The Brave Little Coaster

This little coaster has experienced more than it probably should have. Drinking at least 3 cups of tea a day has shown its mark, especially when I brewed in my gaiwan as I tend to spill some tea each time. The tea definitely stained the leather and darkened areas. While less messy, normal coffee cups put defined rings. I think the extreme heat and water contributed to some pretty extreme warpage.

The first few times I spilled some tea (it was pu-erh so super dark) it stained pretty easily. I applied some Huberds shoe grease on to protect it a little more, and it helped a lot. Due to the constant hot water exposure, it did dry out often. I had to oil it with some neatsfoot oil every few weeks to keep if from getting super hard and cracking. Overall, the leather gained a lot of neat coloration.

Overall, the coaster has held up well and still protects my desk from my never ending thirst of hot leafy beverages.

This was a fun experience to add to my tea drinking and interesting to watch the tea paint the leather over time.