Flower Coasters & Spring Cocktail

Spring is in the air! Or at least we are ready for it, even if it isn’t quite here yet in a lot of the country. I’ve been seeing so many cute daisy flower items around lately in fashion and home decor, and it has been inspiring me to start some spring projects! I love this straw daisy bag and how amazing is this beaded cushion?

Here’s a simple DIY to bring some of that floral-energy into your home this season!

You will need:
- Cork coasters (*affiliate link)
- X-acto knife
- Acrylic paint
- Matte Mod Podge

To begin this simple craft, you will want to draw a flower outline on your round cork. An easy way to do this is to use quarters to create a rounded scallop edge. Trace the outline of the quarters and then carefully use your x-acto knife to cut out the flower.

I found it easier to cut small pieces out at a time instead of cutting the whole edge off in one piece. Beware, this will be a messy process so make sure you are working on a surface that will be easy to clean all the cork off after.

Once your edges are all trimmed off, I found some of my edges were a bit messy, so I used a nail file and cleaned up some of the edges and corners to give them a smoother look. Sandpaper would probably work as well if that’s something you have on hand.

Using your trusty quarters again, outline a circle in the center of your flowers. I found that a felt tip pen or an ultra fine tip sharpie worked really well writing on the cork.

Next, paint your flowers however you would like! I used an array of pastel colored acrylic paints — pink, blue, gold, purple, and white. The darker colors only needed about two coats of paint but the lighter colors (especially white) needed 3-4 coats.

The last step is to seal the paint with a layer of matte Mod Podge. This will help protect the paint from any condensation from your cold beverage sitting on the coaster.

And that’s it! These coasters make such a cute addition to a spring party! I think they would also make a really fun gift if you made a set and wrapped them up with a ribbon :) I’m now brainstorming all the different shapes I could make for other occasions as well!

These adorable flower coasters would not be complete without a refreshing spring cocktail! My favorite cocktail book that I have been using all of quarantine is Gin Made Me Do It (Affiliate link). Every cocktail I’ve made has been fairly simple and delicious! The illustrations are also super cute and it makes a lovely addition to any home bar.

I thought a cocktail called the Bees Knees would be perfect atop the flower coasters! Here’s what you will need to make this delicious botanical drink:

Bees Knees
- 2 tsp honey
- 2 tsp hot water
- 1-1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
- orange peel twist for garnish

Mix together the honey and hot water in your shaker until all the honey has dissolved into the water. Fill the shaker with ice. Add your gin, lemon juice, and orange juice. And shake shake shake! Pour your drink into a glass with ice and garnish with your orange peel twist! Enjoy :)

I hope these cute coasters bring you all the spring vibes! They would be so perfect for an Easter get together (if that’s possible this year?) or make a set and send them to some friends to enjoy a happy hour cocktail together virtually! However you are celebrating spring, enjoy the new season and sending everyone a big virtual hug for making it a year into quarantine!

Cheers! Xo Rachael