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Whether you save or toss them, wine corks can have a second life once the bottle is finished. What’s great about these DIY projects is that they’re all really useful but require very little. Check out some of these really great ideas for DIY wine cork projects to see how you can put those corks to good use around your home, with minimal woodworking tools and equipment required.
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What to Do With Wine Corks
You can use wine corks for projects in the kitchen and throughout the house. In addition, they make for great wall decor, jewelry, crafts, and outdoor projects. Finally, if you’re looking for something to give to your kids for projects, wine corks are a fantastic and cheap option.
In the Kitchen
1. Fridge Magnets
This might be one of my favorite simple wine cork projects that you can do in an hour. The only supplies that you need are a paring knife, some Elmer’s glue and small magnet strips.
The longest part of this project is waiting for the glue to dry so that you can start putting them on your fridge. These magnets also make a really easy yet chic gift for your friends and family who love wine accents around the home.
Take a look at these cute magnets here: www.missmelandmissheather.com
2. Chip Bag Holders
It may be the greatest simple idea of all for unused wine corks, because I am always searching for chip clips to help keep the bag closed. You will have the best results with synthetic wine corks (these are the standard ones you get from most wine bottles) as true crock would crumble when cut.
To do this neat project, all you need is a wine cork and a knife. Make sure that you don’t cut too deep into the stopper so that it retains the tension needed to keep chip bags closed.
Check out this great idea here: www.myusefulideas.com
3. Trivet
Making a trivet is one of the most popular DIYs to do with wine corks. That is because this is a really easy DIY as well as one that will be used since the cock can handle and absorb the heat from dishes and pans.
Find your base, use hot glue to attach the corks (leave them whole or cut them in half lengthwise). You can do a simple two by two pattern or go in a circle to create a different trivet, and that’s it. No jigsaw or other similar tools required.
Take a look here for inspiration: www.inkstainswithroni.com
4. Cork placemat
You can make your own set of placemats or simply make a centerpiece mat for your dining room table. These DIY placemats are really easy to make and are so great to look at.
To do this project you will need an Exacto knife, some hot glue and about 50 wine corks per mat that you make. Cut the wine corks into quarters or fifths and then glue them together in a wide and staggering design. You can make the mats round or let them be wide and sloping.
Start with the instructions here: www.cremedelacraft.com
5. Backsplash
This is a neat way to use a large amount of corks in your kitchen. If you want to update the backsplash then this is a really neat DIY project that will get people talking.
This isn’t an easy DIY, it will take time to prep and lay the corks as well as measuring and cutting out the ply board to fit the black splash space. However, when you are finished it will be a really chic accent to your kitchen.
Check out this great idea here: www.createcraftlove.com
Wall Decor
These projects are a way for you to decorate on your walls with all cork projects or accents to other wall decor. Take a look at some of my top picks for DIY wine cork projects for your walls.
Figuring out what you want to do with the wine bottles? Display them in DIY racks I have here.
6. Make a Monogram
If you love having monogram letters around or if you are decorating for an event such as a wedding or birthday then these cork based 3D letters or numbers are a great idea.
You can make each letter in about 15-20 minutes.
All you need is a cutout of the chosen letters or numbers, some crazy glue (a gel based is better, less messy) and plenty of wine corks to fill out the space. You can also use this idea for your 4th of July decorations.
Take a look at this great idea: www.thesuburbanmom.com
7. DIY Chalkboard
Great for a kitchen, this DIY chalkboard is a fun accent for any home. You can easily make this craft in a few hours, the main waiting is for the chalkboard paint to dry. (You can use chalkboard paint on your lampshades and linens too.)
To create a frame, you can use some small pieces of trim or molding to put around the edges of the plyboard. The wine corks look best when placed in a two by two pattern, this gives them a concise square for each direction they are facing.
You can also paint the frame itself for a more colorful design.
Get started here: www.diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com
8. Design Your State
Show off your state pride with this really neat state shaped wall art that you can do with wine stoppers. You will want to print out the state’s shaped template and then cut out the design onto cardboard or on ply board if you have a jigsaw.
To make the picture pop, you can give the ends a chic ombre effect or stick to your favorite color for a simple finish.
See the plans here: www.brit.co
9. Picture Frame Border
If you have a great print or picture that needs a boost up you can border it with wine corks instead of painting over an old one.
This DIY tutorial shows you how to make a quote picture on ply board with paint and decals, but if you already have the perfect picture then you can skip ahead to framing it and then glueing on the corks.
You can even make a simple frame from molding and paint it to whatever color you’d prefer.
