jaina says:

      This happened to me too. The spray smeared the ink and turned the letters silver. Were they completely ruined? Was there anything you could do to fix it?

  28. […] Dating an English teacher, book worm, or just somebody who just loves Scrabble? Here is a super clever gift idea from the Gourmet Gab. […]

  29. […] You can buy a pack of 100 tiles for less than $3 on Amazon. Get the instructions here […]

  30. […] Scrabble Coasters – Sometimes it’s the little things that make the house a home. Make your own coasters with this fun DIY project. […]

  31. […] Glue some old scrabble pieces together to create a funky new addition to the coffee table. It adds a youthful vibe but also a family-friendly air. {found on Gourmet Gab} […]

  32. Rachel says:

    So easy! I followed your instructions & they came out perfect. My only suggestion is to maybe super glue the sides of the tiles together so that they’re more stiff. The cork underneath tends to wiggle them around. Thanks! ☺️

  33. uwdpt says:

    This was such an awesome idea! I made these for my boyfriend’s family for Christmas, and they loved them. I just visited their house last weekend, and unfortunately saw that the coasters were ruined. The polyurethane spray somehow wore away, and the cork board warped and the coasters were now curved. I even applied 2 coats of the spray, just like you described. Did you run into any of these issues? Is there a different kind of coaster base that would work better and not warp?

  34. […] {found on Gourmet Gab} […]

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  36. […] DIY Scrabble Coasters by Gourmet Gab […]

  37. Deanna - Busy Little Bird says:

    Fun project! I have included it in my latest blog post – DIY Gift Ideas. Thank you!
    http://abusylittlebird.com/diy-gift-ideas-quick-easy/

  38. […] Scrabble Coasters – Scrabble coasters are a great way to make a truly personalized gift for yourself or a loved one. With a bit of cork board and tiles you can make these fun home goods! This idea could be realized with other game pieces too to bring a cherished game into your home. […]

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  42. […] Buy a pack of 100 tiles on Amazon, then customize them with different words as you like to make these custom scrabble coasters. See the full tutorial via The Gourmet Gab. […]

  43. […] can get the full instructional for DIY Scrabble Coaters on my blog. If you Instagram a picture, tag me in it: @Gourmet_Gab. I can’t wait to see what […]

  44. Sany Ahmed says:

    Great idea indeed. Going to do the same you showed here and of course will follow your post. Hope it will be fine.

  45. […] #139-B: Make one of a kind Scrabble coasters with cork coasters, glue and Scrabble tiles. (via Gourmet Gab) […]

  46. […] Scrabble coasters. This was one of my first Pinterest crafts, and they were a resounding success. Get the Scrabble tiles at Savers (they’ll likely have many games to choose from), then hot glue the pieces together and adhere it to cut out sheets of cork. Shellac with modpodge and enjoy! […]

  47. […] Puedes aprender a hacerlos aquí […]

  48. […] Scrabble Coasters from The Gourmet Gab […]

  49. […] loving moms will get a kick out of these homemade coasters from Gourmet Gab. Make a word array with her favorite things like lattes or tea, or go more sentimental with words […]

  50. […] Scrabble coasters These are cute, simple, and easy to personalize! Find the instructions here. […]

  51. Carl K says:

    As a lifetime Scrabble lover, I’ve got to make this project happen!

