The next time you open up a bottle of wine, think about what you are going to do with the cork once the bottle is empty. Really. Corks make great craft materials, and there are so many different things that you can make with them.
Even if you don’t occasionally drink wine, you can find corks at most flea markets and yard sale-type places. When you do, grab a bunch of them because we’ve got 25 different crafts that you can make with those old corks, and you won’t believe some of these.
From a complete bar top to a bath mat, there are so many different ways to upcycle old corks, and most of these are so easy that you can do several projects in one day.
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with a bunch of old corks, you don’t have to wonder any longer. We’ve got the perfect solution to help you get those corks out of your drawer, and you can make some really useful things with them.
Grab a few corks and let’s get started. You’re going to love these fun and easy cork projects.
Jump to:
- 1. Wine Cork Birdhouse
- 2. Wine Cork Napkin Rings
- 3. Wine Cork Jewelry Display
- 4. Cork Refrigerator Magnets
- 5. Shell Stoppers
- 6. Cork Keychains
- 7. Cork Tacks
- 8. Cork Bulletin Board
- 9. Cork Canapé Knives
- 10. Wine Cork Herb Markers
- 11. Magnetic Cork Planters
- 12. Wine Cork Topped Dresser
- 13. Wine Cork Coasters
- 14. Wine Cork Topped Trunk
- 15. Wine Cork Bath Mat
- 16. Cork Stamps
- 17. Cork Cabinet Knob Stoppers
- 18. Cork Artwork
- 19. Wine Cork Wreath
- 20. Wine Cork Place Card Holders
- 21. Cork Drawer Knobs
- 22. Wine Cork Wine Charms
- 23. Cork Kitchen Utensil Holder
- 24. Wine Cork Garland
- 25. Wine Cork Serving Tray
1. Wine Cork Birdhouse
Use up those old wine corks and give your birds a special place to live. This wine cork birdhouse is really easy to make and looks absolutely beautiful in the yard. You will need quite a few corks, around 90 for a good-sized house, and a few other supplies. You basically just glue the corks together (around 12 for each side) and then attach the pieces to each other. You can add the roof and any decorations that you want, and don’t forget to leave a hole in the front so that the birds can get in.
2. Wine Cork Napkin Rings
If you really want to dress up a dinner table, these wine cork napkin rings are perfect. To make them, you will want to cut the corks into slices, and you can use as many slices per ring as you want. You will need about 3 per ring to make them really full, and you’ll need some heavy stretchy thread and beads for decoration. Just drill a hole through the slices and alternate cork and beads onto the stretchy thread until you get the size that you want. This project is really easy and would make a wonderful gift, especially when you pair it with cork coasters or wine glass charms.
3. Wine Cork Jewelry Display
You can create a beautiful place to hang jewelry with a few wine corks, an old frame, and a few other supplies. Cover the board and stand of the frame with fabric of your choice. Then just add the corks in whatever design you want. If you cut them in half, they’ll work better. Glue them into place on the fabric using hot glue or something similarly strong. Then just put the frame together without the glass and hang up your favorite necklaces, bracelets, and hoop earrings. This makes a great gift idea, too.
4. Cork Refrigerator Magnets
You can make great little magnets for holding the kids’ artwork on the fridge with those old wine corks. You will need to cut them in half lengthwise, and then the magnet gets hot-glued to the flat part. You could also cut them into slices and make them round if you want to go that route. They’ll hold those pictures or recipes on the fridge perfectly, and they are very unique as far as kitchen magnets go. Plus, they’re cheap and easy to make. You just need two or three corks, some glue, and a few magnets to create an entire collection of fridge magnets.
5. Shell Stoppers
If you tend to enjoy a little wine now and then and you love those gorgeous stoppers that sit atop those bottles, you can make your own out of corks and a few seashells or whatever else you have an inclination to use. Decorative wine bottle stoppers can be a bit expensive, but since you already have the cork, you just have to add the decorative touch. These seashell stoppers are beautiful, and they are so easy to make that you just won’t believe it. Just gather up the seashells that you want to use and attach them to your corks. You do have to narrow down the cork just a bit, but overall, this is a really easy project.
6. Cork Keychains
Stop wondering what you’re going to get for that person who has everything, and make them a great little cork keychain. These are perfect for birthday gifts for people who are really difficult to buy for, or you could just make them for yourself. You can make several of these in an afternoon, and they’re great for hostess gifts for showers or parties. Just screw the hardware into the cork and you’re all set. Really, what could be easier? Plus, you get to use up those old corks and make them functional again.
