To think of all the wine corks I threw away without realizing how many more uses they had. Since wine corks are made from natural materials, they have a multitude of uses.
Here are seven great ideas to re-use those wine corks laying around.
- Use in the garden – Wine corks are an excellent mulch for potted plants or small beds. Cork is a natural product, so it will break down over time and it is a natural anti-microbial, so it should resist mold growth. Similar to other mulches, the cork will help hold in moisture and will add a little flair to your pots and beds. Although full corks can be added to the planters, for best results, break up the cork and add that to your planters. You can also use corks and wooden skewers to create labels for your herbs and other plants. All you need is a permanent marker and you’ll have labels that will hold up in various weather situations.
- Make fishing floats out of them – Cut a slit down the length to the center of the cork using a razor blade or X-acto blade. Then place the cork onto the fishing line to the depth you want to sink your bait.
- Plant Holder – Tie 10-20 wine corks together in a circle and secure it with wire or sturdy string. Place your plants on top to collect any excess water.
- Natural Bath Mat – Because cork is a natural anti-microbial, they will hold up well in moist rooms like your bathroom or laundry room. All you need is a glue gun, wine corks and a shelf liner. Here are some instructions.
- Make Cork Stamps – Never mind the potato stamp, re-use your wine corks. Simply, carve designs into one end, press into an ink pad, and stamp away!
- Make a cork trivet – Buy a picture frame and glue the corks to it and turn it into a trivet.
- Boot tray – Set them in your boot tray to collect excess moisture.
What are some ways that you re-use wine corks?