ReadyMade: Instructions for everyday life

Issue 45
The Escapes Issue
Cook perfect pancakes
Build a modern rustic bench
Sew new life into a vintage dress
Check out the RM Photo Gallery

Think Outside The Bottle 5: Napkin Rings

How to use cork to re-create your dining room

by Donna Piacenza and Jody Work

Photos by Garry McLeod

Cut it, stack it, sculpt it, glue it, stitch it, paint it—with its endless opportunities for customization, it’s no surprise that cork is quickly becoming the go-to material for designers and crafters. Bonus: Since it’s derived from the outer bark of cork oak trees, the supple stuff is entirely natural and renewable.

    1. Cut strips to desired length and width.

    2. If you’d like, burn guest names into the strips using a wood-burning tool.

    3. Twist the ring once (Möbius-style) and glue the ends together with a small overlap.

    4. Hold the ends together with masking tape and/or binder clips until dry.