Vino Rosso della Casa Per Favore!: Don't Throw the Cork Away! 10 Things to do with Leftover Corks

For those of you who know me, I am pretty psycho when it comes to throwing the corks away. I have a massive vase that I have had for about three years now that is almost at the fill level. Additionally, my friends have witnessed me at wine tastings asking for the leftover corks. So....Why even bother? Here are 10 awesome reasons why:

10. Decoration

The Christmas Tree Shop as well as Homegoods/TJ's/Marshalls sells these HUGE Vases anywhere from $10 - $30. Some are even shaped like Wine Glasses! Great on kitchen counters or on the floor instead of a plant (because honestly who waters those things??) or even as table centerpieces.

Try these too:

Fill a Vase half way and place a pillar candle in the center
String some Christmas Lights in the vase with the corks - Almost like a layered effect for added ambiance.

9. Place Card Holders / Appetizer Labels

Take two, four, or six corks and bunch them together. Hot glue them all
together (on the insides) about half way up (So that you keep a slit in
between to place a name or label). Wrap a piece of raffia around and tie in a
knot. Slide place card in. I've see this done a lot at weddings but think its
perfectly appropriate for apps - especially cheese labels.

I actually held a wine tasting at my apartment a couple years ago and I had
made placeholders with funny sayings and people on them: ie 'The Situation', 'Cougar in Training', 'Here for the Free Booze' - As guests arrived, they were to pick a place card for the person that arrived before them. It was quite
entertaining.

If you are feeling creative put your own spin on them: Hot glue shells, flowers, stickers, even crystals to them for some extra flare.

8. Photographic Memories / A Convo Starter

If you are not a paparazzi in training, this might be a great alternative for you to document celebrations and good times. Simply take a permanent marker and write the occasion and date of when that bottle of wine was popped open: ie "Tammy's 35th Birthday @ Alba", "New Recipe: Eggplant Rollatini", or even something as simple as "Movie Night w/ The Girls - Watching Bridesmaids".

It's fun to dump the corks out and look back at some of the things you did....Especially if you need a break from de-tagging yourself on Facebook :P

7. Wine Charms

My friend Pam from TTV recently posted this link on her Facebook page. Very Cool! Click the link below to learn how to make:

A Charmed Life

6. A Message Board

Simply hot glue corks to an old picture frame, around a chalkboard, or whatever light flat looking thing you find around the garage. You can even paint or glue grapes on it for added effect.

5. Wall Art

I found this really cool display at Anthropology. Now the extent of me shopping there is the Candles and Sale items. However, I thought this was something that with some creativity and paint you could definitely put your own twist on and make some inexpensive wall decor.

4. A Bath Mat

I came across this online. It seems really cool if you are going for that zen-like feeling in your bathroom. Cork is super absorbent so I am not sure why TJX has not hopped on this train yet. For instructions on how to make your very own cork bath mat click the link below:

Cork Bath Mat

3. A Potted Plant Filler

If the soil in your potted plants is anything like mine...They have seen better days. Layer the top with corks for a clean finish.

2. Revamp an Old Picture Frame

You can give new life to an old picture frame by hot gluing corks in different patterns around it. Super Easy! Just make sure the frame is flat. If you don't have old frames, hit up the Christmas Tree Shop - You can get frames as low a $1. Makes a great party favor.

1. Cork Magnets

These bad boys sell for $8.99 on Etsy. And that does not even include shipping! Take old broken fridge magnets and hot glue them to corks. If you don't have old magnets, I have seen the peel-off magnetic strips at craft and dollar stores. Use some hot glue for reinforcement and you got yourself some sophisticated fridge decor. Paint or write on them with a sharpy. You can make these more unique by writing reminders such as 'TO DO', 'CALL', 'PAY', or 'DON'T FORGET'. See ya later Tacky Magnets...Hello organization!