Recycle old corks : 14 truly surprising and original DIY projects to consider trying

How many times have you opened a bottle of wine and thrown away the cork? Have you ever stopped to think about the ways in which these corks can be reused to create something new? In fact, like all wooden objects, corks can become an excellent raw material for making truly unique and original creations.

Wall decorations, works of art, but also useful objects such as key rings, jewelry boxes, blackboards, baskets and much more: there are many useful objects that you can make with a few corks and a bit of creativity. So start collecting your corks and try out some interesting craft projects.

And if you're short of ideas, check out the 14 projects below:

1. Cork key-ring and glasses holder

Raise your hand if you never know where to put your keys when entering your home. Corks can give you the solution: just glue them inside a picture frame, add some hooks and you're done. Using an elastic band your key-ring holder can also accommodate your sunglasses.

2. From stoppers to coasters

If you like a spotless home, then you certainly cannot do without saucers and coasters to avoid the risk of finding yourself with unsightly stains on the tables and other surfaces. Cut the corks into slices and glue them together - they will be perfect for this.

3. Tray or trivet?

Speaking of protecting surfaces, how about a practical tray, which turns into a trivet if necessary? Have fun giving it the shape you prefer and use whole or sliced-up corks.

4. Cork bird-feeder

If you love nature, you can make a wonderful bird-feeder using corks. A large cardboard roll, some corks and a piece of rope is all you need for this project.

5. A wall of corks

Would you like to renovate your kitchen, but your budget doesn't allow for it? Put up a wall of corks! It will require several hours of work, but your kitchen will be renovated for almost no cost!

6. Utensil holder

How about a nice utensils holder made simply by stacking corks vertically?

7. Door wreath

Door wreaths are magnificent decorations to welcome your guests with, depending on the season. You can easily make wreaths using corks as a base; for spring, add flowering sprigs; for summer, add shells and marine-themed decorations; for autumn, add acorns, chestnuts and dried leaves; for winter a sprinkle of snow on holly off-cuts will be sufficient. Or how about using succulents instead?

8. Small, cork succulent terrarium

A cork can easily be turned into a small pot for a succulent. An arrangement like this will be stunning.

9. DIY cork curtain

Shading doors and windows is essential when the heat becomes unbearable, so why not make some cork curtains? They will help keep the heat out, while allowing cool air to come in, creating a gentle draft. And you can customize them however you like, leaving them as-is, painting them or embellishing them with beads, stickers and more.

10. DIY cork mat

For your kitchen or bathroom, a cork mat will be very practical and will add a unique decoration to the room.

11. Wall-mounted pin-board

Make a cork pin-board to pin bills, mail and notes to: corks, glue, rope, ribbons and paint for decorations (and push-pins, of course) will be enough for this project.

12. DIY, wall-mounted jewelry holder

To keep necklaces, bracelets and watches in order and tidy, all you need is some corks, a piece of rope and some hooks to make a practical, DIY wall-mounted jewelery holder.

13. Unique art

Become a talented artist by creating artworks using corks; you will find many interesting ideas on the web to inspire you and get your creative juices flowing.

14. DIY cork chandelier

Not only decorations and small objects, but also furnishing accessories can be made with corks. What do you think, for example, of making a very original chandelier? But not only this: you can also make coffee tables, seats for chairs and stools and even small cabinets or armchairs from corks.

Which of these projects is your favorite? How do you reuse your old corks?