Flora beaded coasters

A set of two coasters, each shaped like a flower and made from natural maple beads strung on waxed cotton cord. At 15 cm across, they have room for a mug, a glass or a small teapot.

Keep them out on the coffee table for everyday use, or set one under a vase to protect the wood beneath it. The maple is left unfinished, so the coasters keep the soft, natural colour of the wood.

Flora is made by hand in a small beading studio in South Africa, where a team of women string every piece.

The beads are threaded onto waxed cotton cord and worked into rings to form the petals, then closed around a centre. The cord is knotted and the ends are tucked back through the beads, so nothing shows. The cord alone holds the flower together, which gives each coaster a little softness as it settles flat on the table.

Because the maple is unfinished, two coasters can differ slightly in colour.

Wipe with a dry cloth. For spills, use a damp cloth and let the coasters dry fully. Keep them out of the dishwasher and avoid soaking them, as water loosens the cord.