Cross stitch coaster question

[littleturtlegirl]

My neighbor came over just now and asked me how to finish off her Christmas present coasters. She purchased the coasters at JoAnn Fabrics. She has stitched the designs and now she is ready to assemble.

I have seen online that some say to cut the fabric so none is showing on the back, other say stuff it. What do we do?

The kit came with fabric, cardboard and cork. The cork doesn't have a sticker on one end, so how does it all stick together?

Anyone have a clue?

[karen4bells]

I've only done a couple of these and am thinking about doing another one this year. For both of the ones that I have done, I have cut the fabric that the design is stitched on by using the cardboard that is provided as a stencil, just draw around the shape with a pencil, then cut just inside of the line drawn--then I attach it to the back of the cardboard I used as a stencil--insert that into the acrylic coaster then peel the paper backing off of the one side of the cork, and press that to the back of the coaster---hope that all makes sense. I have been using one I made 4 or 5 years ago and it's holding up just fine

[littleturtlegirl]

That is what I thought too. However the cord doesn't have a sticky thing to pull off. I almost messed it up trying to pull off the white part, but it doesn't come off. There are not any instructions with the coasters...I wonder if you glue them. Back in the day you did pull and stick...

[karen4bells]

Oh---you are so right, I just opened up one that I have, from last year and it's exactly as you described----how frustrating is that??? I think I will used 2 sided tape when I assemble this one, either that or use the low temperature glue gun and run a thin line of glue around the base of the acrylic, where the cork lies over it

* edit* Now I am really peeved off---I just read the instructions that are included with mine and it says to peel off the white from the cork and use it as I originally thought, but it's not possible---they must have made a bad batch??? Mine came with instructions, but then it did have a snowman chart with it too

[littleturtlegirl]

I know right! I have been picking at it since I posted and just can't figure it out. Mine didn't come with anything, great, just great! I picked some up for her the other day day and thought I was getting them at a deal for $3.50. Guess it wasn't a great deal as now there is more work....

I will let you know what she does, you let me know what you do...

[littleturtlegirl]

I just got one to work. Clearly we know where they are making them now. They are made very cheaply. I got the original to work. Take a sharp tweezers or I took a pointed cuticle clipper and gently pulled at the white paper. There is a VERY thin layer of glue underneath. Back in the day it was a big layer and the cover part just peeled right off.

Gotta love the way stuff is made now....

[karen4bells]

I just got one to work. Clearly we know where they are making them now. They are made very cheaply. I got the original to work. Take a sharp tweezers or I took a pointed cuticle clipper and gently pulled at the white paper. There is a VERY thin layer of glue underneath. Back in the day it was a big layer and the cover part just peeled right off.

Gotta love the way stuff is made now....

Glad you got it to work---was thinking of trying that too---I think I'll put a note in mine to remind myself when I do get around to using it!!!

[littleturtlegirl]

Thank you so much for going and grabbing one to help me through the process. Seriously the best forum around!