DIY: Wine Cork Coasters

These are so chic and look like they were expensive and from a designer store - but we seriously have everything you need to make these at home already, which is amazing!  Can't wait to give it a try and it's all thanks to Heartmade's blog (how cute of a name is that?). 

 

materials

For this project you’ll need:

- at least 25 wine corks

- hot glue gun with glue sticks

- thin cork paper circles

- a pocket knife

- a cutting board

- coarse sand paper

step by step

When you gather all the troops, follow these oh to simple photo actions:

DIY: Cork Board using an Upcycled Frame

Simply Emily's blog has a wonderful way to not only upcycle your used wine corks, but also that old frame you were debating tossing out!  Check out her blog for more DIY!

I have been collecting wine corks for a long time and for the most part just storing them in two large glass cookie jars, but have been wanting to make something with them for awhile (which is why I collect so many.) I made a coaster a few months back and I do plan to make more of those but this time I used a good amount of the corks up on these "cork" boards for our kitchen.

I have had these pictures for quite a while and they have served their purpose but now I found a new purpose for them. They are a good size and as you'll see below the detail on the edge of the frame lends itself to a classy bulletin board, right. :)

So armed with some black acrylic paint and tons of corks I went to work. I thought it would be a good idea to paint over the whole picture in black in case any of it showed thru the corks it would be more uniform that way.

Here they are all covered.

Then I started to arrange the corks, not as quick and easy as you would think if you want it to look good. I arranged them all make sure they fit well and looked good and then I started gluing.

Here they are all arranged and ready to be glued.

gotta love the glue gun. :)

I would take a few out at a time so I wouldn't lose the arrangement I wanted them to be in and glue each one individually.

all done. Don't they look GREAT. I would say start to finish the project probably took 2 1/2 hours most of the time spent gluing each cork down of course.

looks good.

DIY: Cork Tile Placemat from Wine Corks

Thanks to Creme de la Craft we have found another wonderful way to reuse those wine corks!  We absolutely love upcycle projects, and this one is right up our alley.  We get to drink wine AND make fun, easy crafts?  Yes, please.

Check out their webpage for more DIY! 

DIY: Cork Tile Placemat From Wine Corks

   

If you're a cork collector like me, this DIY project is for you. Wine drinkers know how many leftover corks you can accumulate over the years, so let's put them to use! Not only do I love wine, but I love using cork for crafting projects. It's easy to cut, naturally waterproof with a beautiful rustic look, and it has a cushion material that makes for the perfect handmade placemat.

The DIY possibilities are endless by simply gluing corks together. You can also make coasters, table runners, trivets, floor mats or cork boards, just to name a few. Make one for yourself or maybe a gift for a wine lover? The best part is, if you know how to use a glue gun, you'll be a pro at this project.

Follow the steps below to make your own upcycled cork placemat. 

Materials:
• Approximately 50 wine corks. Don't have some handy? You have some options: (a) drink lots of wine (b) ask your local restaurants, bars or wine shops or (c) buy them online
• Utility knife
• Hot glue gun

Tip: Use as many red wine corks as possible to add some beautiful shades of red to your placemat.

Steps:
•  Cut corks horizontally into small pieces (about 5-6 pieceseach). All pieces should be similar in size so that when they are glued together, you can easily place objects on top, but don't worry about making them exact. A little contrast in size actually gives the finished product a beautiful look.
• Place the corks into your desired shape and glue each cork to one another using a glue gun (you only need a small amount). I suggest placing a large piece of cardboard underneath in case any pieces get stuck to your work surface.
• If they do, use a knife to gently scrape them off and remove.

DIY Cork Bulletin Board Bar

So easy, and a great way to upcycle / reuse those wine corks!  Don't have wine corks saved up?  Hit up your local wine bar or restaurant and ask them to save some for you for one night - you'll have plenty!  They usually have no problem saving them for people, you just have to ask!

This Bulletin Bar keeps bulletin board overlap at bay while doubling as a recycling project: It uses up all those corks you've been saving for no particular reason.

Materials

• 45 corks (per yard)
• A yardstick

• Hot glue gun

Instructions

1. To make one, simply glue the corks side by side onto a yardstick or similar strip of wood. Uhu brand "natural materials" glue works well, as does hot glue, and you'll need about 45 corks per yard. Do not glue the first and last cork on either end of the yardstick--that's where you'll fasten the bar to the wall.
   
   
2. Let the glue dry, then screw or nail the board to the wall. Glue the last cork on each end after you've screwed your board in place on the wall.