Check out the step by step instructions here. www.thevspotblog.com
Around the House
If you are looking for some chic DIY decor for placing around your home then these crafts below are right up your alley for using your wine corks.
10. Cork Balls
These easy to make decorative balls are great for end table and shelf accents around your home. You can also make them in a short period of time, once the paint on the styrofoam ball dries.
That is the first and most crucial step in this DIY project, make sure that you paint the base styrofoam ball brown so that the white doesn’t shine through the cracks once it is finished.
Take a look at this DIY project here: www.allputtogether.com
11. Coffee Table
I love this DIY coffee table top, just because wine corks are so practical and give off a chic look. The coffee table top was created by coincidence since the creator already had a DIY cork board for pinning up items.
The cork board was then placed on a hinged trunk and turned into a coffee table, thanks to corks ability to handle scratches and drink sweat.
See the finished project here: www.mom4real.com
12. Bathmat
This is a really great idea if you have an excess of wine corks (175 the creator quotes using) and the soft beige color would match your bathroom.
All you need to make this DIY is the corks, a strip of shelf liner and some hot glue. There is debate about sealing the bath mat, but the creator’s follow up review states that the sealer caused more issues than help.
Check out this chic craft: sustainmycrafthabit.com
13. Vase Filler
Some of these projects don’t require much skill or little to no tools.
Using wine corks in a vase is a great DIY project that requires little to no effort but gives you a really neat accent to your floral arrangements or for a candle.
Take a look at this here: www.stylishspoon.com
14. Cork Vase
If you would rather have a cork vase instead of just filler then this is the craft for you.
Don’t worry, the vase can still hold water.
This neat DIY vase requires you to glue corks on the outside of a simple square glass vase.
This way there is glass on the inside so that you can use live flowers without potentially making a mess.
See this craft here: www.designimprovised.com
15. Serving Tray
This fun upgrade to a simple serving tray is a great way to make an older tray or one that isn’t as attractive very chic. You will want to cut the corks in half before gluing them to make it a shorter height, but if you prefer the higher outcome then you don’t have to cut the corks in half.
Check out this craft here: www.stayingclosetohome.com
16. Coat Hook
The single block coat hook is really chic and allows you to have a single hanging space or you can line up and few and create more storage for your coats and small accessories.
I also love how easy it is to make this coat hook, you could make it for free if you have scrap wood.
You can also change the height that you hang the coat hook on the wall for more than one, so that it creates a staggered coat rack.
Paint it or stain the it as you wish and you’re done.
Take a look here: www.condoblues.com
17. Coasters
These cork coasters are really cute and unbelievably easy to make. You will need a good amount of wine corks, some hot glue, a box cutter and some sand paper.
Once cut to size, the sandpaper helps smooth down any rough edges as well as help level out the corks to a more even height.
You need to see these coasters here: www.pinkwhen.com
Jewelry
Cork based jewelry may not seem like a top idea, but you need to see these jewelry products to see how great this lightweight material is for wearing.
18. Monogram Earrings
These personalized and sure to be her favorite earrings are a great gift for yourself or someone you know. The cork makes the earrings light so that her ears won’t be weighed down too much.
You can easily make these cute earrings by painting the face of the cork and then using a stamp to make the monogram lettering.
Check out these must have DIY earrings: www.savedbylove.com
19. Stamped Earrings
These bee stamped earrings are a chic addition to any outfit.
Similar to the previous earrings, you can paint the face of the cork any preferred color. Next you will want to use a bee stamp or any other small animal stamp.
The best part about these DIY earrings is that you don’t have to get the stamp centered and 100% in the picture. They look just as great if the bee is off centered and not completely in the circle area.
Take a look at these here: www.instructables.com
20. Necklace Holder
If you struggle with necklaces in a standard jewelry box then you can make your own necklace holder with wine corks, a little paint and some wood. This DIY project won’t take long, mostly you will be waiting for the paint and glue to dry before you can use it.
To get the great ombre effect that this craft shows, you will want to get a darker color and then mix a varied amount of white paint into each pint puddle. This will gradually lighten each puddle to give you an ombre effect.
You’ve got to see this great necklace holder: www.wellitsok.com
21. Stamped Pendants
Similar to the earrings above, you will want to slice the cork and then paint the face. You can then play around with various stamps to find a great pattern, use an animal or opt for a stamp quote to have a wordsy necklace.
You can combine the earring and pendant instructions to make a match set for you or as a gift for someone who would love these great pieces too.
Check it out here: www.fiskars.com
22. Jewelry Organizer
If you have more than just necklaces, then you need a jewelry organizer that will hold it all with ease.
