DIY: Easy Trivet Tutorial

As I was cleaning out my office recently, I realized I had a lot of scrapbook paper hangin' around. Some of it was leftover from making coasters for one of my shops, but a good chunk of it was several years old and I had never done anything with it. So I kind of forgot about it again until we went to IKEA to get this stuff and I saw packs of cork trivets for $3. Cue the lightbulb moment.

We use a lot of trivets around here because half the time we choose to dine on the couch instead of at the table, and it's hard to focus on the Olympics when you're shifting a hot plate around in your hands. I also like them when I'm working because then my coffee and snacks have a designated spot on my desk. Of course, they get used in the traditional way, too, when I actually put hot food on the table.

These were so easy to whip up. Here's what you need:

>> cork trivets from IKEA (they come in packs of three)
>> scrapbook paper
>> mod podge
>> spray finish
>> scissors
>> foam brush
>> pencil or pen

Trace the cork on the back side of your paper and cut it out. I cut just inside the lines to make sure the paper fit correctly. If you notice any spots that are wonky or stick over the edge, just trim them off.

Once your paper is the right size, pour a small puddle of mod podge onto the trivet. Cork is really absorbent so there's no way you can overdo this part. (If you think DO you poured too much, let it soak in for a second.) Use the foam brush to spread it out like you would pizza sauce. Press your paper down firmly, starting in the middle and pushing out any air bubbles.

The mod podge will dry really hard, but don't let that lull you into a false sense of security. The stuff will get sticky in .03 seconds if any water ever gets on it. To solve that problem, I hit my trivets with a quick coat of clear finish. This is the same stuff I used when I made the aforementioned coasters and it's SOLID.

Even though the label says "convenient to spray indoors" right there on the front, I always do this part in the garage. Once they were sprayed, I let them dry overnight and then they were done! I made three, because I figured I might as well use up the whole pack of cork:

If I had to do this again, I might try using my rotary cutter instead of the scissors, but that's a minor quibble. I'm really happy with how they turned out. I inadvertently chose Easter colors, but that's actually fine because the view outside is very blah again.

What have you been making lately? Anybody else have surprise scrapbook paper in their office? Do you do the eat-on-the-couch-and-need-a-trivet thing, too?

Linking up to My Repurposed Life.