I like to create unusual baubles to place on my coffee table or mantel. My kids love unexpected decorating details and this type of thing always grabs the attention of guests. I made this in about 30 minutes and I’m thrilled with it.
A styrofoam ball is covered in corks.
No need for perfection - the logos imprinted on each cork as well as the cork screw marks and red wine stains add character and interest to this piece.
For this project you will need: about 60 corks, a 2.5-inch styrofoam ball, glue gun, a sharp knife and a cutting surface.
Stabilize ball by placing on top of a short cup. Glue corks on, placing them as closely together as possible.
To fill in any gaps and prevent the styrofoam from showing, you can cut down a cork to create a point that will allow it to fit tightly in-between corks.
Cutting down the end of the cork allows it fit between the other corks and create a more finished look.
Christine
November 22, 2011 at 3:26 pm
I love this project! I have a ton of corks (because I can’t bear to throw away anything that could be used in a craft project) but I’ve been at a loss for what to do with them. So I’m definitely trying this.
camilla
November 22, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Thanks Christine! I had a hard time coming up with something to make with all of my corks too – then this idea hit me and I am really happy with it. Let me know how yours turns out 🙂 take care, C
Heather @ Life Gluten Free
November 22, 2011 at 3:45 pm
I really like that! How neat!
camilla
November 22, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Thanks Heather! I have to say – it is fun to make and have around. -C
Vanessa
November 22, 2011 at 7:48 pm
Love this idea! Can’t wait to try it!
Courtney
November 22, 2011 at 10:00 pm
Can’t wait to make this Camilla. We just need to drink some more wine to build up my cork collection. 🙂
Kirsten
November 29, 2011 at 6:17 pm
Great idea. Set in a bowl, make it into an ornament, hang up around the house, add glitter to the ends, put on a stick as a ‘flower’…..so many creative options!! Thanks for sharing!
kaye
January 2, 2012 at 5:43 pm
Please send me more ideas for corks. I have a ton of them and cannot bear to throw any away. I made everyone in the family a trivet or framed corks to hang on the wall, and I have a picture of a wreath to make that I am looking forward to, but I need other ideas, too.
carol
February 4, 2012 at 12:53 am
This is the coolest thing I have seen in a long time. I have been collecting corks for years with the hope of making a huge cork board. these balls have so much more charm. Your instructions are really easy to follow. thanks!
ana albi moreno
March 4, 2012 at 8:55 pm
muy decorativo, yo guardo los tapones y podrÃa hacerlo ya. gracias esta muy bien explicado.
Ana
April 1, 2012 at 8:27 pm
hello Ms. Camilla:
I have made many pan suport with corks. I haven’t photograph them justo only to give to may friends and be ecological. Your idea is great!!!
Emma
July 26, 2012 at 5:02 pm
What a fab idea – unfortunately, most of our bottles seem to have screw tops these days, but this is the ideal opportunity to take a little longer over the choice of wine – thank you for the inspiration, Camilla!
🙂
I’d better get started with sourcing those corks…!!
debbie
August 12, 2012 at 1:16 am
I have a friend who used corks to make a christmas tree glued on a lazy susan. Then embellished it with ornaments and little christmas bows etc. it turned out really cute.
Beth
October 28, 2012 at 7:15 am
I made 3 of these but I used toothpicks instead of glue gun. Used an ice pick to start a hole in cork.
Marie
October 30, 2012 at 6:30 pm
Well I was wondering if the hot glue would melt the styrofoam ball. I’m thinking of using floral wire instead – might be more secure? I’d like to hear feedback on the secureness of the hot glue (did any of them fall off or feel loose?) and with using toothpicks – more secure? 🙂 Just curious!
~Marie
camilla
October 30, 2012 at 6:33 pm
Marie, I put the hot glue on the cork and then pressed it onto the foam ball and it was fine and has remained secure to this day. You could definitely use toothpicks if you prefer. Thanks for stopping by, Camilla
Karen Hazelett
November 12, 2012 at 6:52 pm
Saw one of these in a garden yesterday! Nice weathered look. Also in same garden saw one stuck to a 4 foot rod. Catches the eye. I drove by twice to see what it was made of!!
Marie
November 24, 2012 at 8:51 pm
I did it! I made one, and used the hot glue gun – worked perfectly. Only thing is I used a 4 inch styrofoam ball – the end product was super cool but it did take quite a while (and ALOT of corks) to finish the entire thing. Luckily I had plenty of corks that I’ve saved for years. I like the idea of turning one into a garden ornament on a rod. Think I will make one in the Spring for the garden too 🙂 Thank you Camilla for a really cool and FUN idea!
~Marie
brittany
January 16, 2013 at 4:30 pm
This looks fantastic! I can’t wait to try it :).