You may have noticed our DIY cork vases in the big office reveal and the guest bedroom/playroom follow-up. Here’s a clear, step-by-step version of how we made two different looks: natural cork and fabric-covered cork.
Keep the cork natural for a simple, textured look…
…or cover it with fabric for a colorful, patterned option.
The idea came from wanting a practical place to pin reminders, paint swatches, and notes—something that would be useful in a multifunctional room without costing a fortune. We didn’t need a lamp; we had two clear glass vases on hand (one from Ikea and one saved from a bouquet). A pack of cork from a big-box store cost only about $5 and provided everything we needed.
The cork squares in the pack were plenty to cover both vases. The sheets included self-adhesive squares, which made attaching the cork quick and clean. To create the pieces, lay the vase on the cork, trace around the edge, and cut rectangles with a craft knife to match each side of the vase. Place a sticky square in each corner of those cork panels, align them carefully on the vase, and press them down—take your time so the seams line up straight.
In minutes you’ll have cork-covered vases. A quick tip: because the adhesive squares are white, they may be visible through clear glass. Think about what you’ll put inside to hide them—plants, paint decks, or other fillers work well. If you want a completely invisible interior, use small dabs of clear hot glue at the corners instead.
We liked the cork’s natural texture, but decided to try a fabric-covered version too. Fabric still allows pins to go through and reach the cork underneath, so functionality remains intact while adding pattern and color. Start by cutting a strip of fabric long enough to wrap around the vase, leaving extra at the top and bottom for hems.
We used iron-on heavy-duty hem tape to quickly create clean hems along the fabric edges.
To get a snug, tailored fit, hold one hidden edge of the fabric in place with duct tape on the inside. Pull the fabric taut around the vase, overlap the hemmed edge, and hide the taped side beneath it. That overlap creates a neat, tight wrap; a loose or baggy application looks messy.
We considered using a glue gun to secure the overlapped hem but, lacking glue sticks at the time, stitched the seam by hand. The seam sits at the back of the vase and, using strong thread, looks tidy and durable.
The front of the vase appears seamless and polished.
This project was inexpensive—about $5 for the cork—since we already had the vases and fabric. The finished pieces look stylish on a bookcase or desk and function as catch-alls for magazines, paint decks, plants, and pens in a home office, guest room, or playroom.
They’re also practical: we pin appointments and reminders to the cork, so they help keep us organized—bonus!
Have you worked with cork sheets or squares for a DIY project? Tell us about your results and any favorite quotes you like to pin. One of ours reads: “Do what you love. Love what you do.” Share your cork projects and inspirations—we’d love to see them.
Psst—if you want another cork idea, try a different cork project for more inspiration.