You may have spotted our little DIY cork vases back in the big office reveal (and the follow up guest bedroom/playroom post). And now we’re back to share our two-different-looks tutorial. Yup, you can keep them au naturale…
… or cover the cork with fabric for a playful printed look:
We first got the idea to create cork vases for pinning up little reminders and paint swatches that we loved from seeing an expensive designer cork lamp a while back. It seemed like such a smart way to keep from forgetting Clara’s checkups along with our dental appointments- and to add some aesthetically pleasing function to the room as well. But we didn’t need a lamp, and we just happened to have two glass vases lying around (one from Ikea and one from a bouquet of flowers that we received a while back). And so the cork vase idea was born. All we picked up was a pack of cork from Target for around $5 and we were ready to go.
The four squares of cork in the pack provided more than enough material to cover both vases. And they even came with self adhesive squares that we used to stick our cut-to-size rectangles on each side of each vase. We just laid the vase on the cork, and traced an exacto knife along the edge of the vase to create our rectangles for each of the four sides for each vase. Then with a sticky square on each of the four corners for each plane we stuck them carefully to the vase (going slowly enough to ensure that they were straight and lined up with each other before firmly sticking them on).
Before we knew it we had two cork vases. Easy, peasy. Oh and here’s a tip. Since we used the white adhesive squares to secure the cork, if you look on the inside of the vases you can see them (since they’re clear vases and the squares are white). So it helps to consider what you’ll be filling your vases with to hide those white squares (a plant and some paint decks did the job for us). You could also use dabs of clear glue from a hot glue gun in each corner to adhere the cork if you plan to leave the vases less full and don’t want to worry about the white squares being seen if anyone peers down into each vase.
Although we loved the rough natural texture of the cork, we actually decided it would be fun to take things one step further with some printed fabric. The pins would still stick through the textile and grab the cork (so none of the function would be lost) and we really liked the idea of gaining some pattern and fun since we knew these babies would sit on Clara’s bookcase in our office/guest room/playroom. First we roughly cut out a strip of fabric that could easily wrap around the entire circumference of each vase (with extra fabric on the top and bottom to allow for a “hem” to create a more polished and finished look).
Then we whipped out some iron-on heavy duty hem tape…
… which instantly added those polished looking hems that we were going for.
When it came time to apply the fabric around the vase to cleanly cover the cork we knew that a tight fit was the only way to go (something loose or baggy would have looked messy and weird). So we used duct tape to hold the soon-to-be-hidden edge of the fabric in place so we could pull the other side around for a nice and tight look. We hemmed the other side of the fabric so it would have a finished edge when it overlapped the duct tape (completely hiding it for a snug fit and a professional looking result).
We debated using a glue gun to adhere the hemmed side of the fabric (the one that hides the duct tape) but couldn’t find any glue sticks so I quickly stitched the hemmed flap over the other side of fabric to create a tight fit that would really hold up over time. The seam landed right in the middle of the back of the vase, and thanks to some white heavy duty thread it looked nice and clean back there:
And of course the front looked even more seamless:
Fun right? The whole project only ran us around $5 for the cork since we already had the vases and the fabric (scored for cheap at U-Fab here in Richmond for Clara’s weekly photo project).
We love that we can use our DIY cork vases to house everything from magazines and paint decks to plants and pens in our multifunctional home office/guest bedroom/playroom.
And the fact that they help us remember all of our appointments is the icing on the cake.
Have any of you guys worked with a roll of cork or the same pre-cut cork squares to DIY something fun in your house? Do tell. And do you have any quotes that keep you going or make you smile? We pinned one of our favorites up: “Do what you love. Love what you do.” So share those cork projects and inspirational quotes!
Psst- Looking for another fun cork project? Check this out.
Nicole says
Love it! What a great way to make a vase do double duty. I’m using the same fabric for some curtains in the guest room.
Cheri (I Heart Old Houses) says
So much prettier than a plain ol’ bulletin board! Any chance that you guys remember the name of that awesome fabric? I might need to add it to my stash.
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s the fabric info: http://www.tonicliving.com/productsDetails.asp?categoryid=26&productid=1185¤tpage=1&onsale=0
It’s Sweet William in “teal” – hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jessica @ How Sweet says
I would have never, ever ever thought of this! Brilliant!
Janna says
I love this!!! Thanks for this awesome idea! I happen to have 4 cork wall tiles I took down but didn’t know what to do with them – I can’t wait to try this!
kate says
Excellent! I have some cork tiles and a vase just laying around the house…I know what I’m doing this weekend! :)
kyley says
I have this slight obsession with cork/memo boards. I have them all over my house. I have a MASSIVE one in my living room which I put anything from vintage botanical prints to family photos on. Then my husband and I each have one in the office, and I just finished making one to hold spare keys by the front door.
I love this idea, and seeing as how I just got a slew of tiny cardboard boxes in a shipment, I’m going to use them. I bet I could use wrapping paper too – although fabric would be the best.
When I make my memo boards I actually use foam board behind my fabric. It’s cheaper and seems to work just fine with taking pins and tacks, I haven’t had any problems with it.
here’s a photo of one of the memo boards I made for my living room: http://studio3framing.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/dsc02981.jpg
thanks for the inspiration as always!