The corks on this organizer act to not only hold hooks for your bracelets, but they are also great for just sticking your earrings in.
For this DIY project you will need some wine corks, a knife to trim some down to fit, a picture frame, a cardboard backing and some hot glue.
You will also need a few small hooks for using to hold your jewelry.
Take a look at this organizer here: www.kellyleighcreates.com
For Events
If you are planning a birthday party (21 and over) or if you have some needed decor for a wedding then these wine inspired decor items will really put your party over the top.
23. Washi Tape Wine Glass Charms
These wine charms are too cute and too easy to skip. All you need are some corks, different washi tape patterns, some wire (with needle nose pliers to bend it) and some modge podge to help everything seal.
By using washi tape for this craft, you are able to have a variety of patterns without having to hand paint. If you are very artistic then you could hand paint these instead.
Take a look at this for inspiration: www.consumercrafts.com
24. Name Card Holder
I love this DIY tutorial to make name card holders from wine corks thanks to the variety of ways that the creator shows you how to make this craft. You can choose to have a sideways cork, keep the cork tall and lean or have the cork on the side of the card instead of under it.
You can choose one of these easy DIY card holder projects or make all of them and use each design for different tables.
See these card holders here: www.weddingbee.com
25. Cork Napkin Rings
These napkin rings look like something that you can buy at trendy store, but the best part is that they are really easy to make and perfect for entertaining or giving as a gift to your boyfriend.
To make these napkin rings you will need a few things, some wire (20 gauge and 26 gauge), round nose pliers, a 1 in diameter piece of wood or a wine bottle that you can use as a guide and some beads of your choice.
Check out the step by step instructions here: www.socksandmittens.com
Trinkets and Small Crafts
These small trinkets and crafts are great as gifts, for using as decor around the house or for practical uses. Check out some of my favorite crafts that you can make.
26. Keychains
Pool days are coming and if you don’t want to lug around all of your keys then this is a great idea to hold your pool key or house key. Mainly because, cork floats if it accidentally falls in water.
You can also use these simple and easy to make keychains for holding various keys that you have around the house without a keychain. Bonus organization points if you paint the corks to help you remember what each key is for.
Take a look here: www.thekimsixfix.com
27. Spools for Twine
If you have unorganized twine and floss, then this is a must have to help you keep the twine from getting all knotty. This may be one of the easiest crafts for beginners on this list since all you need to do is wrap the twine around the body of the cork and then make a slit in the top to hold the end.
See the project here: www.addicted2diy.com
28. Mini Trees
These are perfect for decorating around Christmas time. All you need to do is take a small sprig of a pine tree and stick it into the top of a wine cork.
You can keep the cork it’s normal height or cut it in half to create a tall and short variety of mini trees. These trees are also great for decorating doll houses or for small fairy gardens.
Check out these mini trees here: www.livelaughrowe.com
29. Snowman Ornament
Really cute and a great craft for your kids to help with, these snowmen are sure to bring some extra smiles this holiday season.
You will need some paint, ribbon, tooth picks, little pom-poms and some glitter pipe cleaners or twine for the headband. You can also forgo the final step of attaching a string and make these freestanding snowmen around a mini Christmas tree (see above craft).
If you’re looking for more Christmas themed projects, feel free to check out my Christmas scroll saw template packs.
See this cute craft here: www.janinehuldie.com
Corks for Camping Weekends
If you are outdoorsy and love great life hacks for your camping trips then these wine cork crafts are right up your alley for creating a fun weekend away.
30. Picnic Basket
I love this simple craft that involves surrounding a wooden fruit basket with wine corks. It elevates the picnic atmosphere and is great for displaying with a large bunch of wildflowers sitting in it to give off a summer vibe.
To make this DIY cork basket, all you need is a good surplus of wine corks, a fruit basket, some hot glue and some fabric for the inside lining (optional). You will start with the top and work your way around the basket from top to bottom, slicing or trimming any wine corks to fit around the basket as needed.
Check out this great basket here: www.chicaandjo.com
31. Fishing Bobber
For the fisherman, or woman in your life, these bobbers are super easy to make and won’t be as despairing to lose on a hard catch since they are easy and super cheap to make.
You can leave them natural or paint them fluorescent or glow in the dark.
All you need to make this DIY craft is a few wine corks (because trust me, you are going to want more than just one in your tackle box) and some wire.
Create a hook and push the wire through the center of the wine cork and then trim the other end and curl with pliers to create a second hook in the bottom.
See the simple instructions here: www.instructables.com
32. Fishing Lure
Who knew wine corks were great for fishing? These dual hook lures are pretty easy to make and can be a good way to attract fish to the hook.
