How to Decorate a Mirror with Wine Corks and Bottle Caps

That collection of wine corks gathering dust on your counter can be put to better use.

I'm always on the lookout for ways to recycle and reuse items. I used to throw away wine corks and beer bottle caps after opening bottles. But one day, when I had a pile on the kitchen counter, I noticed how nice they looked all together. Many beer bottle caps have colorful patterns on them, and most wine corks are imprinted with the vineyard's name. I decided to find ways to decorate with them, and a mirror was the first item I created.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Framed mirror
• Beer bottle caps
• Wine corks
• Drop cloth
• Glue
• Electric knife

1. Spread a drop cloth on a flat work surface. Lay your mirror flat on top. Wipe down the frame so it is free of dust and dirt.

2. Lay out all of the beer bottle caps and wine corks to see how they look before breaking out the glue. Start with the bottle caps, arranging them on the frame of the mirror. Once you have the right look, glue each bottle cap in place. Let the mirror dry for a few hours.

3. Decide where to put the wine corks. You could line them along the outside or inside of the frame. They can be adhered whole or you can alter them in some way. Wine corks can be cut in half lengthways or in little slices to make small discs. Wine corks are tough to cut through, so I'd advise using an electric knife and wearing protective gloves.

4. Lay out all of your corks. When you are satisfied with the look, glue them down.

5. Allow your mirror to completely dry overnight before you attempt to move or hang it.

Tips & Warnings

• Some soda companies also use interesting bottle caps that can be used instead of beer caps.