Homemade Fabric Coasters
Today I want to talk about homemade fabric coasters. Do you use coasters? If you don’t use them at all, you probably have water marks all over your furniture. Or you may be like my family was growing up and just use a paper napkin or a paper towel as your “coaster.” They are easy to grab, and then you just toss them when you are done. Either way, did you ever stop to think about the fact that you are doing harm to the environment by having these habits? I will fully admit to using both strategies in the past, and only recently did I realize that this produced so much waste! There’s no telling how many paper napkins and towels I have used over the years to put my drinks on, and there’s also no telling how many times I had to clean my desk, table or counter top with a cleaner that in retrospect was actually pretty toxic, just to remove those watermarks.
Coasters are probably not something that you spend a great deal of time thinking about, but I want to encourage you to start using them if you don’t. Think of it as a small way to be a little bit kinder to the environment! And while we are on the topic of coasters, let’s talk about what kind of coasters you should get. If you have children (or clumsy adults) in your home, I would discourage you from getting glass coasters. Those are basically disasters waiting to happen. I would also steer clear of cork coasters if toddlers are around, as the cork could break off while they are chewing on them (and they WILL chew on them).
I do have a suggestion for a specific type of homemade coaster that would be a great choice. Go with fabric! This brings me to my next Planet Earth is My Valentine Review and Giveaway! Let me introduce you to some seriously lovely fabric coasters by K. Ventura Design. These are really special coasters, because the fabric has been screen-printed by hand with beautiful floral designs on 100% linen fabric. The reverse side of each coaster has a striped linen fabric. Kelly, the owner of K. Ventura, sent me a set to try out for myself, and I have to say, they are simultaneously sophisticated and casual, mature and playful, and luxurious and practical. I absolutely love them. I never realized that there was room in my heart for coasters, that is, until the right ones came along! Edited; Since K. Ventura is closed, I wanted to point you to some other great homemade fabric coasters…you can snag them on Amazon!
These lovely fabric squares can help you kick your coaster-free or disposable coaster habit, and they can help you do it in style! They are also machine washable, so you can use them again and again. While I haven’t washed them, yet, they appear to me to be the type of material that will only get softer with each wash.
Before I close this post, I want to point out some of the other swoon-worthy items that K. Ventura Design offers. I actually learned about this shop because this ruched jersey scarf was featured on the holiday shopping guide at dooce.com. I flipped over it, and promptly ordered one for my BFF (and she loved it, naturally!). She also has some other divine offerings like these pillowcases and this organic cotton screen-printed shirt.
Buy It! If your home is in need of coaster reform, make a positive (and beautiful) change! The 4 piece coaster set can be yours for $18.00.
EDIT: This giveaway is closed. Congratulations #100!
Win It! Lucky you, you’ve got a chance to snag this set FOR FREE! That’s right, one Stuff Parents Need reader is going to bring the beautiful home made coaster revolution straight to his/her doorstep by winning a set. The contest will run until February 14th at 7:59pm CST. A winner will be randomly selected and emailed, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. Open to residents of the United States. Be sure to leave your email address in your comments or have it in your profile or else I can’t contact you to tell you that you won!
How to Enter:
Mandatory entry: Kelly wants to hear from you: What type of products would you really like to see in her shop that she doesn’t currently offer?
Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS or email
2. Follow me through Google connect (2 entries, so leave 2 comments)
3. Put my button on my blog and leave a url where I can find it (2 entries, so leave 2 comments)
4. Tell me the most lovely item (in your opinion) in the shop
5. Take a peek at Kelly’s children’s shop, The Urban Thimble, and tell me your favorite item sold there
6. Enter another Planet Earth is My Valentine giveaway and tell me you did (1 extra entry per giveaway)
Disclosure: I received product samples for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own.
lilyk says
I love the Fabric Headband from The Urban Thimble!
lilyk says
I love the Fabric Coaster Set!
lilyk says
I subscribed by email.
lilyk says
I would love to see jewelry!
lilyk@mail2world.com
Suzanne says
Cloth napkins to match these great coasters. Thanks for the contest!
cass says
Windchimes!
wombatspurple at yahoo dot com
Atreau says
Skirts would be nice or small pillowcases.
Gianna says
I'd love to see floral dresses and tanktops (my favorite of all summer clothes) 🙂
Tammy says
I entered the Charlies' Soap giveaway
Tammy says
I entered the Bummas Giveaway
Tammy says
Tote bags or hand bags.
Tammy says
I wish she made potholders.
Barbara says
I'm always looking for cute potholders. I tend to stain mine, or toss them on a burner I forgot was hot and burn them. So I buy new ones every few months.
