A felt cup coaster
Felt is a thick material made by pressing wool fibres tightly together with hot water, steam and pressure. It is not woven, so its cut edges do not fray. Besides toys and decorations, felt is used for parts of furniture, cars and musical instruments. Thin felt is best for handwork because scissors cut it easily. If we put a cup of hot tea on a coaster, the table is saved from stains and scratches.
You need: thin felt (10x10 cm, 2–3 colours), scissors, glue, a cup or lid (to trace a circle), felt-tip pen. Steps: 1) Place the lid on the felt and trace a circle. 2) Cut the circle out slowly with scissors. 3) Cut a small flower and leaves from another colour. 4) Glue the flower in the middle of the circle. Safety: use scissors only while seated and turn the felt as you cut; place hot cups on the finished coaster with an adult’s help.