Bottle Cap Coaster

Here's a fun classroom project that reinforces the importance of recycling. Encourage kids to save bottle caps and small lids in other neat shapes and sizes, too.

Materials:

• STYROFOAM Brand Foam:
  • Block, 12" x 12" x 1/2", for one to four coasters OR
  • Sheet, 36" x 12" x 1/2", if making large number of coasters
• Green acrylic paint
• Green felt, 9" x 12" sheet
• Plastic milk jug caps in assorted colors, seven
• Serrated knife (for adult use only); or, plastic knife
• Candle stub or paraffin
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Compass
• Flat paintbrush
• Disposable palette
• Water basin
• Paper towels
• Thick, white craft glue

Instructions:
 

1. Use compass to draw 4-1/2" circle onto foam block or sheet. Repeat as many times as needed. Adults: Wax serrated knife with candle stub or paraffin and cut out circle(s). If children are cutting out the foam, have them use a plastic knife. Sand rough edges with a scrap piece of foam, and then smooth the edges with gentle pressure from fingertips or by rolling against a flat surface.
    
2. Paint all surfaces of foam circle green; let dry.
    
3. Arrange six bottle caps around foam circle, with contrasting cap in center. Be sure caps do not hang over foam edge.
    
4. Carefully remove center cap, apply glue to back edge, then replace on foam. Press down on cap, gently yet firmly, until edge embeds in foam surface. Repeat for remaining caps. Be sure all caps are level.
    
5. Cut two leaf shapes from felt; glue to bottom of coaster. Let dry completely.

Note: Children can safely cut the ½" foam sheet with a plastic knife; a serrated knife should be used by adults only.

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