How To: Make coasters out of old wine corks

You've uncorked a bottle of fine wine. Now what are you supposed to do with that cork? Don't just throw it away! Breathe new life into your old corks by recycling them into all-natural coasters.

You Will Need

*Five to six wine corks
*A hot glue gun
*An old newspaper
*Craft glue
*A sewing needle (optional)
*Thread (optional)

Step 1: Cut the corks

Cut each of the corks crosswise to create five to six one-quarter-inch-thick discs.

Step 2: Lay out pattern

Lay out six discs in a hexagonal pattern, with two discs next to each other at the top, one on either side, and two at the bottom.

Step 3: Glue

Place a few dabs of glue on the edges of the discs where they touch and glue all six discs together over an old newspaper. Let the glue dry for 15 to 30 minutes.

Tip: You can also sew the discs together with a needle and thread using two small stitches.

Step 4: Create another hexagon

Create an adjoining hexagon by gluing together another six discs in the same fashion, then gluing it to the first hexagon.

Step 5: Add another hexagon

Add a third hexagon in the same manner as the second.

Tip: Play with other geometric shapes for your coasters, making sure you include negative space. They don't all have to match.

Step 6: Turn over and glue

Turn over the coaster and apply a layer of craft glue to the entire underside to add stability.

Fact: Did you know? Not all wine corks are created equally – there are different corks for fortified, sparkling, and still wines.