Functional Decor

Functional Decor

Today's construction has it all!  It is decorative, useful, green, and inexpensive!  This is a trivet and a nice decoration in your kitchen or dining area.  I kept seeing these on craft shows and they sell kits for them but I didn't really want to spend $30 or more on a kit.  I finally sat down and found a creative way to DIY.  This should take about an hour depending on your size.  Now let's get our supplies together.

• real wood corks 
• picture frame
• adhesive (I used Gorilla Glue)
• paint(optional)
• cardboard (optional)

Now the list today is short and your specific supplies can vary.  I used 20 corks and 1 5x7 frame.  You may need more or less depending on what size frame you use.  Now that we have what we need let's be constructive.

1. If you don't like the color of the frame you will need to paint it first.  My frame was a old ceramic one that was white and blue checked so I sprayed it with some leftover brown spray paint.  I let it dry while I moved on to steps 2 and 3.
2. If your frame has a deep inset from the border you may want to cut a piece of cardboard to glue in so it will be a even surface.
3. You need to cut the corks in half down the length so you end up with two semi cylinders.  This is a bit tricky so make sure to watch your fingers.  The corks can roll so take your time.  I used a serrated kitchen knife but if you have a easier method please share in the comments below.
4. Lay out the corks in a pattern before you begin to glue them.  You will want to make sure how they best fill the space.  Mine worked out in straight but there are endless possibilities on the patterns you could make.
5. Once you have the pattern decided lift the corks up one at a time apply a liberal amount of glue and then press back into place. 

I would let this dry at least one day before using under a hot dish.  I left the stand on the back of my frame and when I am not using it on the table I set it in my china hutch next to some wine glasses or on the kitchen counter next to a wine bottle.  This is really great if you have corks from special occasions of your own to use.  If you know a newly wed who had wine at their wedding or rehearsal you can collect the corks and make them one as a keepsake.  I have been using mine about 3 years an it is still going strong.

Here are a few trial and error tips:

• Don't use hot glue, it will melt when you put a hot dish on the trivet.
• if you don't have corks usually you can order them online if you want a variety or you can get them in some cooking or kitchen stores but they are usually plain.

The total cost of this will depend on what you have that you can repurpose but even buying all the supplies it should be under $15.

Decorative Spheres

Decorative Spheres

Today's construction is decorative spheres.  I actually made these with items I already had but they are common items that are very easy to find.  I have been wanting some spheres for a while but they always seem cheaply made or really expensive and most are the wrong color or a boring generic color.  I decided that constructing my own could lead to self achievement or a heavy trash bag.  I ended up with the successful outcome and some high quality, durable decor.  Now I'd like to share my success with you. First we need to get a few supplies.

• Styrofoam spheres of any size - find this at Walmart or any craft store
• glass pebbles in desired color - also found at walmart and craft stores
• thin set - find at any home improvement store in the tile supplies
• grout - also a tile supply

Now that the supplies are gathered we can run down the construction.  

1. Mix the thin set and start applying in small areas to the sphere with a plastic spoon.  This is an adhesive used to lay tile and you only have to mix it with water.  Once that is mixed according to the directions on the packaging just start covering the sphere with it.  DO NOT cover the entire sphere.  I usually cover half to start with.
2. Start applying the stones in your desired pattern.  Once you have them on the first half you either need to let them dry or set it in a bowl.  If they do not dry or well supported when you flip it over to work on the other half the glass will fall off. 
3. Repeat steps one and two on the second half of the sphere.  Let set up for one day at least. 
4. Mix the grout according to the package directions with water.  Fill in the space between the glass stones with the mixed grout.  This is easiest and fastest using your hands but you can use a spoon to do it.  Once this is done try to wipe away as much excess grout as you can with a slightly damp paper towel.  It will probably leave a milky film but that can be rinsed away after the grout has had time to dry for at least one day.

Here are a few trial and error tips:

• use only stones with a flat back
• add water to thin set and grout if it begins to dry out
• Make sure you clean any spilled thin set and grout from work surfaces before they set.
• Always look at discount stores for craft supplies.  I found spheres and glass pebbles at Dollar Tree. 

The total cost of this varies but I made my set of three for about $20.  I plan on making them as house warming gifts in the future.