Pro-tips for taking great Coastermatic pics

Coastermatic coasters are a great way to seal existing memories in stone, but why not set out to create the kinds of coasters you'd like in your home - or as unique, personalized gifts?

Here are a few questions that'll help you plan the perfect coasters:

*Who are they for?

*What role would you like the coasters to play (conversation starter /  memory sparker / homeware)?

*What space are they likely to sit in?

A great set includes coasters that complement each other in some way, whether that be through color, theme or subject (etc.) For technical tips on taking great photos via Instagram, check out this post by our buds at Photojojo.

For inspiration from fellow Coastermatic users, check out these great sets by Phillip Hess, Chris Cannon and Taylor Allen.

Good to go? Why not start a set!

Rob Nero's parents loved these personalized gifts

Rob Nero is a San Francisco-based interaction designer, who likes to make and tinker. He made a set of Coastermatic coasters for both his mom and dad, lovingly personalized for each.

CM: How did you hear about Coastermatic?

RN: I heard of Coastermatic directly from one of the cofounders, Tash Wong. She gave a great presentation at a design conference and mentioned it. The site has been so easy and fun to use, I’ve been a little addicted to giving sets as gifts!

CM: Can you tell us a bit about the images on your coasters?

RN: The story behind my coasters starts just after Mother’s Day, and before Father’s Day. I might have not sent anything to Mom (but of course called!) and was just starting to think of what to send Dad. What do you get parents that already have everything? Coasters! I made a set for them both, carefully collecting images I thought each would like. Mom is always asking me to send her photos of things I’m doing, so the coasters picturing me were for her: me at the White House, me with Gramps, me at a café, and the Mt Davidson Cross in SF. For Dad, I chose places he’s traveled and where he spends time: sunrise over the backyard, the Painted Ladies in SF (where he’ll visit soon), Mt Hood behind Portland, and a boat cruise we all took together in Oregon.

CM: How did your folks react to the coasters?

RN: My parents love the coasters! They have them sprinkled throughout the house. When I mention it to friends, most of them are surprised you can print on coasters. My mind is now spinning on coaster ideas for Christmas presents!

He's right! Custom coasters make fun, unique gifts! And they're also fun to make...

Think Coasters this July 4!

As you might've picked up from our Q&As, we love hearing the stories behind the photos on your coasters. Some of our favorite sets have been the ones that capture moments from special events or holidays, like this great collection by Sam Christie, and this one by Phillip Hess.

July 4 is right around the corner, which we think is a prime opportunity for capturing fun times with friends and family. Keep Coastermatic in mind while you're snapping your pics - you never know what great moments you'll be able to set in stone.

Just be sure to snap a pic of the finished set and tag us on your social media of choice!

A very Special Set by Phillip Hess

New Yorker Phillip Hess planned a special trip to Maine with his grandparents, then made his grandma a set of coasters using images from the trip. The photos below were taken by his grandfather, Robert Sumner, who taught Phillip photography.

CM: How did you find out about Coastermatic?

PH: My friend had some out on his coffee table and so I asked about them.

CM: What's the story behind the images on your coasters?

PH: One morning I decided it would be really great to take a trip with just my grandparents. So I called them and suggested Bar Harbor, ME. Maine, specifically Mount Desert Island, is one of my grandparents' favorite places to visit and I had never really been (since the last time I was there with them was when I was about one). It seemed perfect for me to experience some place so beautiful for the first time with two people who knew it well, loved it greatly and had many stories to share from the places we'd visit.

We had an unforgettable trip and I wanted to give Grandma something that she could remember the trip by but that was also unique to our visit. Coastermatic seemed like a perfect choice. I picked four images (of the 1,700 I took) that I felt represented the trip best and ordered the coasters for her birthday. You can tell the one of Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is her favorite by the stains from heavy use!

Been looking for a unique gift for someone you love? Personalise your own set of coasters here.

Visiting the Coaster Factory

Coastermatic cofounder Tash Wong visited our coaster factory recently and had a great time meeting our producer padres, and seeing how our/your coasters are made. The factory is located in the middle of the Midwest, making for equal shipping times within the US, no matter where orders are being sent. Day-to-day operations are run by a husband and wife team who've been making coasters for over 20 years!

Fun fact: the coasters are made entirely of US-sourced materials, meaning we're 100% US-made.

Here's a breakdown of how it happens:

1. The ceramic mix is made (it's a powder that looks kind of like dry plaster)

2. The powder is put into molds, then pressed by a giant machine that exerts a few ton of pressure

3. The blank coasters are baked in the kiln for a day or so

4. Once cooled, the coasters are sorted for size (they can vary about 1/4" in diameter). Ones of a similar size are grouped together so there's no major differences in a set

5. They go to the printer to have awesome Coastermatic images put on them!

6. They're transferred to big trays and baked in another, lower temp kiln, to make the ink permanent

7. They're allowed to cool again, and then Neoprene bottoms are applied

8. Your coasters are packed and shipped!

Check out some photos from Tash's visit below.

 

Now you've seen how our coasters are made, why not create your own set?!