3oink63moo484 (at) gmail(.)com
Dispatcher_kristy says
I would like to see some cute kitchen items like pot holders, oven mitts, etc
dispatcher_kristy@hotmail.com
Desiree says
entered the charlies soap giveaway
Desi
weeshareblog@gmail.com
http://weeshare.blogspot.com
Desiree says
entered the ecostore giveaway
Desi
weeshareblog@gmail.com
http://weeshare.blogspot.com
Desiree says
entered the bummas giveaway
Desi
weeshareblog@gmail.com
http://weeshare.blogspot.com
Desiree says
I like the octopus bodysuits and fabric headbands at her other shop
Desi
weeshareblog@gmail.com
http://weeshare.blogspot.com
Desiree says
I LOVE the screenprinted jersey scarf in ivory
Desi
weeshareblog@gmail.com
http://weeshare.blogspot.com
Desiree says
have your button 2
Desi
weeshareblog@gmail.com
http://weeshare.blogspot.com
Desiree says
have your button 1
Desi
weeshareblog@gmail.com
http://weeshare.blogspot.com
Desiree says
blog follower 2
Desi
weeshareblog@gmail.com
http://weeshare.blogspot.com
Desiree says
blog follower 1
Desi
weeshareblog@gmail.com
http://weeshare.blogspot.com
Desiree says
email subscriber
Desi
weeshareblog@gmail.com
http://weeshare.blogspot.com
Desiree says
I really like the designs on her tees. They would also look great on an organic tote bag. OR– what about the tees in toddler size? Beautiful shop!
Desi
weeshareblog@gmail.com
http://weeshare.blogspot.com
Sarah says
I really like the Organic Scoop Neck T-shirt.
Sarah says
I'd like to see kitchen covers/cozies for disinfectant wipes containers.
Sara says
I think dresses/skirts made out of jersey are super comfortable. Those would be a good addition to your shop.
The Dreamer says
I like the coasters but maybe in more colors? Or maybe a can or coffee coozie
addeviant006 at gmail dot com
mogrill says
I love the Embellished floral top. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
Tabathia says
I like the fabric headbands in the urban thimble
Tabathia says
the most lovely thing are the jersey screen scarves.
Tabathia says
follow via google entry #2
Tabathia says
follow via google entry #1
Tabathia says
email subscriber
Tabathia says
I think a screen printed jersey dress in the print of the scarves would be beautiful and furniture cover would be a great addition to her shop
lezanac says
urban thimble fave item Infant Bodysuit – Octopus – Short Sleeve
lezanac says
Kventura fave item Ruched Jersey Scarf in Ivory lezanac@yahoo.com
lezanac says
GFC follow 2
lezanac says
GFC follow 1
lezanac says
email subscriber
lezanac says
entered ecostore
lezanac says
entered charlies soap
lezanac says
drink coozies made from cloth would be great addition to her shop lezanac@yahoo.com
liz says
hi i would like to see tea towles boutique1976@yahoo.com
momtoem says
I entered the Rock out with baby giveaway.
lejn05@yahoo.com
momtoem says
I entered the Miravos maternity giveaway.
lejn05@yahoo.com
momtoem says
I entered the Bummas giveaway.
lejn05@yahoo.com
momtoem says
My favorite item sold at The Urban Thimble is http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=16977424
lejn05@yahoo.com
momtoem says
The most lovely item in the shop is the Embellished Floral Top.
lejn05@yahoo.com
momtoem says
I follow you through Google connect #2
lejn05@yahoo.com
momtoem says
I follow you through Google connect #1
lejn05@yahoo.com
momtoem says
I subscribe to your blog
lejn05@yahoo.com
momtoem says
I think her shop should carry pot holders.
lejn05@yahoo.com
Cabootique says
I love Infant Bodysuit – Short sleeve Purple Bloom from Urban Thimble.
carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com
Cabootique says
I love the Embellished Floral Top.
carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com
Cabootique says
I would love to see embellished or screen printed dresses.
carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com
Kate and Oli says
cloth napkins and small kitchen towels!
kateandoli@gmail.com
bison61 says
I'd like some kids clothes, tote bags and sofa pillows
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
Alisha L. says
Love the Infant Bodysuit-Frog from Urban Thimble!
bakergurl02[at]yahoo[dot]com
Alisha L. says
In my opinion the most lovely item is the Oranic Scoop Neck T-shirt in Grey! Love that color!
bakergurl02[at]yahoo[dot]com
Alisha L. says
#2 Following via Google Friend's Name=Alisha L.
bakergurl02[at]yahoo[dot]com
Alisha L. says
#1 Following via Google Friend's Name=Alisha L.
bakergurl02[at]yahoo[dot]com
Alisha L. says
I would love to see some Plus Sized shirts in her shop! Her designs are adorable to boot!
bakergurl02[at]yahoo[dot]com
squareby says
I agree with some of the previous posts that potholders and aprons would be great additions to the shop. Maybe even some aprons or cute decorative towels.
Sarah Osborne says
I think pot holders are a great idea!
sarahosborne12(at)gmail(dot)com
Rebecca says
Third entry… Just visited Kelly's other shop and it's SO adorable!
I love this onesie!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30730400
What a whimsical little froggy! 😉
Thanks so much!
