Hello, friends! Today I’m back with a fun little DIY. Right before the holidays I came across an image of felt ball coasters. You may have noticed that these little felt balls have been popping up all around craftland. I saw lots of them this past holiday season in garlands and ornaments. Wanting to get crafty with these little guys, I decided to make some colorful coasters for my new office space!
I ended up ordering felt balls from this fab Etsy shop. (The shop owner Claire is a delight!) You can buy the felt balls in multicolor packs or pick whatever combination of colors you like best. I did both. I used the 1cm size for this particular project.
As I’ll describe below, I basically glued the balls to some clearance cork coasters I found at TJ Maxx. After doing a little more research when writing this post, I realized that these felt balls could also be threaded onto string and then sewn together. This would eliminate the need for the cork coaster. This would also make the felt balls a bit closer together. I may try this method with a larger size ball. If I do, I’ll be sure to show you how.
I’m just super happy with how my coasters turned out. They appeared in this Instagram yesterday, and I was pleased to see that they received such a positive response!
Let me show you how I made them.
DIY Wool Felt Ball Coasters
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 cm wool felt balls (90-100 per coaster depending on the size)
cork coasters
E600 glue
Begin by gluing one felt ball to the center of your coaster.
I used a long wood skewer to place the glue where I wanted it. When I got to the other rings, I just put the glue directly onto the cork.
To keep the felt balls as tight as possible, you’ll want to stop and allow the glue to dry every so often as you work around each coaster. I worked on my coasters off and on throughout the day.
Continue working all the way around until your coaster is completely covered. For the last row, I had just enough space to glue each ball a little to the coaster and a little to the felt ball next to it. This made the cork coaster virtually disappear.
After everything is dry, your coasters are ready to use!
This is a super simple project, and I think the end product is really spectacular. The coasters are so unique and colorful, clearly a perfect addition to my space.
I also really love that they are customizable. The felt balls come in oodles of colors you could do varied shades of blue or a more neutral pallet with grays and whites. Either way, you will have a cozy spot for your favorite beverage.
How do you like my colorful coasters?
These are so colorful and cute! Does the glue stand up to a hot mug sitting on this?
Absolutely!! E600 wouldn’t be affected by heat from a mug. Thanks Amy!
xo Michael
Can you do it with hot glue gun? They cost about $14 per coaster? I love them. I am purchasing from Claire. Thank you.
I did the same 🙂 It works. Thank You Michael for inspiring us all 🙂
Another great idea! Approximately how many balls did you use for your set of 4 coasters? I’m trying to get an idea of how many to order.
Great question! I updated the post. Somewhere between 90 – 100.
xo Michael
So you used 90-100 felt balls per coaster? That’s what you put in post, but Kim’s question was for how many balls per the 4 you did…just making sure before I order some felt balls…?
I am making these asap! Love this idea.
Thank you Amy!! Happy Crafting!
xo Michael
You got great coverage! I didn’t realize there was a cork base there until I read the post.
Thanks! I know! They did cover so well.
xo Michael
These are fantastic! I love them!!
Thank you Emily!
xo Michael
Love this idea. Adding these to my list of projects I would like to do in 2014.
Thanks Michelle!
xo Michael
I Love them!!! And your pictures are perfect!
You’re so sweet Debbie! Thanks!
xo Michael
Love this! It reminds me of a pom pom wreath that I saw on Pinterest using large pom poms/felt balls. I am dying to make that one 🙂 I might have to make some of these to match!
Yes! I’ve seen those wreaths. They are so fabulous.
xo Michael
Wow! What a terrific idea, and so cheer-y and bright. Thanks for the great idea and directions.
They sure would make great little gifts in a basket, with mug and coffee/tea.
Thanks again…..
Totally! Everyone love something homemade. Perfect for a gift.
xo Michael
They are so cute, and I agree that the colors are perfect for your space! I’m loving pompoms right now – I really don’t want to take down the pompom tree centerpiece I made for Christmas 😉
Ooo! A pompom centerpiece. That sounds fun!
xo Michael
Fabulous idea! The pops of color of perfect for you, but I love how the idea can be transformed for neutral people like me, too. I’m loving the distressed bench that you used in the pictures, too!
Yes – I love that these can be customized to suit anyone’s style. Isn’t that bench great!?
xo Michael
I love these, Michael! Where did you get/order the felt balls? They aren’t available at my local craft store. Thanks!
