As a group our department at work elected to create a basket with a beer theme to auction off at our Holiday Party. Since others could bring beer, I made a bottle opener, seen earlier, this set of coasters and a bottle stopper. These are all from Myrtle wood. First time I tried to make multiple pieces that look the same. In this case just similar. They are all the same diameter, and the inside is within 1/16". Close but not as good as I'd like to learn how to do. To me this is a learning experience, and I did learn while doing these coasters. The holder was fun too, as it is the first time I'd carved away part of the turning. Actually I'd seen the design at a craft bazaar this year. I think his coasters were all thicker, and made from a variety of woods, and more accurately sized. A jig would help there, but I only needed four of these.
The finish on the coasters was a polyurethane that did not seem to dry. They were supposed to be dry in about 4 hours, I had to let them dry overnight, about 20 hours, before I could add a second coat. On the carrier is a spray varathane.
In addition to the coasters, I made this bottle stopper for the basket. Though I would never use on in a bottle of beer, they are quick to turn and make a nice gift.
The finish is a shellac, walnut oil, wax combination that goes on easy a provides a nice look to the wood.
Enjoy, and be careful of the splinters.
