How to Cut Wine Corks

Wine corks can be collected and crafted into new items.

Reusing household items is a great way of reducing landfill waste and giving new purpose to items previously considered to be trash. Wine corks can be transformed into beautiful and functional items such as bulletin boards, floor tiles and figurines. Collect your corks and ask friends and family to donate their used corks if you are attempting a big project. Cork is easy to work with and is a versatile crafting material.

Things You'll Need

• Cutting board
• Ruler
• Chef's or utility knife

Instructions

1. Decide on the shape and size you'd like to cut the cork into. Some projects require the cork to be cut length-wise, while others require rounds.

2. Place the cork onto the cutting board and hold firmly in place.

3. Lay your ruler along the cork and, using a pencil, mark the thickness or width you'd like each piece to be.

4. Grasp your knife in one hand and hold the cork firmly against the cutting board in the other.

5. Place your knife edge onto your first pencil marking and press into the cork using a firm, steady motion. Do not saw back and forth through the cork, as this will produce a rough edge and crumble the cork. Slice the cork using firm, downward pressure.

6. Repeat the slicing procedure for each of your markings.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using a serrated knife to cut cork as this will result in a rough edge and may cause the cork to break apart.

References

• Crafty Nest: Wine Cork Bathmat
• Crafters Love Crafts: Wine Cork Crafts