How to Make Your Own Wine Trivet and Dimensions

A trivet is a small plate you can place under hot objects to protect a table. Wine-cork trivets have been popular for many years, and they offer a unique and useful art project. It doesn't take very many corks, and the trivets are both lovely and functional. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Approximately 32 wine corks
• 2-foot x 2-foot sheet of 1/4-inch plywood, poplar or oak
• 3/4-inch wood trim, 3 feet long
• Wood glue
• Saw
• Wood clamps
• Wood stain

Instructions

1. 

   Cut your 4 pieces of wood trim so that the outside edges of the pieces are 8 1/2 inches long. Be sure to cut the pieces on a 45-degree angle to assure the corners will fit together well. The inner edge of the trim should be about 7 inches long (because of the angled cut).

2. Cut your plywood into an 8 1/2-inch by 8 1/2-inch square.

3. 

   Glue the 4 pieces of 3/4-inch wood trim onto the plywood square with a strong wood glue. Glue the corners of the trim together (they should fit together seamlessly), and be sure the edges of the trim are flush with the outer edge of the plywood. You may wish to use wood clamps (or perhaps a heavy book) to apply pressure while the glue dries.

4. 

   Once the glue dries you can stain or paint the trivet, if you wish.

5. Glue the wine corks to the base with wood glue. Start in the middle of the square and work outward, alternating between up, down and across. Place 2 corks lengthwise and then 2 sideways. This alternating pattern is forgiving and doesn't require the corks be in a straight line. If you follow the given dimensions you should end up with 4 rows of alternating pattern.

6. Allow the glue to dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use plastic corks. When something hot is placed on the plastic it could melt, thus defeating the purpose of the trivet.

• Sort your corks thoroughly. Do not use broken corks or extremely stained corks (unless you want a wine-stained trivet).

References

• You Really Made That?: How to Make Elegant Wine Cork Trivets and Hotpads
• Crafters Love Crafts: Wine Cork Trivets
• Crafty Nest: Wine Cork Trivet