Trivet Upgrade
Sure, cork works well enough on its own for holding a warm dish. But you can build up that basic cork trivet with a layer of stone for more personality and greater functionality. Flat black river pebbles bond to cork easily with craft adhesive, making for an easy project—and a lovely spot to rest your hot wares.
Related: 10 Extras to DIY for Your Kitchen
By the Book
After seeing this DIY, we're ready to trade in all our leather-bound books for cork-wrapped ones! Pick up a cork journal premade or purchase some cork contact paper from a craft store to cover an existing book. Then, follow this tutorial from A Beautiful Mess to sponge-paint stenciled designs on the front cover.
Related: 5 Things to Do with... Used Books
Wrap It Up
Don't toss those soup cans—they still have a job to do! Wrapped in cork, your used metal receptacles can be attractively upcycled into pencil holders, makeup caddies, or watertight vases. Paper & Stitch has the how-to.
Related: 9 Creative Uses for Old Paint Cans
Pop the Cork
Accent walls really define a space, and a single wall covered in an unexpected material like cork will be sure to spark conversation the next time you're giving guests the grand tour. Re-create this look by using wall-mounted cork tiles, which are available in a wide variety of colors and textures. The finished display will bestow a personalized yet naturally peaceful style on any room.
Related: 9 Wood Wall Treatments
Sunglass Sleeve
Whether stashed in the closet or on the go in a suitcase, this stylish cork case safely sheaths your shades. The key to this Instructables project is to really sand your cork contact paper well. A few minutes of work will produce a texture soft enough to store your glasses without scratching, and create a luxe finish.
Related: Without a Stitch - 9 No-Sew Projects to Dress Up Any Room
Cork Encounter
For the same price as butcher block, you can have a countertop made of renewable cork. Nonporous high-density cork slabs are water, stain, and heat resistant—making them wonderfully suitable for the kitchen or bathroom.
Related: 8 Countertops You'd Never Believe Were Handmade
Board Reborn
Cork plays a supporting role in this bulletin board, serving as the foundationrather than the finish. Take a cue from this pin board by Pavona Interiors—wrap a board in linen, then finish with fine details like pewter nail heads or a wooden frame.
Related: Weekend Projects - 5 Bulletin Boards to Organize Your Life
A Quick Fix
Wobbly tables have finally met their match! Save the day with ingenious levelers cut from a sheet of cork, or even sliced from a wine stopper. Even if your tabletop doesn't tip, you might consider adding one of these rounds to each of the feet to protect your wood floor from scratches!
Related: Brighten Your Home with 9 Colorful Furniture DIYs
Cut and Click
A soft sheet of cork not only makes a fine surface for maneuvering a computer mouse, it's also the perfect blank canvas to add personality to your desk. All you need are pair of scissors or an X-Acto knife to cut a custom cork creation—like this one from What Else Michelle—upon which you can paint whatever your heart desires.
Related: Under $50 - 10 Must-Haves for an Organized Desk
For More...
For more about upcycling and repurposing, consider:
9 New Things to Do with Old Ladders
11 Clever Other Uses for Plastic Wrap
Redecorate Your Home for—and with—Pennies
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