Amy Wolff says
Love the idea!!!!! and LOVE the fabric choice!!!
Are they the same cork boards that you used in the kitchen- on the door to hang recipes and such?
THANKS!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Amy,
Yup, they’re the same brand of cork boards (scored in a set of four at Target) but we didn’t reuse the ones from the kitchen since we love them and would never take them down! So we picked up a second set of four for this project. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Carly S. says
I used those cork squares to create a cork board wall pattern in my room when I was in high school, we alternated the squares making a checkerboard pattern. After the squares were secure on the wall I decorated them with pictures, notes, etc.
Christine says
I LOOOVE that fabric. Such a great idea to add some pretty pattern to a room too. Pretty AND functional!
Alison says
This is amazing, love it, love it, love it!
On a side note- I see Pat the Bunny on the shelf, such a classic!
Sara R says
Super cute and easy! This would be perfect for a pen holder on a desk…I think I know what I am doing this weekend! ; )
Bethany S says
What’s the name of the fabric underneith (that you’re ironing on?) With the red and teal flowers? LOVE IT! It’s probably just your ironing board! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, that’s just our ironing board (which was a gift from a friend). Don’t know that fabric off the top of our heads though, sorry!
xo,
s
Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says
The vases look great! It’s such a great idea, and so versitile. I wish I would have thought to cover my magazine file in fabric, rather than painting it: http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2010/08/12/craft-day/
Amanda@The Hand Me Down House says
What a fantastic idea!!! I love how you guys are always incorporating functional yet adorable things into your home — it’s the perfect combination! :) I’m so excited to try this out in my house — oddly enough I just bought those cork squares at Target for the inside of a cabinet, and I have lots left over. Love it!!
Marissa says
AWESOME! I LOVE this idea!
Mrs.Buck says
This is such an amazing idea, I love it! – defs bookmarking this for a future crafting idea! Thank you so much for sharing!
Kristen says
I love this idea! They look great! I might need to make one for my desk at work, it would definitely spruce up my cube! :)
Marisa @ vinyasa mama says
Great ideas as always! i have a few of those cork tiles and was going to throw them out – but now i’ve found a use for them! Thanks!
candace @ thecandace.com says
Such a cute little DIY project – thanks for sharing!!
onepianomom says
What did you do with the edges on the bottom of the vase?
YoungHouseLove says
They could have been hemmed the same way the top edge was (with hem tape) but we opted to keep them a bit long and raw and then tucked them under the vase, using a bit more duct tape to fold them (like you would wrap a present). Worked like a charm. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
liz @ bon temps beignet says
love this! Ever since I sent you the email last week with the link to the cork lampshade and glass bottle lamp, I’ve been on the hunt for some thin cork to wrap around our drum lamp shade. This stuff might work!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Liz,
They also sell thin rolls of cork at places like Target and even Home Depot (in the shelf-lining area). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
kelli s. says
you can buy an 8 pack of those cork tiles at BJ’s wholesale, for only $6.50 :) I used them for a map project in my office
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip Kelli!
xo,
s
Susan says
These are great ideas! I have my project for the weekend. I saw you guys on myhomeideas.com and have enjoyed looking through your posts.
hi-d says
Another great idea!!! Thanks for sharing.
I posted this quote on my facebook wall yesterday…it’s so funny: “A good wife always forgives her husband when she’s wrong.” (Milton Berle)
Ashley says
Cute! <3
Karen says
That’s it. We’re going to Target. (As if I ever really need an excuse to go to Target) You just gave me a great idea for our ‘new’ home office in our kitchen. TY!!!!
Patti says
I bought a roll of cork to cover the top of a small end table for my den but never used it. Now I think I’ll try doing some sort of variation on this theme.
I love words and I love quotes, here’s one I’ve had on the fridge forever: “You must do the thing you think you cannot do” (Eleanor Roosevelt). It spoke to me because I’m a scaredy cat most of the time :)
Melissa says
Ingenious! I’m definitely going to do this with my sewing extras!
I have to share my favorite quote:
“I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.'”
Kurt Vonnegut said so many things so perfectly, in my opinion.
Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says
To Liz @ Bon Temps Beignet, You can get rolls (rather than tiles) of cork at Michael’s.
Alison says
Liz@bontemps..
I recently saw a roll of cork made to stick like contact paper. At Home Depot made by Contact Paper. I bet it would be easier to wrap around your drum shade.
D says
I love this idea! Unfortunately, I’m lazy and I’d end up forgetting the post-its and ‘reminders’ would get left there for years haha.
Elizabeth says
What a brilliant idea!! Thanks so much for sharing.
~ Elizabeth
http://www.to-be-charmed.com
Mandy says
This is such crazy perfect timing – I just got 5 feet of cork to do a project but will have plenty left over (it was cheaper than what you got at Target) and now I have the perfect thing to do with my leftover fabric from pillows, leftover cork, and leftover vases from our wedding last year. Can’t wait to make these!!
Jocelyn Stott says
Looks great!
