All this sunshine's been making us thirsty! And when we're thirsty we research refreshing beverages to help with that, which is how we ended up discovering these five delicious spins on an old classic. Beer.

*You may have tried a Michelada, but you haven't tried THIS Michelada.

*The Weissen Sour, basically a whisky sour made with beer. Seriously.

*The Black Velvet: who would've thought sparkling wine and Guinness would complement each other so magnificently. (Make it with cider and you have the Poor Man's Black Velvet).

*Um, Beergaritas… possibly beating out the Weissen Sour for best liquor + beer combination.

*Last but not least, it turns out subbing blood orange juice for lemonade makes for a pretty great version of a shandy.

Pro-tip: Make that beer cocktail even more satisfying by serving it on a custom-made Coastermatic coaster.

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Instagram has made it possible for artists to share their work.. instantly. We love it when it allows us to find incredible work like this pic from Paris / NYC based street artist JR (@jr).

JR is actually the man behind Inside Out, the People's Art Project, which invites participants to gather five or more people around a single statement and to submit their portraits (as inspired by the statement). Inside Out print them as posters and return them to the group to exhibit by pasting them in their community.

The project started in 2011, after JR won the TED Prize. Since, it has inspired group actions on varied themes such as hope, diversity, gender-based violence and climate change. Nearly 200,000 people from more than 112 countries & territories have participated to date.

JR's personal work (e.g. above) is similarly powerful. By exhibiting in the streets of the world he hopes to catch the attention of people who are not typical museum visitors. His work is incredible and he documents it on Instagram.

For more on Inside Out visit www.insideoutproject.net. For more on JR go to www.jr-art.net.

Use your Instagram photos to create a set of Coastermatic custom coasters.

Written by Tash Wong

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!

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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...

Written by Tash Wong

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!

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