In our new master bath (which is really just a water closet housing our toilet and shower) there is tile from floor to ceiling, so picture hanging and painting walls is not really an option. I guess I could paint the ceiling, but I really like the minimalism happening in there. It's appropriate for relaxing. Not to mention the floor to ceiling glass doors - when I said no space for color, I meant it. Hence the need for a little personality elsewhere. I found this awesome tutorial here and can't wait to try it out. It might be a little bit of a challenge to track down that 175 corks, being I don't drink alcohol, but I'm sure a few phone calls to restaurants will do the trick. Now on to the deets.
How To Make A Cork Bath Mat:
Supplies
- 175 wine corks (plus a few extra to allow for mistakes)
- hot glue sticks
- non-adhesive shelf liner (I used Duck brand Smooth Top Easy Liner in taupe, found at Walmart. Or try [ribbed side down] Plast-O-Mat ribbed shelf liner, available at Ace Hardware, Bed Bath & Beyond or The Container Store)
Tools
- pocket knife (sharpened)
- cutting board (one that you won’t mind if it gets slightly damaged)
- rotary cutter and mat (or scissors)
- long ruler or yardstick
- hot glue gun
- coarse sand paper
1. Cut each cork in half lengthwise with a sharp pocket knife. Be patient and careful so you don’t cut a finger off. It’s best if you use natural cork wine corks that are similar length and width. Sand the bottoms flat if any of your cuts are jagged.
2. Arrange the corks into a rectangle, flat sides down. Use a ruler or the lines on a cutting mat to make sure your configuration of corks is as close to a straight rectangle as possible. My mat is 18.5 x 30 inches (10 x 35 cork halves)—a little smaller than a standard size bath mat, but then my bathroom is smaller than a standard size bathroom.
3. Measure and cut the shelf liner to size with a rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat.
4. Transfer the outer rows/columns of corks to the shelf liner and glue them to the top side of the liner. Apply a rectangle-shaped line of glue to the flat side of each cork, about 1/8 inch from the edge, line up the cork with the edge of the mat, and press hard. Wipe away any glue dribbles before it hardens fully, but after it cools (so you don’t burn yourself).
5. Once your frame is in place, transfer the rest of the corks to their corresponding position on the mat. You’ll probably have to do some arranging and trading places to make all the corks fit. Then remove one cork at a time and glue it down. You’re done!
IMAGES & TUTORIALS BORROWED FROM CRAFTY NEST
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