DIY Wood Coasters From A Tree Branch - Mod Podge Rocks

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Learn to make (and decoupage) unique DIY wood coasters from a downed tree limb! These make interesting home decor or a perfect gift idea.

Skills Required: Advanced Beginner. The only reason I use the word “advanced” is because you’ll need to know how to use a saw for this project. It can be difficult to cut straight wood slices if you’re a novice.

Ever looked at a downed tree limb and thought, “Hey, that could be my next home decor masterpiece”? No? Well, after this project, you just might.

These DIY wood coasters are a creative way to bring a touch of nature indoors while flexing your crafty muscles. Plus, they make a fantastic conversation starter. How many people can say their coasters used to be part of a tree in their backyard?

This project is perfect for anyone who loves rustic decor, appreciates handmade gifts, or just enjoys a good excuse to break out some power tools.

It’s got that perfect mix of rugged and refined—natural wood slices paired with layered, decoupaged designs that add a personal touch.

You can go classic with vintage book pages, artsy with colorful patterns, or even sentimental with old maps or meaningful quotes. The end result? A unique set of coasters that look stunning stacked on your coffee table, almost like a mini tree sculpture.

Fair warning: cutting even slices takes a little practice, so if you’re new to saws, take your time. But trust me, it’s worth it! Ready to turn a simple tree branch into a statement piece? Let’s get crafting.

NOTE: Dry time after cutting the branch can take weeks. Make sure to completely read the printable instructions below before beginning:

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Make Coasters Out of Wood

Learn how to make wood coasters from a tree branch! This project is perfect for a variety of decor styles. Prep Time1 hour hrActive Time3 hours hrsDry Time2 hours hrsTotal Time6 hours hrs Yield: 6 coasters Cost: $5

Equipment

• Saw
• Sander
• Drill and drill bits plus 1/8" and 3/32" drill bits
• Hacksaw
• Hammer
• Circle punch(es) 2" and 1"
• Hole Punch 1/8"
• Paintbrush(es)

Materials

• Branch about 4" diameter
• Ephemera
• Mod Podge Hard Coat
• Satin Varathane
• 1/8" steel rod

Instructions

• Find a branch. You're looking for something that is going to have the right diameter, depending on the size you like. I'd recommend at least 4 inches.
• Cut your branch into approximately 1/2" slices using a saw. To make your slices somewhat consistent, mark your width of your cut by putting a piece of tape on your saw.
• To make your base, cut one slice thicker than the coasters – around 2" – 3".
• Let your branch slices dry. We put them on a rack for about 2 weeks.
• Drill holes in the approximate center of each slice of wood. Try to vary the placement of the holes slightly; they look better when the edges of the stack aren't perfectly aligned.
• Sand your wood slices. You can make a simple jig with pieces of wood to hold the slices in place if you're using a sander.
• To make the base, drill a hole with the 3/16" drill bit (slightly smaller diameter than your steel rod) in your base piece of wood. Do not go all the way through.
• Cut your steel rod to correct length with a hacksaw. Use a hammer to pound the steel rod into the base. The fit should be tight.
• Punch out a variety of paper options with your 2" and 1" punches and arrange in pleasing combinations.
• Use the small 1/8" punch to make a hole in the approximate center of the paired circles.
• Brush Mod Podge onto a wood slice. Place the circles down on top of the wood slices, aligning the holes. Apply Mod Podge on top and let dry.
• Apply more Mod Podge, coating the entire surface of the coaster. Let dry.
• Let dry thoroughly and then apply a clear polyurethane coating over the top of the Mod Podge to provide a hard finish.

Notes

Step 2: Note: if you use a chop saw, remember to wear safety glasses and DO NOT cut through knots in the branch. The saw may grab the branch (and your hand) in an unpredictable and scary manner. Step 6: We nailed 2 small pieces of scrap wood to the work bench in a “v”, and wedged the wood slice in the “v” with another piece of wood to hold it place while sanding. This was Monica’s genius idea, by the way. I was content to sand a little bit of my finger tips off until she came along.

Enjoy your new wood coasters that double as art! Don’t forget to visit some of our other coaster projects:

Comic Book • Confetti • Cork • DIY Tile • Glitter • Glitter Resin • Kids Art • Lace • Mod Podge • No Sew Fabric • Photo • Resin • Resin Geode • Scrabble Tile • Wood Slices

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