How to Make a Trivet Out of Champagne Corks
If you are fortunate enough to have a reason to drink Champagne, you may also want to save the cork for sentimental reasons. But what do we do when the utility draw starts overflowing with saved corks? Making a trivet from regular wine corks is a straightforward craft project, but many people would not think of doing the same with Champagne corks due to their bulbous shape. However, it is just as simple to make one of these handy kitchen gadgets from Champagne corks, and because of their odd shape, the finished product may be even more attractive.
Things You'll Need
- Wooden base
- Champagne corks
- Felt
- Scissors
- White glue
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wood glue
Instructions
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1
Purchase a pre-cut board at a craft store that is no more than 1/4 inch thick. Other than the thickness, the board can be whatever dimensions you prefer for your trivet. A 6-by-6-inch square will be large enough to accommodate most hot pans.
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2
Save or collect enough Champagne corks to cover your board. It will take approximately 36 corks to cover a 6-by-6-inch board. Ask friends, family or the bartender at your favorite restaurant to save corks for you if you don't drink Champagne often.
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3
Cut a 7-by-7-inch square of felt. Apply a thin, even layer of white glue to the board and glue on the felt. Fold and glue the excess fabric to the back. This will also create a "foot" for your trivet to prevent it from scratching other surfaces.
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4
Use a sharp knife to slice a thin layer off the top of each Champagne cork. Take off just enough to give the top of the cork a flat surface. Cut each cork identically.
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5
Dry fit the corks on the felted base to check for size and the layout of your design. Now that your Champagne cork has two flat ends, you may place either end up, or alternate them for an interesting design. If necessary for spacing, it is all right to leave a small space, up to 1/16 inch, between corks.
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6
Use the wood glue to secure the Champagne corks to the felted base. Allow the glue to dry according to the manufacturer's directions before using the trivet.
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Tips & Warnings
For a more finished look, buy a picture frame to make your Champagne cork trivet. Remove the glass and any hinges. Glue a 1/4-inch piece of wood or heavy cardboard onto the back of the frame and fill in the space with Champagne corks as directed above.
