Branded Cardboard Coasters

The other day I met some friends for lunch at a local restaurant and, in addition to the fabulous decor, they served drinks on branded cardboard coasters.  The coasters were cut from old cardboard boxes, had the box printing on the reverse side, and the cardboard had been branded with their logo.  I knew it would make a really great rustic, industrial DIY and came home and made my own.  I love that these coasters absorb the condensation, can be reused for a while, and thrown out when they get too tattered.  They’re quick and easy to make and they cost almost nothing once you’ve bought a brand.

To make these branded cardboard coasters, you’ll need old, used cardboard boxes and a branding iron {affiliate link}.  I have a couple of different brands but my favorite is a large D and that’s the one I used to make these coasters.

Begin by cutting the cardboard box into squares.  I used a large plastic ruler and a rotary cutter to cut these squares four inches by four inches.

Once the squares are ready, heat the branding iron.  I heated mine over my gas stove but you could also heat it over a grill outdoors.  Test it on a scrap piece of cardboard to make sure it’s hot enough to mark the material then stamp solidly onto the cardboard squares, pressing down well.

Be careful not to burn yourself on the brand.  I wear an oven mitt while I’m stamping.

Make a pile of cardboard coasters at once so you’ll have them ready for your next party …

… or just to replace used ones as they get too worn.

I love the look of these coasters and think they add the perfect rustic touch to a party … or just to the family room coffee table.

And what a great way to upcycle an old cardboard box!

For more repurposed projects and inspiration, be sure to check out this repurposed DIY bed tray made from an old cabinet door …

… an upcycled vintage painting …

… and a cross stitch monogram made on reclaimed wood!