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how to make trivets with cork
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Make a Cork Trivet

Learn how to make DIY cork trivets using sheet cork, a free printable template, a craft knife, and hot glue. These are beginner-friendly, heat resistant, and make beautiful handmade gifts.
Course Home Decor
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 1 trivet
Cost $4

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 piece Cork tile dark brown, 12” x 12”
  • 1 piece Cork tile light brown, at least 6” x 6”
  • Leaf image template

Instructions

  • Download the leaf image and insert into a word processing program. Enlarge to approximately 5” wide and then print. Enlarge that same image again to approximately 6.5” wide and print a second time.
    Leaf image template
    Leaf image in Microsoft Word
  • Trim the excess paper from the outside of your larger leaf, but leave a white edge around the design for now.
    Cutting out an image of a leaf with scissors
  • Tape the LARGER leaf shape(s) down to the darker, larger piece of cork using your tape.
    Cut out leaf image on top of cork
  • Trim all the way around the edge of the larger leaf template using a craft knife (on top of the mat). As you trim away the white part of the paper, you will also be cutting through the cork. Now onto the smaller piece.
    Cutting out a template on cork with a craft knife
  • For the smaller leaf print out, cut it into two pieces so that you fit it on the smaller, lighter cork sheet. Tape the pieces to the cork and cut out each portion of the leaf individually using the craft knife.
    Cutting cork with a craft knife
    • Unlike the larger piece where you only cut around the outer edge of the leaf, you will need to cut out each of the pieces along each of the lines. You do not need the stem (just cut that portion off).
  • Organize these smaller pieces on top of the darker piece, making sure they are in the right position to glue.
    Assembling cork pieces to make trivets
  • Hot glue each piece down – make sure to use quite a bit of glue to secure the pieces well. Let cool.
    Gluing leaf trivets made with cork

Notes

  • A sharp craft knife makes the cleanest cuts.
  • Use several light passes rather than one deep cut.
  • Always cut on a protected work surface.
  • These are ideal for hot mugs, teapots, serving dishes, and everyday cookware. For extremely hot pans straight from a very hot oven, allow them to cool briefly before placing them on the trivet.