How to Make a Wine Cork Trivet

A trivet is defined as a small plate with short legs that is put under a hot platter of dish to protect a table. Typically, they are made of metal, but wine corks serve as an attractive alternative and dresses up the table nicely. The project also allows the connoisseur to show their sophisticated taste in wine.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wine corks: the number depends on size of trivet, plan on at least 30
• Glue
• A base, such as an old tray, tile or square piece of wood (quarter-inch plywood works well)

1. Collect wine corks. Sort through them, tossing the plastic or torn ones.

2. Prep the base before laying down corks. Make sure it is clean. Paint it if necessary.

3. Start in the middle of the base and work outward, alternating between up, down and across. Brush down a liberal amount of glue on the base and place cork on it. Make sure the winery name is showing, if that is what you want.

4. 

   Place two corks sideways, then two lengthwise. This pattern is more forgiving and doesn’t require the corks be in a straight line, which, given the nature of corks, will save major headaches.

5. Continue placing corks on the glue, paying attention to the pattern. Is all the print facing the same way? Are winery names showing? Is the red-wine stain adding to the look of the bulletin board.

6. Allow glue to dry for two to three days. Add any other embellishments, such as molding for framing or a knickknack.

Tips & Warnings

• Careful not to use plastic corks in the trivet. They will burn and smell when hot items are placed on them.

Resources

• A trivet, also known as a 'hot plate,' is an object placed between a serving dish or bowl, and a dining table, usually to protect the table from heat damage.

[wordwhirler]

on 2/8/2009 This is a great gift idea. Thanks for posting this, I love it!