Found Object Wine Stoppers

Turn vintage doorknobs, sports paraphernalia and other interesting objects into eye-catching bottle stoppers in just a few steps.

Found Object Wine Stoppers

Give keepsakes new purpose by turning them into conversation-starting bottle stoppers. Wine lovers will appreciate the useful, one-of-a-kind gift. Get crafting with our step-by-step instructions.

By: Michele Beschen

Related To:

Materials Needed:

corks
1" automotive expansion plugs (size may vary depending on the cork size)
1/4" diameter wooden dowel
2-part epoxy
1/4" drill bit

assortment of found objects
hammer
drill
pliers or vise
awl or punch

Prepare Expansion Plugs

Mark center of expansion cap with awl then drill through center of expansion cap using 1/4-inch drill bit.

Mark the center of the expansion cap with an awl before drilling a hole for the dowel.

Drill through the center of the expansion cap using 1/4-inch drill bit.

Marking Hole in Expansion Cap For Wine Stopper

Mark the center of the expansion cap with an awl before drilling a hole for the dowel.

Drilling Expansion Cap For Wine Stopper

Drill through the center of the expansion cap using 1/4-inch drill bit.

Drill Cork

Drill a 3/4-inch deep hole in the center of the cork using 1/4-inch drill bit. Tip: Placing expansion plug on the cork before drilling will ensure proper alignment. Use tape wrapped around your drill bit to give you a measured stopping point.

Drilling Hole in Cork For Wine Stopper

Cut Dowel

Cut 1/4-inch diameter dowel to 1-1/2-inch length.

Cutting Dowel For Wine Stopper

Cut 1/4-inch diameter dowel to 1-1/2-inch length.

Attach Pieces

Apply two-part epoxy to cork head and adhere expansion plug and dowel.

Gluing Cork For Wine Bottle Stopper

Apply two-part epoxy to the cork head and adhere the expansion plug and dowel.

Attach Object

Drill hole in center of found object. Apply epoxy to dowel and attach found object.

Drill hole in the center of your found object to insert a dowel for a custom wine stopper.

Apply epoxy to the dowel and attach it to the found object.

Drilling Hole in Object for Wine Stopper

Drill hole in the center of your found object to insert a dowel for a custom wine stopper.

Attach Dowel and Decorative Top For Wine Stopper

Apply epoxy to the dowel and attach it to the found object.

Keep Reading

Next Up

Personalized Stamp Kit and Stationery

Create a handy gift for personalizing stationery or other paper goods.

How to Make a Felt Cover for a Smart Phone or Tablet

Surprise tech-savvy friends with a custom-sewn felt case to protect the iPad, iPhone or iPad mini they received for Christmas this year.

Coffee Sack Gift Tote

Repurpose burlap coffee bags to create rustic gift totes that can be used again and again.

Seed-Starting Kit

The gift that keeps giving our seed-starter kit is a thoughtful handmade gift for the green thumbs on your list.

Text Speak Home Accessories

Put a 'smiley' on a tech-lover's face with playful, embellished home decor.

Computer Circuit Board Belt Buckle

Give a broken computer new utility by turning the components into a geek-chic fashion accessory.

Homemade S'mores Kit

Create fun s'mores kits with made-from-scratch ingredients as a tasty handmade gift for friends and family.

Kids' Adventure-Ready Backpack

Instill a love of nature and the great outdoors in kids with this easy-to-create fabric backpack filled with fun tools for little explorers.

Recycled Sweater Scarf

Create a knit-style scarf without actually knitting by cleverly repurposing sweaters.

Easily Cross Stitch a Monogrammed Tea Towel

Monogrammed items are always in style — so is cross-stitch; this easy needle art has made a major comback thanks the popularity of antique and vintage items. While fabric specifically made for cross-stitch makes the process easier, the weave of linen lends itself to cross-stitching, opening up a world of possible pieces that can be customized as beautiful handmade gifts.