Put a cork in it!

We all seem to have a stash of corks piling up somewhere, but what to do with them? In case you missed our special wine edition of Yakima Magazine, we featured four DIY projects to help you put them to good use – well, when it comes to decorating anyway.

So grab your glue gun and give it a go.

Initials are everywhere – on fireplace mantels, as bookends, even etched on wine glasses. Why  not make your own?

Directions: First, choose a letter. Then lay the corks out on a flat surface to form chosen letter. Using a hot glue gun, place a generous amount of glue on each cork. Glue together in a shape.

The cork magnet is the easiest project of all.

Directions: Simply hot glue a small magnet (available at craft stores) onto the back of the cork. Pop on the fridge to remind you that you need more wine.

Add some style to your dinner table with this super simple place card holder.

Directions: With a sharp knife, cut a slice into the top of the cork (champagne corks are easiest), so it will stand up. Slide in a piece of card stock, write a name and viola!

Directions: Buy a foam or wooden sphere at a craft store. The wooden sphere will be heavier, but the surface will be less apparent when finished. The size of the sphere is dependent on the number of corks you have. With a glue gun, glue each cork to the sphere, as closely as possible. Keep in mind where you want the “wine” side or the clean side to be on the outside (or both). Put it on a shelf and admire.

Still have leftover corks? When planting large pots, fill the bottom with corks to help with drainage and lighten the pot. Or you could shred the natural corks and add them to compost. And if you happen to have a wine barrel, you could put the corks in one layer on the end of it, and then add a glass top to make a decorative table.