Do you like working with cork in your crafts?
I love the natural look of this unique material.
Here are my top five tips for being successful.
I appreciate natural materials, so I like the look of cork in general.
I also like the texture it adds to a project just because of the pattern of the material.
There are many other options too, these just happen to be the most common.
Its durable and you might use it for so many things from jewelry tohome decor.
However, there are some tricks for using it successfully.
hey read on for tips!
Tips for Working with Cork
1.
Pick the right thickness for your project.
Cork comes in a variety of thicknesses from very thin to as thick aswine corks.
double-check you carefully grab the thickness that is right for you.
Thinner cork is harder to cut without tearing, and thicker cork requires a tougher blade.
That way you’re free to cut through smoothly without shredding or tearing edges.
Wine corks can be boiled and cut (see #3).
Let it air out and flatten.
You might not mind!
Sometimes placing it in the sun for a few minutes can help take out the bad aroma.
You dont want blazing sun that dries it out and curls it.
Just a little bit of air and sun exposure to release a little bit of the smell.
As far as flattening, this really comes into play if you purchase the cork on a roll.
Its harder to work with when its curling.
Pick the right cutting tool for the job.
As I mentioned before, thicker cork requires a tougher tool like a heavy duty craft knife.
Cut slowly because cork tears easily.
I recommend practicing before doing your final project.
Note: boiling cork, likewine corks, makes it way easier to cut.
Leave them in for ten minutes and then pour into a colander.
Let cool down just enough to handle.
They will cut like butter when they come out.
double-check all particles are off of the surface before crafting with it.
Dont let it sit in the direct sunlight.
The project you spent so much time on will eventually break in half!
Cork can fade too.
Instead, keep it in a shadier part of your home with lower temps.
Having said that, I still wouldnt keep your project in direct sun.
