DIY Gilded-Edge Agate Coasters

Last updated on March 5th, 2020 at 01:15 pm

I’m seeing gilded-edge agate coasters everywhere, and they’re beautiful. They are also very expensive. For a set of four, you’ll find prices around $100–even higher at some stores.

Luckily, making your own agate coasters with gilded gold or silver edges is not difficult. You’ll like the price too! You can get the agate for $5 or less per coaster depending on where you buy the agate.

These make a perfect gift for just about anyone, and you’ll definitely want to make a set for yourself!

Here’s how you can make your own gilded-edge agate coasters:

Supplies:

• *Agate slices in your favorite color — see note below
• Liquid leaf – Classic Gold (Feel free to try out the silver accent too!)
• Small paintbrush
• Self-adhesive rubber feet (optional but will help give coasters more stability)
• Newspaper

*A few notes about the agate slices:

This project is not difficult, but there are a few tips/tricks to know–first, where to find agate slices.  I purchased my set at Hobby Lobby (and used a coupon), but I got the impression that they were not something they normally carry or keep very many in stock.  After a lot of searching online, I found this website that sells them at a pretty great price. You can also look on Amazon here. If you plan on making several sets for holiday gifts, I would get a bulk order, since you’ll save more money.

You need your agate slices to be large enough.  Slices vary in size and are not all perfectly round. The smallest coaster I had was three inches in diameter at its smallest, and it was just big enough.  If you are able to find the agate in person you will be able to judge more easily, but if I were to order online, I would order the 3.5″ to 4” size and put in a request for rounder shapes.

Instructions:

1. Lay down a sheet of newspaper to work on.  
2. Shake your liquid leafing well before opening.  This can have a strong odor, so if you are sensitive I would be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.  
3. Dip your small paint brush in the liquid leafing.  A little bit will go a long way!  
4. Make small brush strokes around the outside of your agate slice.  The liquid leafing dries quickly.  
5. Set the agate slice on the newspaper to finish drying.  
6. If you are using rubber feet, stick a few on whichever side you deem as ‘the bottom,’ spacing them out evenly.  

Note: If you accidentally get some gold on the stone surface, just allow it to dry, then dip a cotton swab in nail polish remover and gently rub.  It should come off.  

These are so pretty, you may just want to stack up four coasters and dress them up with a ribbon for gift-giving.

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