Synthetic Wine Cork Coaster Tutorial

At a recent friend's wedding we decided to confiscate all the wine corks from the bar.

When we got back home I started searching for a fun gift to make our Newlyweds.

Since our corks lacked any cool printing on the side, our project choice was limited.

I found images online of hot pads made from synthetic wine corks. But, if you needed heat to make them, why would you use heat on them afterwards? Dweeee.

We chose to make them smaller and call them drink coasters.

Our friends did tell us that they loved the coasters, and thought it was cool that they were made from their wedding reception corks.

It has been over a year, and I still use my prototype daily to hold my morning coffee cup.

I won't list step by step instructions since a picture speaks a thousand words. And video just catches every move.

Enjoy.

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From Shabby Eeeek to Mod

Shabby Eeeek or Shabby Chic               Mod Make-over

One thing I will need to admit is the fact that I can't resist a good art gallery, museum, flea market, yard sale or auction. 

Let's not forget to mention the hidden treasures that are ready to be discovered in antique shops and thrift shops.  Important things I carry: anti-bacterial gel and magnifying lens, and a list of needed items.

Boy, was I thrilled when I ran across this old vanity swivel chair on "the FREE table" at a local shed sale.

Shabby Chic or Shabby Eeeek!

I admit, I peeked under the skirt.  And once I saw its sexy legs, I knew I was in love.  So home she came.  And off came her skirt.

Mid-Century

First I thought the original covering was vinyl.  My hopes were up!  It was fabric, though durable, there was staining and one button had popped through the fabric.  Not to mention, the swivel was broken.

Broken swivel? No worry.  Use a metal Lazy Susan

I remembered that I had a Lazy Susan swivel leftover from when my girls were small.  The intended use was so their doll house could rotate, but it really wasn't necessary.

Ta Da!  ( Lazy Susans cost about $9 )

The most challenging thing I found was removing the old swivel.  Here's what I did.  Use the broken swivel image and the Lazy Susan image above as a guide.

1. Unscrew the mechanism from the seat base by removing visible screws that are attached to the base.
2. When these screws are removed you can lift the legs and swivel.  Stand it up so the swivel is on top.
3. Look at the swivel (or any lazy susan) there are large and small holes.
4. Rotate the LARGE hole until you see a screw beneath it. 
5. Remove that screw and rotate to where the others should be attached to the legs.
6. Once all the screws are removed, reverse the procedure to attach the new swivel/Lazy Susan

Now it was time to "Make it Mine".  A friend had recently given me some leftover paint.  And the pink can was calling my name.

The leftover pink paint attacked a piece of wicker too!

Remembering a local fabric store (Hancock Fabrics).  I immediately went to their website and printed off a coupon with full intentions of buying new fabric for this chair.  Instead, I found that their upholstery vinyl was on clearance for $3 a yard!!   I then stopped by Home Depot to get some amo for my staple gun.

A designers gun and amo.

Guess what!  This was my 1st upholstery project!  I may not have the best technique, but here's what I did:

1. Re-used the lining/cusion that came with the chair and stapled it down.
2. Next center the chair seat on the underside of the vinyl upholstery fabric.
3. Fold over and staple down 4 sections of the fabric. North, east, south & west.
4. Starting nearest to each of these 1st four staples, gently pull & fold enough fabric to take a staple.
5. One on each side of these 1st four staples. 
6. Then firmly & gently pull, fold and staple the remaining space.
7. Trim off the extra vinyl.

My finished project!

This was a perfect addition to my youngest daughter's room.