Any tips for making paper coasters like these?

Question

www.tenthousandvillages.com/catalog/prod...

Newspaper or Magazine?

How to make them waterproof?

How to make the strips of paper the same heights, easily?

I would like to make them for family for Christmas gifts.

Thanks.

Answer 1

The description says: Paper is coiled around broom bristle, joined with thread and glue, then starched for durability.

I would think that magazine pages would hold up better. A paper cutter would be the easiest way to make strips, but you could use a ruler and craft knife. As for waterproofing, you could use liquid starch (like they did), or coat it with decoupage glue.