For this DIY cork fishing lure you will need a wine cork, some hooks and glue that will hold underwater. You can also paint, add googly eyes and a beer bottle cap as a mouth for the lure.
Take a look at this neat craft here: www.fieldandstream.com
33. Fire Starting
If you are “away from it all” then you may face some struggles on lighting a fire when the sun goes down. Eliminate the need to rub stick together or deal with damp timber by bringing along some wine corks.
Make sure that you are using the real cork type of wine stoppers instead of the synthetic ones. You can tell it’s real cork because it is imperfect and has dimples in the stopper. Soak the corks in rubbing alcohol for at least 24 hours and use with kindling to get a fire going. Instantly, you have a portable fire you can take with you.
Check out this neat hack: www.campwander.com
For Kids
These crafts and projects for kids are great to make for them or with them depending on the difficulty and how old they are. Take a look at some of the best ones that I found for getting crafty with corks.
34. Cork Giraffe
This wine cork sculpture is a great accent piece for kids rooms as well as for adults who love animal decor around the house. All you need to make this craft is a wire hanger or two, some newspaper, wood glue and an abundance of corks.
This DIY can be done with kids helping place the corks around the body, if kids are younger, help get them started by placing the bottom row and have them build upon it. You can also get creative and try out other animal sculptures via this inspiration.
Take a look at this craft here: www.lilblueboo.com
35. Stamps
If you love using stamps for crafts, then this tutorial will show you how to make some of your own stamps. These are also great for kids to use during playtime when they are making pictures for the fridge.
You may want to make these without the kids help since you need to use a sharp Xacto knife to make the cuts. Use a sharpie to create simple straight line designs and then use the knife to cut them out.
See this projects here: www.chickenscratchny.com
36. DIY Birdhouse
I absolutely love this DIY birdhouse made from wine corks. Unlike some cork birdhouses made from decorating an already made wood house with corks, this birdhouse is made and shaped with 100% wine corks.
You will need wine corks, a hot glue gun and a knife for trimming corks to fit if they are not all the same length. With plenty of glue, this chic birdhouse should hold up great for your feathered friends or you can put it on a shelf with a fake bird as a neat accent inside. This is also a great DIY craft for you to try out in the summer time.
See the step by step instructions here: www.feltmagnet.com
37. Cork Fairies
Super cute for little girls to play with and easy to make, these cork fairies will steal your heart and imagination. These fairies are really easy to make and kids can help out with the process.
All you need to make these are some hot glue, a few wine corks, some scraps of felt or fabric, pretty ribbon, a sharpie and some wool for the hair. Once finished, these fairies can entertain your little ones for hours and give them a sense of pride for helping make such sweet little friends.
Check out the tutorial here: www.mollymoocrafts.com
38. Tic Tac Toe Game
This Frozen inspired tic tac toe may be the family’s new favorite tabletop game to play after dinner.
Similar to the snowman ornament instructions you will want to paint each wine cork and then add eyes with a sharpie.
Use small felt strips to create the snowman’s hair and the reindeers antlers. Kids can help with this craft and will love playing with it afterwards.
See the inspiration here: www.mollymoocrafts.com
39. Cork Snake
This snake is going to be a big hit with the boys in your house! It’s a really easy DIY that kids of any age can help out with.
Parents will need to use a drill to create the holes through wine corks (that are cut into quarters). After that, kids can use a plastic needle threaded with string or yarn to go through all the corks. Leave the head for last and trim the leftover string a little so that there is a tongue left sticking out.
Check it out here: www.goodluckwiththat1.com
40. Boats
Since corks float, this is a no brainer DIY for kids. You can float these in a small pond, down a river in a race or put them in the bathtub when the weather isn’t great.
You can create a line of corks with hot glue to make the body or put some corks underneath a popsicle stick raft to help it float.
Kids can help by glueing and designing the sails on their boats. No heavy tools required.
Take a look at these cool boats here: www.creativejewishmom.com
Corks, Corks Everywhere
If you don’t already have a large stockpile of corks ready to use then there are a few different ways that you can get them for little to nothing.
- Talk to your local restaurants that serve wine and see if they would agree to save some for you, just make sure that you make a weekly pickup schedule.
- Look on yard sale and marketplace websites online to see if anyone is selling them for cheap or giving them away.
- Ask your friends to save their corks for you, repayment with some of these DIY gifts is optional.
- You can also buy them online or at local craft stores, but you may end up paying a little more for this option.
With all of these really great crafts, you are going to want to stockpile some wine corks.
