DIY Candy Corn Cork Coasters and Trivets

Halloween is THIS Friday, guys! Can you believe it? I’m not even done making my costume. I’m optimistic I will have it done for Friday though. But what do I have done? These cork coasters, of course. This is the last video DIY for a couple weeks while we work to prepare more for you (Yay!). Thanks so much for the awesome feedback on these, guys. I’m so thankful for your support, it really is because of you that Shaw keeps inviting me back!

Candy corn is probably THE most recognizable candy- especially for Halloween. I’ve been hoarding cork tiles from the dollar store for a while and thought this is the perfect way to use it up and have some easy decor for my house for the season (and my upcoming party)! They’re really easy to make, so I’m sure if you get started, you’ll make way more than you need (like me) and end up giving them as gifts. Speaking of which, does anyone that lives around me want some candy corn cork coasters? I have more than I care to admit now. I was on a roll. It happens.

You’ll need:

• Cork Tiles (Mine are from the Dollar Store)
• Craft Knife & Cutting Board
• White, Yellow & Orange Acrylic Paint
• Paint Brushes (I used foam)
• Sandpaper (fine grit 80 or 100)
• Clear Spray Paint (Sealer- I used this one)

Start by mapping out the candy corn shapes in pencil on your cork tiles. I made mine short and fat compared to the candy because they’re better suited as a coaster. It will help to have the glass you will be using as a guide. I made mine all slightly different- if you read regularly, I’m sure you know by now that I like imperfect. Then, get to cutting! I’ve cut cork a few times before (for this vase and this chalkboard) and I strongly recommend using either a craft knife or straight edge kitchen knife and pressing through the cork rather than dragging through. This will give you a clean edge.

Once your shapes are cut out, go ahead and get painting! I used foam brushes and found them perfect for this project. I started with the white and yellow acrylic craft paint (2 coats) then when they were dry, added the orange in the middle. This way if I overlapped, the orange would cover up the lighter colours.

When it was all dry, I wasn’t happy with the way the paint accentuated the uneven edges of the cork. I tried a few things and found a really fine grit sandpaper (above 80) used lightly, would even it out and take the paint off the edges! I almost smacked myself for not thinking of this sooner. After sandpaper, you’re ready for a clear-coat! This clear coat is great for protecting your paint job (and cork) against spills. And we’re making coasters, so I’d make sure I don’t miss this step if I were you friends. I chose the semi gloss So the shine doesn’t take away from the cork texture.

That’s it! then throw a party and have all your friends put their drinks on your sweet new coasters (sweet… get it!?). Also- I made some bigger ones for trivets. They work awesome as trivets, but I speculate they’d work pretty awesome as a seasonal cork board as well. So… do you like candy corn? I learned after making this project and buying excessive amounts of candy corn to celebrate that my hubby does NOT. I guess I’ll have to eat it all. And what about coasters in general? We hardly use them right now but I think if we had nicer tables we would. I certainly like them. Oh, and last question before I leave you alone for today… are you READY for Halloween? Or are you last minute DIYing like me?