Tracy, there is a link in the post above where I ordered them. 🙂
xo Michael
this is such a great idea! I love the look of the wool felt balls–I really like that they’re a bit more rustic looking than regular ole pompoms.
Oh yeah – these are so much nicer than the ones at the craft store. I just love them!
xo Michael
These are so fun and cute!!
Thank you!
xo Michael
I was also wondering where you bought the felt wool balls. I love this project!!
Leslie, there is a link in the post above where you can get them. Happy crafting! 🙂
xo Michael
I gotta order the felt balls ASAP before the etsy shop that sells them runs out of them after everyone who reads this post heads straight over there to order them 🙂 I love all of you projects, but this is simply fabulous on so many levels.
Good point Diane! I pretty much want to glue them to everything now! Haha.
xo Michael
The Dollar store has them as well, the little colourful balls. Would be alot cheaper. 🙂
Oh my goodness, these are so cute! I love the bright, happy colors. I’m ordering felt balls immediately!
Haha. Sounds like a plan!
xo Michael
Beautiful and clever project!
Thanks! They were fun to put together.
xo Michael
Hey Michael
The Dollar store carries these little balls as well and cork sheets that you can cut into squares or circles. Also, I think instead of spending so much time placing them individually, just put the glue on the cork then put a pile of balls and then move around to fill cork but being careful not to get any glue on top of balls. I will try my idea first lol. Your idea is great but is very time consuming.
Debbie,
That’s great you found a way to make this project work for you. Love that!! The balls the Dollar store sells are not the traditional wool felted balls which I really like for this project. Also, taking time to allow the balls to dry in-between makes it possible to glue them tighter to each other so you can’t see the cork. But again, do that works for you.
xo Michael
These are the happiest coasters I’ve ever seen! They make me smile. Didn’t know that a little coaster could do that did you? 🙂
Whoa. I don’t have words to describe my total obsession with these! Felt dots? Colour pops? Can it get any better? Nope. Can’t wait to make these! x
Love them! You are so creative, Michael.
I found this from Pinterest, and I love it!!!
I have a question, where would be the best place to find those colorful and nice dye wool felt balls? Thank you so much!
Thanks! There is a link to the place I purchased them in the blog post above.
xo Michael
What a wonderful idea, Michael, thank you for sharing. The coasters are bright and cheerful. There are so many possibilities with this DIY project perhaps a heart in the center for Valentine’s Day.
these are super cute! but i was wondering, how would you attempt to clean them if you spilled anything on them?
Great question, but I don’t really have an answer for that one. Only invite over careful friends and family?? Haha. Have a great weekend.
xo Michael
SUPER CUTE idea, but gulp on the cost! That would be $50+ for a set of four coasters. Love it, but I couldn’t justify the cost.
I’m so glad you mentioned this. I thought it was just me! I love them, but the cost is too steep. Especially for DIY coasters. Oh well! They still look great!
I love these, and thanks for sharing this shop, Just purchased some great goodies for a Valentine’s Day project. I’ll definitely be keeping these coasters in mind as gifts!
You’re more than welcome! Have fun with your projects!
xo Michael
Right…me too, expensive cuteness. Now I want to see if I can make my own felted balls 🙂
There is a way to make felt balls, I just don’t know how. Good luck!
xo Michael
OMG these are adorable!!!!!!!
🙂
xo Michael
How much money did it take approx. for each individual coaster? The wool on etsy is $14…so would that be $14 dollars for EACH coaster? Thanks!!
I used about 90 based on this size of coaster. If you want to cut the cost you could make them a little smaller and/or using a larger sized ball. Happy crafting!
xo Michael
Oh! These are fab! Could you post some pics possibly of the same colored wool?! Thank you !
Regina, I would love to, but I didn’t make any solid color ones. Just this multi-colored type.
xo Michael
Super cute! This would be adorable art for a kids’ room too!
Oh yeah! Great idea Whitney.
xo Michael
I have to agree. Great project and great photos.
Cute!
Theae are beautiful, I love the colours. I suppose at least with cork the coasters have some rigidity.
Ok, spectacular is a MAJOR understatement! I LOOOOVE these! I saw them on Pinterest and was instantly smitten!! I have been using felt balls to make jewelry (mostly necklaces) for years, and they are always a big hit. But I have never actually incorporated them into my decor. This is BRILLIANT! I must admit, GLUEING them never occurred to me. Duh. Don’t bother with the threading for this project. It would take exponentially longer. I had to get a special needle to get through the felt well, and it works but it would be a big old pain to do this many. Stick with the glue. Amazing work as always, my virtual friend!!
