Family and Parenting: Information For Families

More finishing touches, in cork design, can be added to a simple kitchen design to create an array of unique, hand-sculpted items. After creating the table runner with candle holders, and the fruit basket boats, you can add these few other simple designs to finish off the look of an eco-friendly kitchen.

For a flower vase design using cork try this: Choose a glass vase that you enjoy. Pick any color glass to accentuate the look of the cork.
Thoroughly clean and dry the vase. You can choose from several design options with this vase. For a fun, bubbly look try using adhesive-backed cork circles. Alternating sizes and spacing for a whimsical appearance or try a symmetrical look by cutting an adhesive-backed cork sheet into small strips. You can cut the strips in alternating sizes or keep them identical. Glue the strips starting at the base of the vase and winding them diagonally to the top. You can attach them horizontally, vertically or diagonally, whichever looks best with your remaining decorations.

Create a simple cork, cheese serving platter like this: Simply cut a round circle out of a cork sheet to a size that you prefer. Use a standard plate as an example. Purchase a strip of dark cork and glue this strip to the outside edge of the round serving-plate cork circle. This darker, outer strip creates the appearance of a sliced log serving tray. For a napkin ring design try this: Using a cork sheet, cut thick strips of cork that will allow your napkins to slide in and out of easily. This will depend on your napkins fabric. Once you have cut the appropriate lengths of cork, then you can decide to paint your guests names onto the holders with acrylic paint, or burn the names into the holders with a wood burning tool. Now, twist the ring once and glue the ends together; use binder clips to hold until dry. Slide rolled fabric napkins into finished rings.

Finally, you can create unique cork coasters like this: Cut a sheet of cork into desired amount of 4”x4” coaster sized squares. Now, paint the coasters if desired, with acrylic paint. Cut ¼” slits in the coasters surface and keep the slits around ¼” away from the sides. Use remaining cork pieces to cut ¼” strips matching the 4” size (you may need up to eight strips per coaster). Paint these strips separate colors or leave original for a hand-crafted feel, and allow to dry. Then, weave the strips in and out of the pre-cut slits to create a woven coaster. Be sure that the strips are woven so that the ends are tucked under on the final weave. These many cute projects can make for an inexpensive and fun project for you and the family to create together.