From the page: Cork stoppers hold entire worlds
Idea 4
Trivets and hot-pad plates
Cork is one of the best natural thermal insulators there is — the same reason it protects wine from temperature swings inside the bottle. The air-filled cells are slow to transfer heat, so a stopper base supports a hot pot without passing heat through to the table. Cork also doesn't scratch pots or the surface underneath.
What you need
- 30 to 50 stoppers
- hot glue or contact cement
- ruler and knife
- jute twine or ribbon for edge finishing (optional)
How to make it
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1
Lay the stoppers side by side forming a square or circle, measuring the size of your largest pot first.
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2
Glue them together sideways, forming a compact "mattress"; the tighter it is, the more weight it holds.
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3
Reinforce underneath with a wide strip of tape glued across all the stoppers, like a strap.
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4
Let it dry thoroughly before use, at least 12 hours, so the glue sets.
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5
Test with a warm pot first, increasing the temperature gradually.
Finishing touches
make two sizes, a large one for serving dishes and a small round one for mugs; the rustic look pairs well with a wooden table.
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