Then, one of Dan's coworkers began to catch on and offered Dan a huge bag of corks he had at home. Dan, being the amazing and thoughtful man that he is said yes. And so, my cork crafting began.
I'm not proud of what I'm about to show you. Well, I am, but it's also a little embarrassing. Last Friday night, instead of going out with friends or grading papers or doing something useful, I spent over 3 hours cutting corks in half and hot gluing them to shelf liner to create this kitchen mat. This particular mat is 11 corks (cut in half) by 22 corks (also cut in half.) I went for a basket-weave pattern and I'm very happy with it. So next time you have 242 corks and absolutely nothing to do, I'd encourage you to make a mat. Or pay me a great sum of money and I'll do it for you. Drumroll please...TA-DA!
-Stephanie
This is very awesome Stephanie!! I do have hundreds of wine bottle corks... my Dad use to make projects with them and I just couldn't get rid of them because I knew they would be useful someday! I am so going to make this!! I need a kitchen mat! Thanks and yes, I am crafting up a storm here at my home...I just can't stop! ~Leslie Dalton
ReplyDeleteLeslie, I'm glad you have a use for all those corks now! I love my kitchen mat. Be sure to post a picture when you make one; I'd love to see! :)
ReplyDeleteHow did you cut them in half?
ReplyDeleteI used a sharp non-serrated kitchen knife on a cutting board. There's probably a better way because I ended up with terrible blisters. :)
DeleteBoil or steam them a bit and them cut them it is so much easier.
DeleteI thought about making a mat using whole corks and wiring them together.
ReplyDeletePlease let me know if you make a mat with this method! I'd love to know how it turns out. Best of luck!
DeleteSoak the corks in hot water for 10 minutes, they won't crumble when you cut them. I want to try this!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! I'm sure it makes cutting easier. I'm just too impatient to wait for them to dry! :)
Deletethat mat is amazing! Was the cork board hard to do? Did you cut them in half as well?
ReplyDeleteThank you! The cork board was easy because I cheated by trimming a few corks to make them fit. Don't tell anyone haha. I did end up cutting them in half to help them fit in the frame better. Basically you need a piece of cardboard to put into the frame like a picture, then arrange the corks according to whatever looks best to you, and then glue them on one by one.
DeleteWhat kind of shelf liner did you use? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI just searched my craft closet AND my kitchen, but I can't find a roll that still has a label on it. It's the kind of liner that's a little rubbery and bubbled to touch, not the smooth paper kind. I hope this helps!
DeleteCould one use synthetic corks?
ReplyDeleteI haven't really worked with synthetic corks, but I assume they'd work just as well. My only recommendation would be to pick one or the other for the entire project. :)
DeleteHello, I would love to feature a picture of yours on our site, we will give you attribution which would include a link to your site, and I was wondering if you could please send me your email address so I could give you more information.
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
-Sarah Connolly
sconnolly318@gmail.com
I was wondering the durability of your mat since you made it? Are some of the corks popping off as it's stepped on? I believe I have that many corks and have been looking for a project and love this. But I don't want to make it if those little babies are becoming unglued as time goes by. Thanks for the post.... Amy
ReplyDeleteHey! Unfortunately, I had to throw out my mat after over a year of use. It latest a long time, but eventually the corks get worn down and start to pop.
DeleteStill, a year is a pretty good life for a mat in my opinion :)
I was wondering the same thing as Amy Bedwell. Also, is it comfortable to stand on? Like if you are cooking or doing dishes while standing on it? I would think it may be kinda like a foot massage if you moved your feet from time to time. Your thoughts? =)
ReplyDeleteIt's actually very comfortable! It helped relieve a lot of achy feet for me haha
DeleteLove this! Is it comfy to stand on?
ReplyDeleteI think I'll do this, but use it as a table runner instead. Might get more than a year out of it that way.
ReplyDeleteGood idea! I was thinking the same thing... regarding how long the mat would last.
DeleteI like that I do votives, eine bottle holders, napkin holders and wreaths. Did you hot glue and do you have a backing to the rug. Would Like To try.
ReplyDeleteI am on FB Personal Touches by Pamela if uou would like to take a look. ghanks
I like that I do votives, eine bottle holders, napkin holders and wreaths. Did you hot glue and do you have a backing to the rug. Would Like To try.
ReplyDeleteI am on FB Personal Touches by Pamela if uou would like to take a look. ghanks
What did everyone use for glue? Hot glue wont hold for getting stood on a lot.
ReplyDelete