(ESP-ENG) Individual artesanal para taza. Hecho con material reciclado / Handcrafted coaster for mugs. Made from recycled materials.

Step 1: The first thing I do is take the Styrofoam tray and cut out a circle the same size as the design. In my case, it measures 12.5 cm in diameter, but you can adapt it according to the style you want to give the placemat.

Then, with the help of tracing paper (that trusty ally), I carefully transfer the design onto the circle. And this is where the tricky part comes in: using the craft knife, I make very gentle cuts along all the lines of the design. The trick is not to cut too deeply, i.e., just mark the surface without cutting through the piece.

Step 2: I take one of the fabric scraps that is roughly the same size as the section of the design where I am going to place it. In this case, I start at the center of the flower.

Using the tweezers or any object with a semi-rounded tip, I begin to insert the edges of the scrap fabric into the cuts I made previously with the utility knife. The idea is to gently insert the fabric. Without pressing too hard, just enough to make it look firm, but without breaking the anime.

Step 3: At this point, I choose pieces of fabric in different shades. I place them one by one in the sections of the design, following the shape and making sure that the colors complement or stand out from each other. I continue until the entire design is covered.

Step 4: Now it's time for the base. I cut a circle of fabric about 14 cm in diameter, a little larger than the design, to allow for some margin. I locate the center and glue the recycled CD with contact adhesive to give it stability. Then, I take the part of the design that I already decorated with fabric and glue it on top of the CD, so that it is in the center of the two layers.

With the excess edge of the base fabric, I finish covering the entire outline, adjusting it well.

Step 5: Now that I'm almost at the finish line, all that's left to do is those little details that make a big difference. To cover the seams and give it a more delicate finish, I use thin cord that I glue along each line of the design.

Next, I prepare a mixture of 70% school glue and 30% water. Using a soft brush, I apply this mixture to the entire surface of the placemat. This step not only secures the fabric, but also gives it a firm consistency.

I hope it dries well, and our special personalized mug is ready. I hope this project inspires you to create and give gifts that speak for themselves.

Thank you for accompanying me in this process.