Kasey @Thrifty Little Blog says
What a cute idea! …and I love the fabric, I actually just bought some to make a pillow with a couple of weeks ago :).
Lesley H says
LOVE this! I’ve been waiting all week since your little teaser. So fun and versatile! Thanks for sharing :)
Katie says
What a cool idea! I can’t wait to try this project for my office. Much cuter than a cork board on the wall, although covering one of those with fabric would be cute too!
I’m an artist. Here’s a couple quotes about work that I like:
“Whatever you are, be a good one.” -Abe Lincoln
“Art is much less important than life, but what a poor life without it.” -Robert Motherwell (one of my favorite artists)
Melissa says
Love the cork vases idea. What a neat way to practically and purposefully spruce up an office space. I love all things multifunctional.
Here’s an idea that I used and changed off of another one of your cork posts: paint the inside cabinet door of your pantry using chalkboard paint. That is where we now write our as-it-runs-out grocery list.
Stacey says
What a clever idea! I’ve been thinking of putting up cork tiles on a narrow wall in my kitchen so I could easily display my kids’ artwork, school notices, even family pics. By covering the squares w/ different fabrics, I’ll get some much needed color and pattern in that room…and it will be cheap to change them up when the mood strikes! Brilliant!
As for fave quotes, I have a few…
Whatever you are be a good one. ~Abraham Lincoln
Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. ~John Lennon
Kelly says
super cute and super easy! Love it!
http://www.kellyloves.wordpress.com
Tiffany says
such a creative idea! I will have to make it for my desk!
XOXO,
http://outfitidentifier.com/
Emily @ The Happy Home says
so cute! are you guys psychic? because i’m re-doing my office nook soon and this will be perfect!
Anna says
95% sure that those cork tiles were purchased from Office Depot. Foray is a private brand of theirs. Could be my mistake. I work at the Depot and I could be delirious from back to school fever.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Anna,
Actually a lot of places sell that brand- we’ve seen them at Target, Home Depot, and even Office Max. So strange that it’s a private label brand for HD, but anything’s possible. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
stylefyles says
simple, yet clever. I LOVE this!
Nicone says
I love the way you do things that are so simple and flexible – and the results are always very charming. Thanks for the inspiration!
Victoria says
What a great idea!!! Such a pretty detail for any room… Beautiful, as always :)
Mizden says
Hello Sherry and John!
I recently found your blog (like last week) and since I like to be organized (as much as I can) I started in the “About” section and ended up at your wedding, house touring and magazine adventures, the links are such a help, you get all the details and yes I think the way you write gives that plus to your blog, I love being specific about things, so I really appreciate when someone else takes the time to do it as well.
Your blog is amazing, I never though you could do soooo many things by yourself at home like converting a night table into a bathroom sink, well the brilliant mind for that in my family is definitely my mom, it’s such a shame she cannot read this (we are from Mexico, she doesn’t speak/read English) but she would totally love your blog even more than I do, she is one of those persons (like you guys) that see a whole project when I just see a bunch of rocks or just a glass vase or sand… she designed and made all by herself the invitations for my uncle’s wedding they had so many details that I don’t know how she does it, she loves doing center pieces (or arrangements I don’t know how they are call in English) for the weddings (I think she already made for at least 3 different weddings) and did all that for my sweet 15 (Yes in Mexico we make BIG parties for 15 year old girls) but I think she hasn’t pass the adventures of creating and renovating to more complicated things like an entire room because she doesn’t have many ideas of the “How”, but well I hope she likes the ideas that you kindly share.
I must ask something that keeps coming to my mind and I really wouldn’t expect an answer for that one, just a comment, How do you protect your home?, you welcome everyone to your home each day thru this blog, we can see pretty much everything, I hope you have a super security system in there hidden, I’m not trying to be negative and I’m not trying to plant some fear either, but since for us right now insecurity is a reality, we have been taught to not trust anyone and that any plus info you give, can be potentially use against you by strangers, so my point is, you should really think about safety, you open your home to anyone who can use a computer and of course I’m not assuming that someone could be just reading to do something bad, but it is always a possibility that you might want to consider. My mom always says that it is better to prevent than regret!
I hope you guys have a fantastic day and btw, Clara is adorable!!, think that one photo per week is a great idea! Maybe some day when I’m older and have children I’ll use it too and I hope I didn’t creep you out…..totally not the idea! But the opposite!
Hasta pronto!
Mizden
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Mizden,
Thanks for the sweet note! So glad you found our blog. Here’s a post all about how we protect our beloved home: https://www.younghouselove.com/safe-house/
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Blair says
Cute project! I’m interested, though. Did you consider using a few pins/tacks to secure the fabric in the back? Or do you think that would not work as well?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Blair,
We actually tried that but they popped right out. In order to get a tight fit the fabric really has to be held tight, and the pins weren’t strong enough for the job. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Alison says
I love that idea. Those are so perfect for a home office area.
Annie says
I love this idea and was even more excited to see which fabric you were using – I just ordered a swatch of that same fabric from tonic living to make the upholstered headboard from your site! How fun! I’m really hoping it matches the green curtains we have – I just love that fabric. Your site is so much fun – thanks for sharing all of your wonderful tips!