Experimental cork trivets | How About Orange

September 23, 2010

Experimental cork trivets

Recently I bought a pack of plain cork trivets for a couple bucks at IKEA. Very functional, but no fun. They needed decoration. To make this super easy project, you'll need:

A cork trivet
Self adhesive cork on a roll (usually sold with regular shelf liner and contact paper at Target or Home Depot)
Acrylic paint and a brush
Scissors or craft knife and cutting mat
Pen

1. On the self-adhesive cork backing, trace around the trivet. Draw a design inside. Don't get too tricky or it will be hard to cut.

If your cork is curly from being rolled, ironing will help flatten it. I took a guess and used the cotton setting, because cork and cotton both start with c. (Kidding. Do not iron based on the alphabet.)

2. Cut out the design with a scissors or craft knife.

3. Paint the trivet so your cutouts will show up nicely. Let dry.

4. Peel the backing off your cork pieces and stick them on. Done.

What I learned:
Leave your cork pieces unpainted or a hot pan will stick to them, no matter how cute they are.
Brushing on paint will get it into little nooks and crannies better than using spray paint.
If you choose to spray paint, don't use your finger to smear it into the crannies. Cooking oil, rubbing alcohol, and nail polish remover will not take spray paint off your finger. An abrasive sponge will, but it will be uncomfortable.

32 comments:

Teresa @ good-grace said...

VERY clever! And cute!!

Grandma G said...

Nice! And lotsa potential there for everyone to personalize with their own designs.

Glad to see you're still learning. ;)

Mum

Alexa said...

Make sure the cut-out design won't make your trivet too wobbly, unless you just want it for decoration.

Neat idea, though.

Anonymous said...

I have some of those IKEA trivets! What a great idea!

Amanda said...

You can also use a woodburning tool to draw your designs on the trivet. That eliminates any pots sticking to it and spraypaint on your fingers :)

Anonymous said...

hahaha! i LOVE your comment about ironing by the alfabet!!!

Bek said...

I love it!

So many many ways to customize... but always being mindful that the design is truly balanced - and won't make the trivet/coaster wobbly...

Unknown said...

Your tips cracked me up!! I know more now about ironing, painting cork, how not to paint cork and how to remove paint. And you were so clever with the teaching!

Simone said...

LOVE IT!!! You are so witty! I laugh with delight through every post!

Marisa said...

I love the symmetry of your flower design. You could totally whip up a printable poster including that.

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities said...

So cute! I just picked up a couple sets in different shapes from our local dollar store! I can't wait to experiment with them!

Anonymous said...

LOVE these for Christmas presents! Can you link to the trivets you bought from IKEA?

Jessica Jones said...

Sure thing. I updated the post with the link.

me said...

That's such a good idé! I have to try this :)

Katy {and Kahler} said...

so, so cute and so much potential!

Fee ist mein Name said...

that's a really cool idea :)! i just don't know if I can buy self adhesive cork here in germany! i have to look out...

muffin said...

Amazing~`

Unknown said...

I love it! Instead of paint I think I will use felt or fabric for contrast. Cuz I know that I want to make something like this. SO.STINKING.CUTE.

Frau Sonntag said...

You'll see me cutting cork on one of the upcoming sundays...

Great idea!

Artist Mommy said...

Great idea! Simple but fun!

Anonymous said...

I love your personalized trivets! Though, to avoid the wobbling, I would use a contact paper to cut out the motif, stick it to the unpainted trivet, spray paint it and after remove the contact paper.
It would be the same look, less bumpy and cheaper.

Dee Tollaksen said...

What if we used an ink pad instead of paint and just directly rubbed the ink onto the cork? Contrast would be achieved but no paint injuries--to pots or people!

Jessica Jones said...

Ink is an interesting idea. I've also thought maybe I should just draw on there with a Sharpie. Or I wonder if watercolor would bleed too much.

Anonymous, that's a good idea, except your hot pan can't touch any of the painted surface or it might stick.

Wobbling hasn't been a problem. As long as the design covers enough surface area or has enough pieces near the edges, pans are stable.

Whydiss said...

they look lovely and your helpful hints made me laugh.

PS love your blog

Lisa Brown said...

Great idea! Might give it a try with my stencils :)

C said...

That is adorable! Nothing like learning by experience, huh?

jonahliza said...

this is awesome. i love it, and the flower is soo cute.

PJK said...

I the silhouette is amazing and the ideas are endless for its use, especially with kids! Would love to own one!

Autumn said...

Love this - how creative!

Unknown said...

Choose me!

Nancy Ward said...

Hi Jess,

Wanted to let you know I posted a link to this tutorial today on PaperFriendly.

Nancy Ward
PaperFriendly
http://nancywardcrafts.com

Cassie said...

Fantastic idea!!
Thanks for sharing!!
=)