Sometimes crafts are really cool but complicated. Sometimes crafts are easy but not very hip. So when we were at Target and saw a could-be craft that was hip and easy, we couldn’t pass it up. Yes, this is just Stolen Idea #872 but it’s a good one. It’s cheap, easy, and quick - The Record Coaster.

We saw a pack of four record coasters at Target and thought they were pretty cool. They had taken old 45s and cut off the actual record part, leaving the middle that has the label. Naturally, the ones at Target were all pro and of popular artists (and expensive), but we knew could duplicate a record coaster without much trouble. And I never need much of an excuse to whip out my Dremel.

A trip to Half Price Books found LPs for 50 cents, so I bought four as a trial run. I grabbed Barry Manilow, Andy Williams, Neil Diamond, and some Broadway show that had a cool label. Cutting out the middle of the record proved pretty easy and relatively quick. I cut straight around the middle and then filed it down to be round to just where the actual record grooves start. All in all, maybe 20 minutes spent. After some more filing to make sure there were no rough edges, it got a coat of clear gloss for protection.

I’m happy with how it turned out. They may be bigger than your traditional coaster but they are way cooler and I’m guessing they will last since they are tough plastic. Not to mention, it’s the only reason you should ever have Andy Williams in your house. Sorry, Andy.

More photos of the project over on Flickr