Is it just my house that seems to magically collect wine corks? Where do they all come from? It's a mystery.
If you're like me and enjoy a tipple, no doubt you'll get through several bottles a week. Also if you're like me, you'll guiltily remove any evidence of said wine-drinking, by binning the bottle and cork ASAP.
Well, as a fellow wine-drinker, let me tell you, you're making a big mistake. There are many uses for wine corks, and some of them are extremely beautiful. Don't hide your guilty pleasure away - display it loud and proud.
Here are 15 amazing uses for wine corks you can try today:
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1. Cork stamps
Do you like to personalise your gifts? Or perhaps you have crafty kids? If so, you should try making some stamps from all those leftover wine corks.
That's what Design Mom did, and the results are great. You can find the tutorial on her blog.
2. Use your wine corks as fridge magnets
A really simple but purposeful way to use up all of those wine corks is to make magnets.
It's easy to do, and much more sophisticated take on alphabetical fridge magnets. Fancy pimping up your fridge? Get the tutorial on Tasting Room.
3. Upcycle your wine corks into pin cushions
I really love this one. If you like sewing, you can use your wine corks to create handy pin cushions.
Why not get creative and posh-up your pin cushions with a bit of paint? I love these ones by Alessia Scrap & Craft.
4. DIY cork candle holder
Love a soft, glowing candle? A great way to make them even more effective is to use wine corks.
Part fill a cylindrical vase with wine corks, then place your candle inside. Stuff the perimeter with more wine corks (I hope you've been drinking a lot!) to keep it firmly in place.
Who says drinking multiple bottles of wine can't be sophisticated?
5. DIY wine cork napkin ring
So we've already explored loads of uses for whole wine corks. When you start to cut them up, things get even more interesting.
Take this example from Brass Paper Clip, who has created these chic napkin rings from her collection of wine corks.
Although they look complicated, they're actually pretty easy. All you need is corks, a heavy needle, stretchy thread, beads, a ruler and scissors - I already have most of that at home, and I bet you do too!
6. Wine corks are great for kids too
While I wouldn't recommend sharing a bottle with your little ones, the leftover wine corks will certainly come in handy.
Wine corks can be used to paint with. Not only does this make things easier for small hands and reduce mess, but they create lovely patterns too.
7. Another great way to use wine corks
Here's another great way to use one of your leftover wine corks - a funky little key ring.
If you're after a new keyring and love your wine, this could be the craft for you! It's extremely easy to follow, head to Morning Creativity to learn how.
8. Make some gorgeous name cards with your wine corks
Got a special event coming up? Then make sure you hang onto every one of your leftover wine corks.
You'll be glad you did - wine corks make wonderful place card holders. If you want to keep it easy, simply cut a slit in the cork and place the name card inside.
Or, if you want to go all out, add faux flowers, berries and leaves like Muslin & Merlot. Your guest will be so impressed!
9. DIY wine cork toys
This wine cork craft project is proof that drinking wine = great parenting.
Reciclando En La Escuela shows that with a little bit of imagination, even the most boring and adult of objects can become kid-friendly.
All you need is a load of wine corks, a permanent marker and some balloons. Wine is so great, it's even fun when you're sober!
10. Wine cork Christmas decorations
Here's another great way to use wine corks - mini Christmas trees!
Although it may not be the season for such decorations right now, give it a few months and you'll be glad you saved all those wine corks.
They're a lovely addition to any house come Christmas time, and so simple to make too.
11. These DIY wine cork toy boats are perfect for the kids
Continuing on with the nautical theme, these DIY wine cork sail boats from Mama Papa Bubba are just so cute.
It's a great craft to make as a family - the process is almost as fun as the playing! These amazing uses for wine corks just keep getting better and better.
12. Try these cork wine glass charms at your next party
What a better way to reuse wine corks than to decorate your wine glasses with them! It's a wine-lovers heaven over here.
Cut them into chunky coins using a sharp knife, then customise however you like to suit the occasion.
13. Wine cork succulents
If you've not jumped on the succulent trend yet, now's your chance.
It's a great way to use wine corks, all you need to add is a splash of paint, a magnet and hey-presto - Succulent planter perfection.
If you like the look of the ones above, head over to Crafts By Amanda for the tutorial.
14. A wine cork bath mat is the ultimate bathroom accessory
Love simplistic, natural-looking decor? Then you have to try this DIY wine cork bath mat from Crafty Nest.
It looks so simplistically chic, is practical (cork is waterproof) and is 100% natural - a thumbs up for the environment.
I can't believe there are so many uses for wine corks. Which is your favourite?
Great ideas. I have the very same as the bath mat, except mine is on a piece of ply wood and hangs on my wall in my office (size 70cm x 80cm)...wait for it.....as a pin 'cork' board, it has lasted over ten years now and if one of the corks falls off it is easy to glue back. I also made a similar thing in the shape of a table runner (30cm x 100cm) and it is used at meal times to put hot dishes on in the middle of the table, looks very stylish and always makes a talking point at dinner parties. The only thing is, it was made on some ply also and is quite heavy, if I did it again I would use hardboard. I managed to get my corks from a nearby wine bar.
Hi Judy. I'm so glad you enjoyed the ideas :) Your piece of wall art sounds great - what a wonderful way to use up leftover corks, and practical too! Equally, the table runner sounds fab. I'd love to see some pics! If you'd like to share them with us, email us at theteam@experthometips.com Thanks!
My favorite 2as the ballon wine cork toys.
Just learned a new use at a restaurant in Puerto Vallarta: slice in half lengthwise on an angle to create two small wedges and use them to balance a wobbly table (just stick one under the high leg).
Wonderful idea, Erick! Thanks for sharing.
Cool ideas! I was curious about how much wine corks are worth when google showed me this page. My family is actually making a floor for our large glass wine cabinet out of wine corks.
Hi Zac! That sounds like a great idea.
What is the backing for the Cork Bathroom mat? The link would not transfer me to page.
Hi Barbara! I would use a non-slip bathmat base. You can purchase these on Amazon.
I use wine corks and put them on the end of sharp metal skewers that are in the utensils drawer to prevent me being speared!! You could use them on any sharp pointed items. like those jacket potato oven spikes or corn on the cob holders. Simple free safety measure!
That's a great idea!
Some great uses here! I've used corks to create a note board, looks great and also doubles as a hot plate for the table. Another handy use is to replace bits of cork that come off my saxophone, without which it doesn't work properly!
Love that idea!
i use corks for wedges in garden fencing stops them rattling when windy .. cut in half length wise and wedge between cement post and wood fence,
That's a good idea!