Sincerely,
Becca
Rebecca says
Oops, forgot to leave my email address in the last comment!
pennyroyaltea168@gmail.com
http://www.FunktapusDesigns.etsy.com
As far as my favorite item from Kelly's shop, I would kill for this gorgeous shirt!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39232093
Thanks so much!
Sincerely,
Becca
Rebecca says
Such a wonderful shop! The screen printing is just beautiful, and I for one would LOVE to see pretty screen printed cuffs!
Of course, I'm all about these coasters right now… 😉
Great giveaway! Thanks so much for the opportunity!
Sincerely,
Becca
Tammy says
I want to second the suggestion of coffee cup jackets. They're the same kind of product vibe as the coasters.
That said, I'm in love with these coasters! They're totally my aesthetic! Hope I win ^.^
brinnet =at= gmail =dot= com
Celeste says
In her children's shop – I love the fabric headbands!
contact me at:
celeste@mail4me.com
Celeste says
most lovely? I love the pillowcases!
contact me at:
celeste@mail4me.com
Celeste says
#2 follower
contact me at:
celeste@mail4me.com
Celeste says
#1 follower
contact me at:
celeste@mail4me.com
Celeste says
I actually agree with what some of these other comments are saying – matching placemats would be awesome!
contact me at:
celeste@mail4me.com
Shelby says
I love the coasters but would love to see a matching placemat set!
srobinson8561 at bryan.edu
Marci says
I entered ecostore USA giveaway.
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
Marci says
I entered Charlie's Soap giveaway.
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
Marci says
I love the Long sleeve T-shirt – Pink Bloom–so cute!
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
Marci says
Ruched Jersey Scarf in Ivory–this is my favorite from her shop. So pretty!
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
Marci says
I'd love to see some tote bags. I love the dark grays and purples you use in your clothing–this fabric in bags and purses would look nice! Thanks for the chance to win the lovely coasters.
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
Kim says
fave in her shop: Organic Scoop Neck T-shirt in Ivory
Kim says
fave item: Infant Bodysuit – Frog
Kim says
follow 2
Kim says
follow 1
Kim says
subscriber
Kim says
I want to see some handbags!
janetfaye says
I entered Charlie's Soap Giveaway.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
janetfaye says
The Urban Tumble – I like the Frog bodysuit.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
janetfaye says
The Floral design Pillowcases are the most lovely.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
janetfaye says
2. I have your button:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
janetfaye says
1. I have your button:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
janetfaye says
2. I follow with GFC – janetfaye
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
janetfaye says
1. I follow with GFC – janetfaye
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
janetfaye says
Email subscribed.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
janetfaye says
I would like to see tea towels.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Madeline says
The infant bodysuit with an ocopus applique is super adorable.
Madeline says
I love the screen printed jersey scarf in ivory.
Madeline says
I'm a google friend.
Madeline says
Some screen printed children's clothes would be great. Onesies would be especially cute.
Stacy says
Cloth napkins to compliment the cloth coasters.
Jessica says
I would REALLY love to see GREEN scarves! Green is my favorite color!
ms.johnsonmahs at gmail dot com
Angela says
The Ruched jersey scarf is definitely my favorite! Thanks for the giveaway!
Angela says
Pot holders would be great to go with the coasters!
BirchModern says
The octopus onesie is cute in the kids shop!
BirchModern says
I love the organic scoop neck t-shirt in ivory! so cute!
BirchModern says
I think she should make duvet covers to match the pillowcases!
Nicole-Lynn says
Took a peek at Kelly's shop and love the fabric headbands! So cute!
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
Nicole-Lynn says
The most lovely thing in the shop that I love is the Embellished floral top! So cute.
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
Nicole-Lynn says
I follow 🙂
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
Nicole-Lynn says
I already subscribe via email 🙂
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
Nicole-Lynn says
So cute! Would love to win this set! I would like to see more home decor in her shop such as table runners, cocktail napkins, etc.
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
Lily says
The Octopus Infant Bodysuit from theurbanthimble is just darling!
Lily says
I absolutely love the Embellished Floral Top!
Lily says
I would love to see some jersey skirts in her shop!
Nature Manipulated says
I entered your ecostore giveaway.
naturemanipulated AT hotmail DOT com
Nature Manipulated says
I entered your Bummas giveaway.
naturemanipulated AT hotmail DOT com
Nature Manipulated says
I like the Yellow Bloom bodysuit from her children's shop.
naturemanipulated AT hotmail DOT com
Nature Manipulated says
I LOVE the ivory jersey scarf (and the pillowcase is beautiful too)
naturemanipulated AT hotmail DOT com
Nature Manipulated says
Following your through Friend Connect (entry #2)
naturemanipulated AT hotmail DOT com
Nature Manipulated says
Following your through Friend Connect (entry #1)
naturemanipulated AT hotmail DOT com
Nature Manipulated says
I think her shop should carry coffee cup jackets and pot holders. Love the clean designs. Would work great in the kitchen.
naturemanipulated AT hotmail DOT com