How to Jazz Up a Cork Wreath

Jazz up your boring cork wreath with simple additions.

You had a bunch of leftover wine corks, so you created a cork wreath. Unfortunately, something is missing. Although the actual wreath turned out fine, it lacks personality. Instead of putting the wreath away and chalking it up to another failed craft project, spruce it up with paint, charms and ribbons. Add your own personal touch to the wreath and hang it proudly in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Fine-tipped artist's paintbrush
• Various acrylic paints
• Magazines
• Decoupage paste
• Ribbon
• Various charms
• Silk flowers
• Glitter spray paint
• Metallic spray paint
• Hot glue gun

Instructions

1. Paint your corks different colors. Use colors that go well together or are associated with a holiday. Paint your corks your desired colors and alternate them as you glue them on your wreath. This breaks up the monotony of the wreath. You can also paint just a few corks and place them randomly throughout the non-painted corks.

2. Decorate your corks with designs, miniature paintings or decoupage. Plain corks make ideal canvases for your own personal artwork. Paint designs on the corks with a fine-tipped artist's paintbrush. Paint your own art on the corks such as birds or holiday motifs. Keep the designs and paintings simple. Cut up magazine pages and decoupage them onto the corks. Use brightly colored and appealing images.

3. Glue bells, ornaments or miniature decorations to the wreath. Place the bells, ornaments or decorations randomly throughout the wreath. Use decorations that have a theme. For example, create a cork wreath that has a food theme. Glue miniature food charms throughout the wreath. Glue the decorations in visible areas, rather than in between the corks.

4. Tie ribbon around the wreath. You can choose from a variety of materials and colors for your ribbon. Leave at least a foot of ribbon hanging near the top of the wreath. Wrap the rest of the ribbon around the wreath a few times. Cut the ribbon so that you have another long end. Pull the two ends of the ribbon together and secure at the top of the wreath by tying a large bow.

5. Glue flowers in between the corks. Use any size or color of silk flower you want. Place hot glue on the underside of the petals. Press the pointed back in between the corks. Hold the flower in place for a few seconds until the glue dries a bit.

6. Add glitter or metallic accents to your wreath. Spray paint your wreath with silver or gold glitter. Use the spray paint sparingly. This adds a glitzy finish to the wreath. Do the same with metallic spray paint. Lights reflect off glitter or metallic spray paint and create a sparkly look for your wreath.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative. Cork wreaths provide you with many creative options. Think about themes, holidays or simply what appeals to you. Represent that in your cork wreath.

References

• You Really Made That: How to Make This Beautiful Cork Wreath Craft Project
• Pretty Wreaths: How to Make a Wine Cork Wreath

Resources

• New England Living: Wine Cork Craft Projects