You may have noticed our little DIY cork vases in the big office reveal and the follow-up guest bedroom/playroom post. Here’s a clear, step-by-step tutorial showing two different looks: leave the cork natural for a rustic vibe or cover it with printed fabric for a more playful, patterned finish.
Whether you prefer a pared-back natural texture or a colorful fabric wrap, these cork-covered vases are an easy, budget-friendly way to add both style and function to a room.
The idea began with a designer cork lamp we admired — a smart way to pin reminders and swatches so nothing gets forgotten. We didn’t need a lamp, but we did have a couple of glass vases (one from Ikea and another left over from a bouquet). A $5 pack of cork from Target was all we needed to transform ordinary vases into useful, attractive organizers.
The cork pack included four squares, more than enough to cover both vases. The sheets came with self-adhesive squares, which made attaching the cork quick and simple. We laid each vase on a cork sheet, traced around the base and cut rectangles to fit the four sides of each vase with an X-Acto knife. Then we applied an adhesive square to each corner of the cork panels and positioned them carefully on the glass, taking care to make sure each piece lined up before pressing it firmly into place.
In minutes we had two cork-wrapped vases. A quick tip: the white adhesive squares can be visible through clear glass, so think ahead about how you’ll fill the vase. Tall stems, paint decks, or a potted plant help conceal the adhesive. If you prefer less visible fasteners, you can use tiny dabs of clear hot glue in each corner instead — especially useful if the vase will remain relatively empty and might be inspected from above.
While we loved the cork’s natural look, we also wanted a patterned option for Clara’s bookcase in our office/guest room/playroom. Fabric wrapped over the cork preserves the pinning function (pins pass through textile into cork) while adding color and personality. We cut a strip of fabric long enough to wrap the vase’s circumference with extra material at the top and bottom for neat hems.
To finish the fabric edges we used iron-on heavy-duty hem tape, which created clean, pressed hems instantly and kept everything looking polished.
For a snug, professional fit we held one hidden edge of the fabric in place with duct tape while pulling the outer fabric tight around the vase. The hemmed edge overlapped the duct-taped area, hiding it completely. We considered a glue gun to secure the overlap but couldn’t find glue sticks, so a few quick hand stitches through the hem did the job and kept the seam secure over time. The seam landed at the back of the vase and looked neat thanks to strong, neutral thread.
The front of the vase remained seamless and tidy, with the patterned fabric stretched snugly over the cork for a clean appearance.
This entire project cost only about $5 for the cork since we already had the vases and fabric. It’s a cost-effective craft that yields useful, attractive pieces. The cork vases are perfect for holding everything from paint decks, magazines, and pens to plants and floral stems — a versatile storage solution for a multifunctional home office, guest room, or play area.
Beyond their practical uses, these cork vases double as small memo boards. We like tacking up appointment reminders, favorite quotes, or little keepsakes right on the surface. One of our favorite sayings we pinned up reads: “Do what you love. Love what you do.” It’s a sweet little touch that keeps a smile on our faces and helps keep us organized.
Have you worked with cork sheets or pre-cut cork squares for a DIY project? Share your ideas and favorite quotes. Cork is a forgiving, inexpensive material that suits many creative projects — from vases and lamps to bulletin boards and decorative accents. If you’re looking for a small, satisfying weekend craft that’s both functional and stylish, these DIY cork vases are a great place to start.
Psst — if you want another cork project idea, check the posts for additional inspiration.