Make Eco-Friendly Coasters From Recycling Corks

Craft your own cool coasters from recycled corks! Rather than toss discarded wine bottle corks into the garbage bin, use them as eco-friendly materials for this great DIY project. Not only do you end up with one-of-a-kind accessories for your wedding party tables, but you also have a fabulous favor idea as well. Follow our easy guide for making these cork coasters, then see our suggestions for either using them at your party or packaging them as delightful take-home favors. Or why not do both!

Make these Cork Coasters in 4 Easy Steps:

Step #1 – Prepare the following materials: discarded wine bottle corks, cardboard sheets, scissors, craft cutter, brown acrylic, paint brush, glue gun or crafter’s glue.

Step #2 – Using the cutter, slice the corks into discs approximately 1/8″ in thickness.

Step #3 – Cut circles from the cardboard, each 4″ in diameter. Paint both sides of each circle with brown acrylic paint. Let these dry thoroughly. [Hint: You can also make a trivet by cutting out a larger diameter—a practical bridal shower gift!]

Step #4 – With the glue gun or crafter’s glue, cover each cardboard circle with a layer of cork discs, letting the edges of the discs touch each other. [Hint: For an interesting design, combine different sizes of cork discs on each cardboard circle. Lay them out on the circle first, to plan the best effect before you actually apply the glue.] Then, use the cutter to trim the parts of the cork discs that extend beyond the cardboard.

Step #5 (optional) – Personalize each coaster by stamping your monograms or initials on each cork disc using non-fading and waterproof inkpads.

Repeat this procedure until you complete the number of coasters needed for your wedding event or to give as unique guest favors.

From Your Party to Guests’ Homes

What makes these cork coasters fabulous is their versatility! First, picture them as decorative accessories at a wine and cheese engagement party or a Spanish-inspired tapas party. Second, they also make perfect complements to shell trays serving up appetizers or condiments, and as coasters for iced drinks at a cocktail party.

Then, imagine presenting them as unique gifts for your guests. They’ll welcome the practicality and admire your commitment to recycling—just as they’ll surely appreciate their packaging. Present the finished items in embroidered organza pouches that have been personalized with leaf-shaped tags! How’s that for a multi-purpose wedding decor and gift idea? So, what are you waiting for? Grab those wine corks and begin recycling them into pretty coasters.