Salvaged Cork Trivet/Pinboard

For some reason, most wine-lovers' households have a massive jar of corks, saved "for some project later." We don't want to throw them away, but often they just sit and collect dust. Why not bust them out for this project? Depending on the size, you can go from start to finish in less than a half hour. This size works great as a trivet or a small hanging pinboard, and smaller sizes can be used as handy coasters!

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

All you'll need is:
Corks (I used 25-30 for this particular project)

Hose/pipe clamp (can be varying sizes depending on your preferences)

Knife

Cutting surface

Flathead screwdriver

Step 2: Cutting the Corks

For this size, I decided to just cut each cork in half so it would have a little overhanging thickness on either side of the clamp. I wasn't too worried about some variation in the size, but if you'd like something more even, it helps to mark measurements on the corks or cutting surface to keep them uniform.

You can use most types of smooth (not serrated) knives for this from a small paring knife to a standard old kitchen knife. It takes a fair amount of pressure to cut the corks, so be aware of that and watch your fingers!

Step 3: Assemble in the Clamp

As I cut, I place the corks upright inside the clamp on a flat surface. Depending on your style, you may like to have some of the stained portions facing up for a little bit of color.

Step 4: Fill in the Gaps

As the clamp starts to get full, you may want to fill some of the gaps with smaller cut portions of cork.

Step 5: Tighten the Clamp

Using the screwdriver, the clamp tightens just by turning the screw at the top. It helps to start flat and then pick it up when it's tighter to adjust any small fragments or errant corks that may have been nudged out of alignment.

Once it's tight and all the pieces are wedged securely, you're done!