We’ve all enjoyed a nice bottle of wine and found ourselves wondering what to do with the leftover corks. My mind immediately wanders to a TV show where a woman stores all her corks in a giant glass bowl. While this might show off how much wine you may drink (no judgment here) it does look like a great table centrepiece.
But you can do so many things with leftover wine corks! From cute DIY projects to a myriad of garden hacks. Just take a look.
1. Plant markers
Wine corks make excellent plant markers. Simply write the name of each plant on a cork, attach it to a skewer or stick, and place it in the soil. This way, you’ll always know which herb or vegetable is which.
2. Mulch
Shredded wine corks can be used as mulch in your garden. They help retain moisture, keep weeds at bay, and add a rustic charm to your garden beds. Plus, they slowly break down, enriching the soil.
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3. Compost aerators
Add corks to your compost pile to help aerate it. Corks allow air to flow through the compost, speeding up the decomposition process and preventing unpleasant odours.
4. Bird feeders
Create a delightful bird feeder by stringing together several corks in a circular pattern. Secure them with wire, add some birdseed in the centre, and hang it from a tree branch. It’s a charming way to attract feathered friends to your garden.
5. Cork coasters and placemats
Slice wine corks into thin rounds and glue them together to create custom coasters and placemats. They’re not only practical but also add a touch of rustic elegance to your dining table.
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6. Corkboard
Construct a stylish corkboard for your office or kitchen. Arrange whole corks within a frame and secure them with adhesive. Use it to pin notes, photos, and reminders. It’s both functional and decorative.
7. Drawer knobs
Replace boring drawer knobs with wine corks for a quirky and unique touch. Simply screw the corks into the place where the knobs used to be. They’re easy to grip and add a bit of personality to your furniture.
8. Cable organizers
Prevent your cords and cables from tangling by using wine corks as organizers. Slice a cork lengthwise, make a small cut to create an opening, and slip your cords through. This keeps your workspace tidy and your cables knot-free.
9. Wall art
Create stunning wall art by arranging corks in a pattern or mosaic on a canvas or board. Secure them with strong adhesive and hang your creation for an eye-catching piece that adds texture and warmth to any room.
10. Vase fillers
Use wine corks as decorative fillers for clear vases or jars. They add a rustic charm and can be mixed with other natural elements like dried flowers, twigs, or stones. Display them on shelves or as centrepieces for a cosy, inviting look.
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11. Wine cork trivet
Protect your countertops and tables from hot pots and pans with a DIY trivet. Arrange whole corks in a tight circular or square pattern and secure them with strong adhesive. This heat-resistant trivet is perfect for hot dishes straight from the oven.
12. Wine glass charms
Keep track of everyone’s glass at your next gathering with DIY wine glass charms. Slice corks into thin discs, decorate each disc uniquely, and attach them to wine glass stems using small loops of wire or string. Your guests will appreciate the personal touch.
13. Keychains and jewellery
Craft unique keychains or statement jewellery pieces. For keychains, drill a small hole into the cork, insert a screw eye, and attach a keyring. For earrings or pendants, slice the cork into thin pieces, decorate with paint or beads, and attach jewellery findings.
14. Stamps for crafting
Turn wine corks into custom stamps for your crafting projects. Carve simple shapes or patterns into the flat end of the cork, dip in paint, and stamp away. Use them to decorate stationery, wrapping paper, or fabric.
15. Floating keychain
If you’re prone to losing your keys in the water, a wine cork can save the day. Attach a screw eye to the cork and hook it onto your keyring. The cork will float, making it easy to spot and retrieve your keys from the pool, lake, or ocean.
Wine corks are more than just remnants of a good time—they’re versatile, eco-friendly, and ripe for repurposing. With a little creativity, you can turn them into something beautiful, practical, or both. So next time you enjoy a glass of wine, think twice before tossing that cork. You might just find your next favourite DIY project.
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Featured Image: Unsplash