7. Cork Tacks
If you have a bulletin board, you can create beautiful thumbtacks out of those old corks and dress them up a bit. (We’ve also got a great cork bulletin board that you can create to go along with those thumbtacks.) Please be very careful when inserting your thumbtacks. You certainly don’t want to stick one through your finger. That being said, all you really have to do is buy a few cheap thumbtacks – the Dollar Store has them for around $2 for 60 – and then glue them into your corks. Let the glue dry for at least 24 hours, and then you’re ready to decorate that bulletin board in style.
8. Cork Bulletin Board
This cork bulletin board is perfect to go along with those cork thumbtacks, and it’s much easier to make than you may think. You’ll need a picture frame, an old mirror, or something similar for the base. Then you just add the corks and be sure to glue them into place really good. If you are using a rounded base, you’ll need to cut down the corks so that they’ll fit. The great thing about square picture frames is that you just have to glue in the corks and you’re all finished. The corks perfectly hold thumbtacks in place.
9. Cork Canapé Knives
If you have an old set of canapé knives that need a facelift or the handles are broken or damaged, you can replace those handles with your corks. Not only does this work perfectly for making those knives useful again, but it looks great. This one is so very easy. You simply make a slit in the end of your cork and then just shove the end of the knife into it. You don’t even have to glue it in, unless, of course, you feel better knowing that they’re glued. The cork itself will hold the knife in place and keep it from moving. These would make wonderful gifts for the Holidays. Just add your favorite cheese ball recipe.
10. Wine Cork Herb Markers
To make herb markers, which are really handy for keeping your herbs straight, you just need to write the names of your herbs on the corks and then insert a wooden skewer. Then just push your new markers into your herb containers or garden. This one takes just a couple of minutes for each herb, and it helps you to identify them even if they haven’t really started growing yet. When you need an herb, you’ll know which one is which, so this project is perfect for those who are just beginning with herbs. Plus, the cork markers look really pretty.
11. Magnetic Cork Planters
Make a number of gorgeous little planters for your favorite succulents with old wine corks. You will need to hollow out the center of the corks, which should be done carefully so that you don’t crack or break the cork. Then simply add a magnet to the back with a hot glue gun. Once you’re ready to stick them up, put just a tad of potting soil inside and add your succulent. You can hang them on the fridge or anywhere outside that is metal. These are great and would make wonderful gifts. Plus, they really don’t take much time, and you can literally do hundreds with a small bag of potting soil.
12. Wine Cork Topped Dresser
If you have an old dresser that needs a facelift, corks are the answer. This dresser is actually a turned bar made of corks, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. You will want to reface the dresser with stain or paint and then add your cork top. Liquid nails are perfect for keeping the corks in place, and you can create a design if you want. You will need several corks for this project. If you don’t really need a bar, just use it as a dresser or anything else you want. It’s beautiful and will look great anywhere you put it.
13. Wine Cork Coasters
Learn how to create stylish, budget-friendly wine cork coasters with this easy DIY project. Using just a few simple materials like wine corks, felt, and a hot glue gun, you can make functional and charming coasters perfect for any home or as a gift. With just a few steps, these coasters are both water- and heat-resistant, making them both practical and beautiful. It’s a fun, eco-friendly way to repurpose old corks and add a rustic touch to your decor.
14. Wine Cork Topped Trunk
If you need a new coffee table, a wine-corked trunk works perfectly. You can find an old trunk (if you don’t already have one that you can use) at thrift stores or yard sales for less than $10. Repaint or stain it whatever color you want, and then add the cork top. You can use an old window frame for the top and then just glue the corks onto it with a hot glue gun. Add the top to your trunk with liquid nails or something similarly sturdy, and you have a beautiful new coffee table for less than $20, and that’s if you have to buy the trunk and the corks.
15. Wine Cork Bath Mat
Create a stunning bath mat from those old corks and kill two birds with one stone (or cork in this case). You can save money by not having to purchase a decorative bath mat, and you can upcycle those old corks into something beautiful and very useful. You’ll need close to 200 corks for this one, as well as a hot glue gun and shelf liner for the bottom. This cork bath mat resembles a bamboo mat, which is really expensive. So, you get a beautiful decorative mat for just a fraction of what a bamboo mat would cost.
