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How To-sday - Wine Label & Cork Memory Art
First and foremost (gotta get our priorities straight, people!), I am waiting to hear about a really epic internship that I recently interviewed for. I know that there are lots of more important things to hold your breath over, but it's a pretty big deal for me, so keep your fingers crossed, and keep this little spaz in your thoughts! Thanks, lovelies - I'll let you know how it ends up!

But I digress... Don't I always, though?

I love to celebrate special occasions and happy moments with a nice (okay, okay - cheap) bottle of wine, and I've always saved my corks as a little reminder. With the holiday party season upon us, I imagine that many of you will also be celebrating with a toast or two, so today I would like to show you a great way to preserve your memory and liven up your walls at the same time. The project takes only about fifteen minutes and requires only materials that you already have on hand!

Posted by Shrimp Salad Circus • Published 3rd January 2010 • See Shrimp Salad Circus's 23 projects »

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Step 1
Heat your full tea kettle until it whistles. Remove the spout plug so that the steam escapes, but leave the burner on so that the water keeps steaming. Grasp your wine bottle by the neck using an oven mitt or tea towel so that you don't get burned. Slowly rotate the bottle directly over the kettle's spout so that all the edges are thoroughly steamed. The edges should begin to peel.
Step 2
After all the edges have begun to peel up slightly, dab the label off with your towel to remove the condensation. Slowly and carefully peel the label off from a corner inward. If it starts to tear, steam it a bit longer.
Step 3
The label should still be sticky because you've just separated the adhesive from the bottle. I like the industrial look of corrugated cardboard, so I just pressed my label firmly onto the insert that came with the frame. If you want a more polished look, then stick it to a piece of backing paper, and you can put a mat over it as well.
Step 4
Put your frame back together, being sure to center your label and backing in the frame.
Step 5
Using your permanent marker, write something on the cork to remind you of your special occasion. I always put the date, location, and who I shared my little zen shiraz moment with, as seen here.
Step 6
Apply a generous layer of adhesive to the plain back side of the cork. I use E-6000 because it's virtually indestructible.
Step 7
Firmly press your cork into place at the bottom of the frame, like a plaque on a photo. If you like a quirkier look, stick it at a diagonal on a corner. Allow the frame to dry for several hour before setting it upright or hanging it.
Step 8
Now that you're done with your newest piece of art (sure to get lots of compliments!), be sure to brew a nice, steaming mug of Earl Grey with your hot water!