How to Make a Cork Tray
Cork comes from the bark of a tree and has been used by people for thousands of years to make stoppers for containers, footwear and building material, among other things. Natural cork is recyclable and biodegradable, unlike the synthetic corks that are increasingly being used by winemakers. A handmade corks tray is a way to use the cork you have collected and to create a memento of favorite bottles of wine.
Things You'll Need
- 150 wine corks for a 15-by-11-inch tray
- Wooden tray
- Acrylic paint
- Paint brush
- Utility knife
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue or hot glue gun
- Rag
Instructions
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1
Collect wine corks. Because many wine bottles now have screw caps or synthetic corks, you may need to prepare for this project for a while. You can also purchase corks from a homebrew supply store or online retailer.
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Choose a tray that is at least three-fourths of an inch deep. This is the average diameter of wine corks. Purchase a wooden tray from a craft store or unfinished wood furniture store, re-purpose a tray from your house, or hunt for a tray at flea markets or yard sales. If you would like to paint the tray, do it at this point.
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3
Lay out the corks on the tray to figure out how they fit best. Either stand corks on end or lay them out horizontally. Try laying the corks out in long rows, short rows, squares or other geometric shapes. The Wine Enthusiast Catalog recommends laying out the corks beginning at the outside edge of the tray and working towards the middle.
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Finalize your design by using sandpaper and a utility knife to trim corks as needed. Try to use cut corks at the edge of the tray rather than cutting the corks in the middle to preserve the continuity of your design.
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Remove the corks one section at a time, apply glue to the surface of the tray and press the corks into place. Wipe away any glue that leaks between the corks using a rag.
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Allow the tray to dry for at least 24 hours before using.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask your friends to save wine corks for you to speed up your collection process.
Store your corks in a large glass carafe or vase near your wine bottle opener to add decor and remind you to save your corks.
Glue eight more corks together in a square to make coasters to match your tray.
Cork is susceptible to mold, so keep your cork tray dry.
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
