Lately, I have really been into making unique coasters. They are just a fun simple little way to add decor to a room. This upcycled CD coffee bean coaster is one that is a rustic choice for your side table. You probably have these items in your home, and can make your unique set of coasters in just a few minutes. This is a perfect fast and fun craft to make with your kids!

Table of Contents

Upcycled CD Coffee Bean Coaster

We all have old scratched up or useless CDs or DVDs on hand. Rather than letting them go to waste or end up in the landfill, you can whip up this cute little coaster instead. These are perfect for both giving as a gift and using it in your own home.

Why all the love for coasters? Well, they are truly one of the easiest ways you can update a room. It isn’t a drastic change, but it can be bright in color, a rustic pattern, or just a simple update that pulls a room together. Plus, I can make multiple styles, colors, and types then store them easily in a small space. That means they can be switched out for seasons and holidays without taking a ton of space up in storage.

Will The Coffee Beans Go Bad?

Depending upon the type of coffee beans used, you shouldn’t have any issues with this happening. Yes, if the beans remained wet and in humid environments for a long time, they could mold. But, in this case, it is highly unlikely to happen any time soon.

My best suggestion is to make sure you wipe off any excess moisture that is lingering if you are concerned about them going bad. Even if they did, it would be many months or even years for that to become a problem. You are much more likely to have the coaster break or wear down than to go bad or start smelling.

If you are worried about thee lasting for a longer period of time, you can coat the tops in epoxy to seal the coffee beans inside without leaving them open to the elements. You may also want to make sure you are just getting and using a basic roasted coffee bean. Don’t use flavored beans as they can go rancid faster than a basic bean due to added oils in the flavorings.

Do These Smell Like Coffee?

If you use fresh beans, you will find they have a slight coffee smell that lingers in the air for a few days. In time, that smell will go away. However, when you set a hot mug of coffee or tea onto the coaster, you might find a slight hint of coffee smell in the air.

In the situations where the coaster is coated in epoxy, you won’t need to worry about this as it will seal in the smells and any oils on the beans where you can’t smell them. You could also add a layer of hot glue instead of epoxy and smooth it down

How Should I Store My Coasters?

These coasters stack together so easily that you really don’t need anything extra to store them. If you are planning to put them away for seasonal use, I recommend wrapping them in tissue paper or placing them in a plastic storage bag before placing them in your decor storage or boxes.

This will keep dust and such from getting stuck between the individual coffee beans and creating a yucky appearance.

Speaking of storing them, you may also wonder how to clean this type of coaster. A simple damp cloth can wipe over the tops to remove dust and grime, or any of your favorite cleansers can sanitize them. Just allow them to air dry.

Variations of Upcycled CD Coasters

I used some small beads as accents on this coaster project. You can use whatever you prefer as embellishments to make these look a bit different. Below are some ideas for what works well for this project.

Attach a strip of ribbon or lace in place of the twine rope you made.
Spray paint the coffee beans once glued in place for a new color.
If painting or adding epoxy to this, mix in some glitter for sparkles.
Glue on rhinestones, beads, extra coffee beans, or any miniature embellishment you prefer.

Can I Use Something Other Than Coffee Beans?

This method works great for any small bead or item that can be somewhat flat on at least one side. Just follow the same process for attaching to the CD. Below are a few ideas of other items to glue in place.

Dried beans like pinto, kidney, black, or green peas.
Pony beads or other larger beads for crafting.
Fake pearls in various colors.

Supplies

How to Make an Upcycled CD Coffee Bean Coaster

Start gluing the coffee beans in place around the outer edge of the CD.

Continue gluing the coffee beans in a single layer and circular fashion until you have reached the middle opening.

There will be a small gap in the middle where the opening is after you have all beads glued in place.

Now, cut 3 lengths of twine, and tie the ends of them together with a knot.

Secure the twine to the surface of a table with tape, then braid them together until you reach the end.

On the outside edge of the CD, glue the braided rope securing with hot glue.

Glue this in place along the outer edge until it has wrapped around the entirety of the CD.

Trim off any excess twine and secure in place with extra glue.

Add dots of glue along the outer top edge of the coaster and place a bead or rhinestone as an accent.

Once all beads are in place and the glue has dried, your coaster is ready to use!

If you want more options for some cute and easy to make home decor, make sure to check out all of my tutorials. I love this easy clothespin coaster, these jeans pocket coasters, or the sturdy rope coaster. My kids love making these popsicle stick coasters, and I enjoy making these beautiful photo coasters to gift to the grandparents. Plus, if you have leftover coffee beans, you can make this gorgeous coffee candle!

Crafter’s Tip

If you want this same look but prefer not to use actual coffee beans, you can pick up these cute fake resin coffee beans on Etsy. They are perfect for creating the same style coaster without using a potentially perishable food item.

Yield: 1

Unique Upcycled CD Coffee Bean Coaster

Turn that ugly scratched up old CD into a fun coaster using this tutorial for an upcycled CD coffee bean coaster! A super cute way to add rustic appeal to any room!

Active Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $2

Materials

Tools

Instructions

Begin by gluing coffee beans in a single layer around the outer edge of the CD;
Continue gluing them onto the CD side by side leaving no gaps until the entire CD is covered and only a small gap remains in the center;
Next, cut three lengths of twine and tie a knot in the end then begin braiding it;
Once the braid is complete, you will begin gluing it to the outer rim of the CD;
Trim off any excess and add extra glue to secure;
Now, add dots of glue all around the outside edge of the coaster, then top them with small beads or rhinestones;
Make as many of these as you want following the same process, then add to your side tables or coffee tables.