Wow Sarah! Thank you SO much for all of you amazingly kind words. I really appreciate it! Have a fab week!
xo Michael
This is freaking adorable! I’m doing this.
Wow this is pure genius!! I made one of those with the thread and needle method (http://www.melimelooo.blogspot.de/2013/08/filzball-untersetzter.html) and I think your solution is waaay better!!! Even with the thread it is pretty difficult to get those feltballs closer together and in the end you may even see the thread…and it takes foreeever 😉 Thank you so much for this tutorial, I will difinitely try it out!! Greetings from Germany
Nina
Absolutely love these! May have to totally copy and get some for myself. Our space could use some perking up — these would be just the ticket. 🙂
Thanks so much for the tutorial! I would have never thought to allow the glue to dry a bit before adding more pom-poms. These coasters rock!
Thanks so much Dee!
xo Michael
These are so cute! I’m pretty clumsy though and I was just wondering how these hold up? I was just curious as to if they would just absorb any liquid or if you have a suggestion about how to protect it…maybe mod podge? I haven’t used mod podge much so I don’t really know the it’s limitations. Any suggestions would be appreciated! I love your website 🙂
Like any fabric coaster, I assume they would hold up to typical moisture / water. I wouldn’t put anything on them to protect them as it may affect their fluffiness. Haha.
xo Michael
These are so awesome! I’m going to make two sets – one for me and my husband, and the other for a Valentine’s gift for my sister!
Great idea. I will defiantly make this
This is a great snow day craft for my kids! I love that you used glue instead of the thread…so much safer for the little hands!
Wonderful! How fun are these?
What a way to celebrate a cup of coffee, tea, etc.
I first want to say that I love the things you post! Such clean and fresh feeling ideas for the home, and great looking recipes!
These coasters look absolutely adorable, and I’m contemplating making a few. My only query is how comfortably do the mugs sit on them? The reason I ask is basic physics – anything round requires balance, and even though there are many round things on the coaster, there’s still that space between the roundness. LOL I know how silly that sounds but I’m at a lack of a better explanation! Your beautiful picture of a tea mug doesn’t seem to be “squishing” the felt balls, it seems to precariously perch atop them.
Thank you for what you do, and for allowing me to post my silly description as a question.
That’s a very valid question. Glasses and mugs actually sit on the coaster very very well. I’ve had no tipping issues. I think because there are so many balls it makes a smoother surface. Granted if your mug or glass is half off the coaster you could run into some troubles, but that happens with any coaster. Hope that helps!
xo Michael
Love them! So adorable…and FLUFFY!
Thanks Jessica!
xo Michael
J’adore!
I’m making one right now! Love it.
Truly gorgeous! Love it and must give it a go. Same I didn’t find this idea earlier as they would have been amazing wedding favours!!!!!
ADORABLE!!! Where do you get the special glue?
Ruth, you can get it at any craft store or online.
xo Michael
I was wondering if you have used a hot glue gun with this or if you think it may work? Well done and nice color choices.
Trish, I think it would work. I just find hot glue messy. Thanks!
xo Michael
I just adore these, only thing, they’re quite expensive to make. The store on mentioned on Etsy sells these felt ball for $13.53/100 balls and you said it takes about that many to make one coaster. With glue and cork that’s a $15 coaster!
Any suggestions on how to bring the cost down because you can’t make just one-it will need lots of friends! 🙂
Thanks, Linda
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I read in one of the comments that they asked you about how to clean them if they get stained….After all , coasters are precisely used to prevent liquids to reach your furniture…so I think that spraying Scotch Guard or Never Wet on them will do the trick…specially when it cost almost $15.00 to make each one.
I plan to make this for an adult craft at the library where I work. I’m anxious to see how they turn out! Wish me luck!
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These are great. We want to make these at our family reunion but need to get the cost down. Could you use pompoms?
These are so super cute. I as well, would love to get the cost down as these are such great gifts to have on hand for any occasion! I found this website where the 1cm felt balls are $0.06. http://www.feltballrugs.com/handmade-felt-balls/46-wholesale-1cm-handmade-felt-balls.html I’m going to order some and give it a shot 🙂 Thank you for the tutorial!
Lindsey! Have you ordered or gotten anything from this site yet? I’m curious to know if it’s legit or not, because that would certainly make a difference in the price!!! 🙂
I love this idea! I saw them in a store in Berkeley, California and wanted to recreate it. I love your idea of using the cork coasters! Brilliant! They had sewn theirs together which would be really difficult and time consuming! Love your blog!