  52. Pretty interesting. Worth to give a try. I will try by myself at home. Thanks Gabriela.

  53. […] all the word lovers in your life, these fun and practical Scrabble coasters make a wonderful gift. It’s often easy to find cheap Scrabble games at yard sales and thrift […]

  54. […] cork tiles. The solely factor you must do is reduce out a form and shade it. You may use Scrabble tiles. Make up phrases, and […]

  55. […] cork tiles. The only thing you need to do is cut out a shape and color it. You can also use Scrabble tiles. Make up words, and […]

  56. […] cork tiles. The only thing you need to do is cut out a shape and color it. You can also use Scrabble tiles. Make up words, and […]

  57. […] The one factor it is advisable do is minimize out a form and coloration it. You too can use Scrabble tiles. Make up phrases, and […]

  58. […] using cork tiles. The only thing you need to do is cut out a shape and color it. You can also use Scrabble tiles. Make up words, and go […]

  59. […] using cork tiles. The only thing you need to do is cut out a shape and color it. You can also use Scrabble tiles. Make up words, and go […]

  60. […] Gabriela at The Gourmet Gab decided it was time to make her own scrabble coasters. These are such a great gift idea because you can personalize them easily. Make your own fun coasters here. […]

  61. DIY fanatics would surely love to find any fresh, cool projects to be put into practice, as too many are simple beginners’ ideas for those hoping to enter the world of DIY. However, there are several interesting and practical tips to be remembered, or contemplated, when starting your schemes.

  62. […] Gabriela at The Gourmet Gab decided it was time to make her own scrabble coasters. These are such a great gift idea because you can personalize them easily. Make your own fun coasters here. […]

  63. […] Gabriela thought this was a great idea- every family has inside jokes. Why not "spell them out" in a practical way so that your parents are repeatedly reminded of these jokes every time they use a coaster? See Gabriela's tutorial. […]

  64. Nope. You just need to get them soft enough to mix evenly. My house is cold, especially this time of year, so I tend to need to at least warm them slightly before I can get them to whip.

  65. This is a nice effort. I will try by myself in the Drawing room. Thanks, Gabriela, you for sharing your article.

  66. […] You have likely already seen many items around that have been made from Scrabble tiles, but these coasters are not only so easy to make, they are minimal enough to be stylish too. Not only that, but you can also use the letters to create your own little message within each coaster.  […]

  67. […] You have likely already seen many items around that have been made from Scrabble tiles, but these coasters are not only so easy to make, they are minimal enough to be stylish too. Not only that, but you can also use the letters to create your own little message within each coaster.  […]

  68. What a nice idea, you did great … it’s very creative your designs something new I love it too I’ve seen some resources on this website that is starting and promises a lot: tukitimprimible.com even lets you create your own kit Create Free Printable Kits

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  70. […] DIY Project: Scrabble Coasters Photo by Gourmet Gab […]

  71. […] 2 0. DIY Scrabble Coasters DIY Project: Scrabble Coasters Photo by Gourmet Gab […]

  72. […] Scrabble Tile Coasters from The Gourmet Gab […]

  73. […] any word buffs, or people who are glued to Words with Friends on their smart phones? These scrabble coasters are frugal, simple, and very […]

  74. Robert Myers says:

    ooooow Awesome. Really amazing Diy project idea thank you man for sharing with us this resource.

  75. Bestiee says:

    This article is very good & informative.I have gain so much information from this blog.I like your blog.Thanks for the post.

  76. Rumon says:

    As a lifetime Scrabble lover, I’ve got to make this project happen!
    https://www.familymemberst.com/

  77. […] Mount the scrabble letters on cork boards cut to a coaster size! Use the hot glue like E-6000 for better grip of scrabble letters ans make them perfectly settled down in place! Let the mounted scrabble letters create some meaningful words and enjoy super beautiful coasters out of them which would make the super lovely and adorable gift too! Pack flat a set of these coasters and tie a ribbon around to give them as a gift to a beloved tea lover! Complete step-by-step instructions here thegourmetgab […]

  78. Ethan says:

    Really amazing Diy project idea thank you man for sharing with us this resource.

    https://gardenley.com/

  79. […] Source details: gourmetgab.com […]

  80. Such a great post and very informative article this is. I love your DIY projects and also i like woodworking. Thanks
    http://sawbank.com

  81. Gift Idea Geek says:

    Oh super clever! I’d make every coaster spell “don’t put your cup here”.
    -Andrew

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