Put a Cork In It-DIY Ideas for Wine Corks

I’ve said before that the windows and display of Anthropologie never fail to inspire.  A recent visit turned up this wall they had decorated with wine corks.  I thought it was a genius idea, so simple, yet so effective.

The corks were cut to different heights and painted gold and silver.  It was very effective patterning.  The display team there is no stranger to the beauty of using up cycled corks in their windows.  Here are a few other examples:

Anthropologie Window via Plenty of Color

 Photos of Anthropologies windows via Plenty of Color

The subtle coloring gradation of the forms makes me think of ocean waves.  This got me thinking about all the different ways you could recycle cork into household DIY projects.  I just happen to have an abundant collection.  Here are some ideas for you to try yourself:

Anthropologie Wall Art via Life, Love Larson

 Monogram via CraftCuts

Drawer Pulls from CraftyScientist

Bath Mat from Inhabitat

Nantucket Cork Trivet from Elizabeth Dougherty Design

Pin Cushion via Real Simple

The most adorable succulent planters from Tumblr

All of these ideas give you a great way to up cycle corks, while at the same time making a memory keeper for those special bottles of wine or champagne that you drank while celebrating the New Year, travelling the hills of Tuscany or toasting another special occasion.

Have you created a DIY project with corks? Send photos, I'll add them in.