16. Cork Stamps
If you love scrapbooking or you just like using stamps, you can turn those old corks into great little stamps with just a few minutes and a few supplies. You’ll have to mark off the design that you’re making with a Sharpie and then use a very sharp exacto knife to cut away the extra cork. Note that you want to use very spongy corks for this project. If your corks are too dry, they will crumble. Once you have the design carefully cut away, just dip them into your inkwell, and you have the perfect little stamps for all of your stamping projects.
17. Cork Cabinet Knob Stoppers
With some old cabinet knobs and a handful of corks, you can create beautiful bottle stoppers that are perfect for wine bottles or any other bottle you want to decorate. You will need to carve the end of the cork down just a bit so that it will fit somewhat loosely into your bottles. Then just attach the cabinet knobs using hot glue or liquid nails and a rather long screw. These are so gorgeous and would make wonderful gifts if you are giving something in a bottle.
18. Cork Artwork
Turn a collection of wine corks into a stunning wall hanging with this easy DIY project. By cutting, dyeing, and arranging corks into a custom design—such as showcasing unique corks like those from "19 Crimes" wine—you can create a personalized piece of art. With just a few simple supplies, including a wooden board, glue, and some paint, this rustic wall decoration will add character and charm to any space.
19. Wine Cork Wreath
Oh, how we love DIY wreaths, and this wine cork wreath is both gorgeous and easy to make. You will need a straw wreath for the base and a handful of corks for decorating. The best thing about this project is that you can do it however you want. While you should begin with a single layer of corks (that you’ll hold in place with hot glue), you can stack them, toggle them, or do whatever you want with them once you have the base covered. If you want a really full wreath, stack them in different directions, and you can add other decorative elements as well if you want.
20. Wine Cork Place Card Holders
If you have a wedding, dinner party, or other occasion coming up, you can create lovely place card holders with those old wine corks. Cut the corks in half lengthwise so that they’ll stand up by themselves. Then, cut a slit in the rounded part (the flat part will lie on the table) to insert the name card. You can use cardstock for the names and do whatever you want to make them look special. Then simply insert your name cards into the slits on the top of the cork. They’ll stay perfectly in place and will make your table look beautiful.
21. Cork Drawer Knobs
Making drawer knobs is a bit more complicated than some other projects, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort. You just need corks, screws, and a small screwdriver. You can cut the corks down a bit if you want to make them a little more decorative, or just use them the way they are. You’ll want to find screws that will fit into the slots after you remove your existing knobs, and then just insert the screws and screw the corks into them. If you use the corks the way they are, this one will only take a few minutes. If you want to use an exacto knife and carve the corks, though, it will take a bit longer.
22. Wine Cork Wine Charms
Wine glass charms are really nice, but they can be rather expensive. Besides, we’d much rather do things the DIY way. You can make six charms from a single cork. You just have to cut the cork into six slices, being careful that you don’t crack it. Use a really sharp knife. Using hot glue or something similarly strong, you will want to glue your chosen decoration onto each circle. Seashells work really well, or you could use jewelry-making supplies, or anything you want. Screw a small picture frame eye hook into the top of each circle and add wire. A hoop earring notion works well here. Plus, you could add an additional charm if you want.
23. Cork Kitchen Utensil Holder
If you’ve found yourself with an abundance of wine corks, this DIY kitchen utensil holder is a creative and functional way to put them to good use! This craft is perfect for adding a rustic touch to your kitchen or for making a personalized gift for wine lovers. Whether you're a regular wine drinker or simply looking for a unique project, you can easily gather enough corks (even buying them online) to create this charming holder. Not only does this project showcase your crafting skills, but it’s also a great way to upcycle and add personality to your home!
24. Wine Cork Garland
Make decorative garland for Christmas, birthday parties, or any other celebration. You just have to tie a rope garland around your corks, or you could go all out and drill holes into the corks and stick the rope through. Once you have the corks attached, just add whatever other decorations you want. For the Holidays, add plastic cranberries, holly, or even a few real pinecones. You can decorate the garland however you want, and it looks great hanging on the tree or across the mantel. You could also paint the corks if you wanted, or decorate them in other ways before hanging.
25. Wine Cork Serving Tray
Transform a simple stretched canvas into a stunning, rustic wine cork tray that’s perfect for serving drinks or displaying your favorite items. This DIY project is an easy way to upcycle old corks and create a functional, stylish piece for your home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a charming accent piece for your living room, this DIY wine cork tray will definitely be a conversation starter—and it’s as simple as it is affordable!
magnetic wine charms
Wine charms and wine accessories. Wine flies when you're having fun!