{Pinterest Project} Scrabble Coasters

There is no question that Pinterest is the internet world's newest time-sucker obsession. Some people try to hold out from joining, but eventually everyone caves. I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest. But only because there are not enough (free) hours in the day to browse all the fabulousness!

I have a Projects I'd Like to Try board, and I've decided to actually start trying those pins. Hit or Miss, Pass or Fail, I'll share my versions along the way.

Today's {Pinterest Project} is a big, phat...that's right, with a PH...homerun! Intimate Weddings is the source behind this Pinsperation.

I actually made these Scrabble Coasters as a Christmas gift, but couldn't show you then since the recipient is a faithful reader! This is my kind of project...cheap, fast, and TV-watchable while executing. I ordered my Scrabble tiles from here for $18, but realized soon after that you can usually buy brand new Scrabble games for around $8. (Note: Scrabble games come with 98 letter tiles and 2 blanks.)

I was using leftover cork from this project, so my coasters are 4 tiles x 4 tiles. That's a good size for a drinking or wine glass, but you may want them larger for mugs.

1. Apply a layer of wood glue directly to the cork.

2. Press the letters firmly in place. My coasters curved a little, but I think placing something heavy on top during drying time would prevent that.

3. Once completely dry, use an exacto knife to trim away the excess cork.

4. Apply a few layers of varnish or shellac. My shellac is really thick which worked well to fill in the grooves between tiles.

I made this set for my aunt, who is a Scrabble/Boggle/Words With Friends wizard, so it was a perfect fit. I even arranged some of the tiles to form hidden words.

My Pinterest inspiration used them as place cards by staining the letters to form a person's name. Pretty clever!

I think I need a set for myself! They look great on the coffee table, and would make the perfect ice breaker at a party.

Have you been inspired by Pinterest? Do you have a project pinned you'd like me to try? Just link it in the comments and maybe I'll be your project guinea pig!

** Also linking up to Home Stories A to Z, Tip Junkie, Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Just a Girl, Remodelaholic, The Shabby Nest, The DIY Showoff, TaterTots & Jello, Serenity Now and Thrifty Decor Chick**