DIY Glow in the Dark Tetris Coaster

When I was ten years old I was given a Gameboy for my birthday. This revolutionary handheld gaming device and it's dull green dot matrix screen was truly a thing of wonder. Included in your purchase was 1 game: Tetris and, since games were expensive, it was the only game I had for a while. Tetris has come a long way since then in terms of look and style but the game itself hasn't changed - this simple puzzle game has been winning hearts for over 30 years and today I am paying homage to the classic with a commemorative DIY Glow in the dark Tetris coaster.

• epoxy resin (could sub other type of resin if you are comfortable with it)
• mold release
• glow in the dark resin pigment
• black resin pigment
• coaster mold for resin
• pot holders with small squares (make sure they are silicone)
• graduated measuring and mixing containers and stir sticks
• gloves
• small cups for mixing in pigment

The coaster is going to be made in pieces which we will tie together in layers to form the final coaster. The first thing we need to do is make the Tetris pieces (tetrominoes). If you have never played tetris or it's been a while there are 7 uniquely shaped pieces made from configurations of 4 small squares. The pieces are: T, L, reverse L, Z, reverse Z, Square, I (or line). Which color belongs to which piece has changed over time, you can research online and copy colors from the game or you can make them whatever color you want. The important thing here is that you want the colors to be bright and contrasting so you can see shape clearly when they are all stacked together.

To make the pieces:

Prep your potholder mold with mold release according to the instructions on the spray. Mix up some resin, you don't need much at all, 2oz should be plenty. Be sure to follow the directions on your resin for measuring and mixing exactly or it might not set right. Divide resin equally into 6 small cups and add your pigment color choices to each cup. The key here is to use the max amount of pigment allowed, it will tell you in the instructions with your pigment, for mine it was 1/4 the amount of resin (which is a lot it's usually more like 10%!)

Now pour each of your colors into their corresponding shapes (ex: purple for T). You only need 1-2 pieces each shape but you might as well pour all the resin you mixed if you have room- future coasters!

Set the pot holder aside. Prep your coaster mold making sure it is free of dust. Coat with mold release according to the instructions and make sure it is on a level surface.

Reminder: when pouring coasters in this way first layer you pour is going to be the face of the coaster when complete.

Calculate the exact amount of resin needed you will need to fill 1/3 of your coaster based on your coaster molds dimensions. There are lots of online calculators like like this. Measure and mix your resin as directed, making sure to scrape the bottom and sides as you mix.

Pour the resin into your coaster mold. You only want enough to make a thin layer to protect the game pieces. Set aside to cure to at minimum a firm gel.

Now for the fun part- arranging the tetrominoes! Remove the pieces from the potholder and trim any extra resin with a sharp blade (be careful please). You can arrange them any way you want, whatever looks good to you. I like to do this part humming the Tetris theme song for added authenticity.

Remember, you are looking at the back of the coaster so you need to put the pieces facing down.

Now that you have an idea of where they are placed mix up another batch of resin. You still have another layer after this one so mix up enough to cover the pieces but not to the top.

Time to get messy!

To reduce airbubbles take each individual piece and dip in the resin, coating in resin making sure the resin gets in the tiny cracks.

Pour a very thin layer of resin on your coaster and then reposition your pieces on the coaster. Once you are happy with the placement of your pieces pour a "cementing layer" of clear resin. Use a heat gun or torch to pop any air bubble]s and set it aside to cure overnight.

Now for the final layer! SImply calculate the amount of resin needed to fill the mold to the top and mix as directed. Before pouring this layer mix in black pigment. Use a heat gun or torch to pop any airbubbles and cover it with something to keep the dust out. Leave it to cure overnight.

It's time! Go ahead and take it out of the mold. Trim or and any extra resin and enjoy your new coaster! You can charge the pieces with any light source, including UV. I like to add some kind of rubber or felt feet to make it a little nicer but that's optional.