Looking for a fun and relaxing craft? Making painted wooden coasters is a great activity for dementia care. It offers opportunities to work independently, create personalised pieces and a chance to get lost in the art you’re creating.
One rainy afternoon when I was searching for new crafting ideas to use up our painting supplies. I found the idea of creating homemade painted wooden coasters. We loved it at the time, so sharing if you’d like to make this simple crafting project of painted wooden coasters.
This article will walk you through a step-by-step process to making your own homemade painted wooden coasters. It continues our series of crafting ideas, you’ll find more ideas at the bottom of this article or click here.
Practicality vs Creativity
The wonderful thing about art is that it doesn’t matter what you create because it’s beautiful or meaningful to you. Why not combine that creativity to create something practical as well?
Painting wooden coasters is a calming and creative activity that anyone can enjoy, including individuals with dementia. The simplicity of applying paint to a smooth wooden surface gives loved ones the chance to explore their creativity at their own pace while making a useful addition to the home, for display or to use! Even better is creating something together, sharing your colourful creations with family and friends.
What You’ll Need
Before starting, it’s helpful to gather everything you’ll need. Here’s what you’ll want to collect for your own simple coaster-making :
- Wooden coasters: You can find these at craft stores, online or cut from wood whatever shape you want circles, squares etc
- Acrylic paints: Choose vibrant colours that you know your loved one enjoys.
- Paintbrushes: A variety of sizes will allow for different designs.
- A water cup: For rinsing brushes.
- Palette or paper plate: To mix colours.
- Paper towels: For quick cleanup.
- Old shirts or aprons: To protect clothing from paint splatters.
- Sandpaper – to sand down and prep the surface especially is using peices of cut wood.
- Clear sealant or wood varnish – to seal your finished piece
These simple materials can transform a rainy day into a colourful and creative experience. Now onto the fun stuff painting the coasters!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create your own painted wooden coasters:
- Prepare the Surface: – start by sanding the wooden coasters to smooth any rough edges as it will help the paint stick better on the coaster and give it a better finish. Wipe them down after sanding to remove any dust
- Paint the Base Coat – wood is porous so you’ll want to add a base coat for your loved one’s art. It’ll create a solid foundation and it doesn’t have to be a bland colour, choose whatever vibrant colour that allows your artwork to shine. To make it easier use a wider brush for the base coat. Wait for it to dry before starting your artwork.
- Add Artistic Elements:
- With smaller brushes, start painting your designs. Feel free to mix colours on your palette to create unique shades.
- Use stamps or stencils for consistency. Encourage creativity by experimenting with different techniques like dabbing or swirling the paint for interesting textures.
- Let Them Dry:
- Allow the coasters to dry thoroughly between layers, especially if adding multiple colours to avoid smudging.
- Seal the Coasters:
- Once the paint is completely dried, apply a clear sealant or varnish to protect your designs. This step ensures durability, especially if using the coasters for everyday use.
- Follow the product instructions for best results, usually applying a thin layer and letting it dry completely.
💡 Tips for Success
- Choose Bright Colours: Use vibrant colours that stimulate visual interest and enhance cognitive participation.
- Consider Sensory Textures: Mix paint with sand or other materials to create textured surfaces, making the coasters more engaging.
- Make it a Group Activity: Invite friends or family to join in on the fun, encouraging social interaction and collective creativity.
- Keep it Simple: Choose uncomplicated designs tailored to the skill level and interests of the individual to ensure a fulfilling experience.
- Incorporate Personal Memories: Create coasters that reflect meaningful moments, such as family trips or hobbies
- Encourage Reminiscing: As your loved one engages in the activity, gently prompt them to share memories or stories associated with the colours, patterns, or artwork they create.
- Celebrate Small Victories: Recognise and celebrate each step of the process, no matter how small. Praise efforts, engage in positive reinforcement, and focus on the joy of the activity rather than the final outcome.
- Be Patient and Flexible: Dementia can affect attention spans and abilities. Be prepared to adjust the pace, provide breaks, or modify the activity as needed to ensure a positive and stress-free experience.
Conclusion
Crafting painted wooden coasters can be an enjoyable activity to do together when your looking for something that can be fun & therapeutic through the simple act of concentration and painting. They can make great gifts, be used in the home or proudly presented for all to see. Embrace the process, celebrate the journey, and cherish the precious moments shared through this simple creative activity.
