Let’s be honest, we’ve all got that random stash of cork stoppers lying around somewhere. Maybe it’s crammed in a kitchen drawer, tucked away in the back of a cabinet, or stuffed into an old shoebox in the basement. For most of us, those little cork cylinders just sort of accumulate over time until we’ve got a sizable collection with no clue what to do with them.
I’ll admit, for the longest time my corks just sat neglected because the ideas I came across online seemed either too tedious, too juvenile, or just downright ugly. I’m talking tawdry-looking cork wreaths, flimsy cork boards, and so many bad examples of misshapen coaster sets. As someone with a moderately respectable sense of taste and decor, I wanted none of it.
But then I started getting more creative and experimental with my corks. I realized that with some simple tools, inexpensive materials, and a little imagination, it’s actually stupid easy to craft them into all sorts of decorative pieces.
I’ve since experimented with all sorts of cork creations – planters, frames, knick-knack trays, you name it. And I’m here to share my 10 favorite, foolproof ideas to inspire you to start seeing corks as a fun, renewable crafting material just waiting to be upcycled into chic decor.
So pull out that stash and get ready to get crafty! Even if you don’t consider yourself a DIY master, these ideas are easy enough for total beginners yet look impressively high-end.
Cork Trivet/Hot Pad
These are awesome for protecting your kitchen counters and tabletops from hot pots and pans. Just take a bunch of corks and glue them together tightly in a circle or rectangle shape using super strong craft glue. Once it’s all cured for 24 hours, that sucker will be heat-resistant and look so rustic!
Cork Stamp Art
Glue some corks in whatever pattern or shape you want onto a wood plank or canvas, let it dry, and bam – you’ve got an oversized stamp. Carve little designs into the cork tops too if you’re feeling extra crafty. Then go to town stamping with acrylic paints to make awesome wall art or homemade cards.
Cork Candle Holders
Easily repurpose those leftover corks into cool rustic candle holders. Just take any used up corks and carefully slice them in half lengthwise. Pop a tealight or votive candle right in the middle of that cork cup and you’ve got instant natural ambiance. Safer move is using the battery-operated candles though!
Framed Cork Backdrop
Create dimensional artwork by packing a blank picture frame super tightly with corks to make a 3D backdrop. Use it to display photos, trinkets or even as a mirror frame. Mixing light and dark shades gives it a cool toned look.
Cork Bath Mat
For a spa-like vibe in your bathroom, try gluing a ton of corks onto an old rubber mat or some heavy-duty fabric. It makes a seriously slip-resistant, cushioned bath mat with a lot of texture. Be sure to seal it with polyurethane after so it can get wet.
Cork Planters
This is such a cute idea, especially if you’re working with larger corks! Hollow out the bigger ones to use as tiny succulent or herb planters. Or you can glue corks around the outside of basic terra cotta pots to dress them up. I’m envisioning a whole wall of these!
Cork Letter/Signage
Spell out words, names, sayings – anything you want by meticulously glueing corks together onto wood planks, canvas or metal letters. For curved letters, try soaking the corks in water first so you can bend them easier into funky shapes.
Cork Vase/Utensil Holder
Make unique vases or rustic utensil holders for your kitchen by bundling and glueing corks around cylindrical glasses or vases. Try covering the inside with plastic wrap first though so you can slip it out if needed.
Cork Coasters
An oldie but a goodie! These are stupid easy – just glue some corks in whatever pattern you want onto rounded wood slices, tiles or fabric coasters. Embellish them with paint, stain, colored chalk or markers to customize.
Cork Wreath
Get into the seasonal spirit by crafting fun wreaths with your leftover corks! Glue them onto a basic wreath form in cool designs, patterns or color schemes. Adding accents of ribbon, greenery or bright beads really makes them pop.
Giving new life to something that would otherwise get tossed is so satisfying. And with cork stoppers, you get this great natural material that’s also sustainable and eco-friendly. Win-win!
Whether you go for the cork trivet, the cute dangling light fixtures, or something more ambitious like the cork wall hanging, it’s a chance to tap into your creativity. And you can feel good knowing you’re doing your little part for the environment.
At the end of the day, it’s just fun to take something ordinary and reimagine it as something unique and decorative for your home. Your creative upcycling piece can be a conversation starter and put a smile on your face every time you see it.
So next time you’re about to toss those cork stoppers, pause for a moment and think about giving them a zippy new life!