I just came across this blog post but these coasters are adorable and such a fun DIY craft!
These are so cute! Do you think I could get away with using the cheaper pom poms? or would they unravel and not work? Wool is expensive, although it’s totally a lovely gift idea and easy to use. But to make four is a little steep. Thanks!
Loved your coasters. I was just thinking that you could also use old CDs for the base of these if you needed them bigger for those big coffee mugs. Cover the bottom with felt and they would work great.
I love the colours on these! Am I the only person who saw these and immediately thought of chocolate freckles? You know – the chocolate circles covered with sprinkles.
Can you use regular elmer’s glue?
I wouldn’t. E6000 will give you a much stronger hold.
xo Michael
I love the felt ball coasters! I am in the process of making them now. They are turning out great but I notice an odor from the e6000 glue. I was wondering if you had that problem too. It has been at least a day of drying and I still smell it. They are a gift for someone and I am afraid they might smell like glue. Any ideas?
Thanks! I still love mine. I don’t remember any issues with the glue smell being a problem after drying. Yes, it does have an odor when you’re using it, but I would assume it should fade away. I can’t smell it at all on mine now. I would assume that should fade. Maybe store them in a plastic container with a dryer sheet to give them a fresher smell if you’re giving them to a friend right away. Hope that helps!
xo Michael
Dear Michael, Thank you so much for your quick response. I think you are right. As they dry, the glue smell is going away. Patience, right?! And the dryer sheet is a wonderful idea. Thank you for such a fun crafting project. I am truly inspired by their charm.
Happiness to you, Kristen
Hello,
Do you have info on how to do the cork-less version? I’m wondering how best to stitch the string of balls together to make the circle shape strong. Thanks!
love the coasters , but I am going to make a rug , but I will use needle and thread on material , tha will b a winter project. Also thank you so much for all the different crafts.
Uhhhhh. I need those, how cool and cute are they. I guess this year everyone will receive those for christmas. .-D
Do you have to use “wool”? I live in a small town area and having problem finding wool pom poms.
Love to make these with my niece’s and nephew’s as our holiday craft projects.
Such a lovely idea! I love colours and its not only vibrant but beautiful too. Absolutely loved it, Michael. 🙂
So beautiful! Loved the idea 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I have shared your post on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/happinessiscrafting/
My readers will surely like it!
I love these! They’re so colourful and would look great in our office!
They look fabulous, can’t wait to see if mine turn out as nice as yours! Thanks for sharing.
These are absolutely adorable!
Great Idea – Will give this ago!
Hey there! This is such a fabulous idea. I can’t wait to make them. QQ: Would using a hot glue gun yield the same results? I live overseas. E600 glue isn’t readily available.
Thanks!
Jenny, you could use hot glue, I just find it to be messier and not as strong. However, I think it would do the trick.
xo Michael
These are a great craft for the senior community where I work in Activities, fun to make and functional to keep and use themselves or give as a gift!
what can I use if I don’t have cork?
Thanks for this great idea our ceramic and glass coasters keep breaking. This can help in two ways non-breakable and gifting. My husbands name is Michael and he likes the NY Mets, so I can mark the NY with Mets underneath glue orange wool balls on these letters and the rest in navy blue. You can make them for teams or initials etc. just genius.
Hi Michael, our readers will absolutely love these coasters. How funky are they? Thanks so much for sharing your tutorial. We’ve featured your post in our latest craft inspiration roundup. https://craftylikegranny.com/creativity-is-contagious/ Cheers Jodie 🙂
If you are just looking for this kind of gift, you are going to love DIY tutorials in this tutorial. Complete the colors and shapes. Felt Ball Costa or Make Anger Decoration Fine Arts I love your review.
Love those cute felt ball. So adorable. Have to try this felt ball DIY tutorial out.
I thing that is great project.
Too cool.. Good idea. looks unique..Will definitely try..thanks for sharing
Wow, these are great. Need to try some project with wool, soon. Right now, I’m in spring mood so my latest project is DIY Spring centerpiece – , but definitely will try something like yours. I’ve already bought some yarn 🙂
Hi! Love this project! Could you tell me what size the coasters are that you used? Did you end up trying it with larger felt balls?
Thanks!
Love this, We also do this activity in my School. Dynasty is one of the leading Pre Schools in Faridabad, which offer programs for elementary kindergarten education, child development, colorful environment for the children.
Would this work with hot glue?