Cork Christmas Tree

Obviously, I am really obsessed with cork and possibly an alcoholic. I can't help it if wine goes remarkably well with crafts! The picture above features another look at my cork reindeer and a cork tree. The cork tree is incredibly easy to make, all you need is....

• Seven corks
• Tacky or hot glue (I used tacky)
• Green Acrylic Paint
• Small Hacksaw

I started by gluing three corks together to create the bottom level and then gluing two more together for the second level. If you plan on using tacky glue don't let your impatience get the better of you; wait until everything is dry to continue. I took this time to saw one of the corks in half with my handy dandy hacksaw for the stump. 

Once the three glued corks have dried, go ahead and attach the stump. Standing the tree up on the stump, glue on the rest of the levels. As far as glue, I used a lot and applied it using a cheap paint brush. Before you decorate your tree, you might want to let it dry overnight. 

I ended up only painting the ends of the corks, but this project has infinite possibilities. You may also vie to add a screw eye hook at the top to make it an ornament. Just remember to secure it with a dob of glue in the hole.

Cork Reindeer

 This is my very modest version of the ever-so popular cork reindeer ornament. I made two of them, the first of which sits smartly on the bar at Pancake's house.The second is an ornament on the tree.

 Project Materials:

• Three corks
• Hot glue or tacky glue (I used both with good results)
• Wire (I used floral wire)
• A pair of needle nose pliers
• A pair of wire cutters
• A pair of eyes (beads, buttons, etc.)
• A red nose ("")
• Brown acrylic paint
• Hacksaw
• Optional : Screw eye hooks and adornments (I used bells and gold ribbon) 

1. Firstly, you need to decide if you want this to be an ornament or not. If you do want it to hang from the tree you should begin by adding a screw eye hook to the top back of your reindeer's head. If you put the hook anywhere else he won't hang straight. Secure the hook with a dot of tacky glue in the hole.
2. Using a cheap paint brush, I then applied a generious layer of tacky glue where the head will meet the body. When I made my first reindeer I also added some hot glue for temporary security, but it isn't necessary. 
3. As you wait for the body and head to dry, go ahead and grab your handy dandy hacksaw and cut the remaining cork in half. Voila, legs! 
4. Cut your floral wire into two three inch sections and twist them to your hearts content. You can do this by hand, but I used a pair of needle nose pliers. Voila, antlers!
5. Once the reindeer has dried (did I just make a pun?) use a thick needle to punch two holes in the head where you want the antlers to go. Once again, use a dollop of tacky to secure the antlers in the holes.
6. Finally, add the legs. I applied a generous helping of glue to the rough ends of the cork and just set my reindeer of top of the stumps. 
7. After everything is dry add eyes and a nose. The first reindeer I made is also painted brown. I actually created a kind of stain by watering down my acrylic paint and only using one coat. That way you can still see that it's cork.
8. As a finishing touch add some jolly bells and a sweet ribbon!

Cork Reindeer and Tree

Afterwards you can look as cool as this...