Sometimes I find myself repeating the same refrain here: quick and easy. Right now I’m not tackling complicated projects—stenciling an entire wall or sewing a garment are out of reach—but small, fast crafts fit perfectly into my routine. I enjoy painting small areas and creating projects that take just a few minutes, and these numbered wood slice coasters are a perfect example.
These coasters took only about 20 minutes of hands-on time. The process is straightforward: slice the branch (a power tool speeds this up, although it can be done by hand), let the slices dry, trace a stencil, fill it in with a Sharpie, seal, and add felt to the bottom. They blend industrial, rustic, and cottage styles and are both decorative and practical for the living room.
When we cut branches from our backyard for small place card holders and table decor, I reserved a chunk of a larger branch to make coasters. Leaving the slices natural is the simplest option, and I like that look, but adding numbers gives them character and only took a few minutes once I settled on a reliable method after an initial mishap.
My first attempt didn’t go as planned—the paint bled under the stencil—so I tried a different approach that worked much better. Crafting usually involves a bit of trial and error, and the finished coasters ended up looking even better than my original idea.
How to Make DIY Numbered Wood Slice Coasters
- Materials: 1/4″ to 1/2″ wood slices cut from a branch about 4″ around (our slices measured roughly 3½” x 4″), 1″ number stencil, pencil, black permanent Sharpie, optional sanding block, clear spray topcoat (or brush-on sealer), felt or felt stickers, and a glue gun if using felt pieces. If you cut your own slices, dry them in a single layer for about a week at a warm temperature to avoid mold. You can sand edges and tops before stenciling for a more finished look or sand lightly afterward for a rustic finish.
- Trace the stencil lightly with a pencil onto each wood slice. Position numbers centered or offset along the edge according to your preference.
- Fill in the outline with a black permanent Sharpie. Take your time to keep the edges neat.
- Optional—lightly sand the stenciled number once the marker is dry to soften the edges and give the number a less “newly drawn” look. Don’t sand while the marker is wet or it may smear.
- Protect the tops with a couple of light coats of clear spray topcoat or a thin brush-on sealer. Let the finish dry completely before handling.
- Add felt to the bottom of each slice to protect tabletops. Use small felt circles, full-bottom felt pieces, or pre-cut felt stickers and attach with hot glue or adhesive felt stickers.
These coasters are inexpensive to make—especially if you already have the supplies—and they make thoughtful, low-cost gifts. I used materials I already had on hand, so my project cost nothing extra, but the finished pieces look intentional and well made rather than cheap.
If you cut your own slices, remember to dry them properly: avoid stacking them, dry in a single layer, and allow about a week at a warm temperature. Sand edges and surfaces before stenciling if you prefer a cleaner look; I sanded very lightly afterward to keep a rustic charm.
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DIY Numbered Wood Slice Coasters {easy Sharpie craft!}
Tools
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Pencil
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Black permanent Sharpie marker
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Optional sanding block
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Glue gun
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1-inch number stencil
Materials
- 1/4 to 1/2″ wood slices cut from tree branches about 4″ around
- Clear spray top coat
- Felt (or purchased felt stickers)
Instructions
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Use pencil to outline number stencils on wood slices. You can center them or place them off to the side.
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Fill in the pencil outline with the permanent marker.
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Optional: use a sanding block to gently blend the stenciled number once the marker is dry; this softens the look.
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Use a clear spray topcoat (or brush-on sealer) to protect the tops of your stenciled coasters. Apply a couple of light coats and let dry completely.
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Add felt to the bottom of the slices to protect surfaces. Attach small felt pieces or full-bottom felt circles with hot glue or use adhesive felt stickers.