Assemble a beautiful set of trivets from an unexpected material—basket weaving winding core—and customize them to complement your holiday dining table. As a craft enthusiast, I've always run short on trivets during Thanksgiving feasts. These handmade, custom-dyed coils protect tables from hot dishes while adding stylish flair.
Photo: Emily Fazio
Craft expert Emily Fazio highlights winding core: a durable, affordable paper core for basketry (just 60 cents per yard for 1/2-inch at local craft stores). It's absorbent, ties securely, dries without losing shape, and endures beyond holidays—unless Uncle Lou spills gravy. Use three yards for a 10-inch trivet. Its natural hue is charming, and it dyes beautifully to match dinnerware or events.
Photo: Emily Fazio
For dyeing, try a modified dip-dye: form a shallow pool so the core absorbs color into its fibers, leaving undyed inner areas.
Photo: Emily Fazio
Or mist lightly with a sprayer to avoid saturation. Later in this tutorial, see eyedropper techniques for precise tints.
Once dry, it's ready to shape. Plug in your hot glue gun, tie string tightly around one end to prevent fraying, and trim evenly with sharp scissors.
Photo: Emily Fazio
Apply hot glue to the end and wrap to form the trivet's center.
Photo: Emily Fazio
Work in 3-4 inch sections: glue contact points and wrap tightly. It goes quickly—the core grips hot glue exceptionally well.
Photo: Emily Fazio
At the end, trim at a sharp angle for a flush wrap, then glue.
Photo: Emily Fazio
Post-assembly, apply purple dye beads with a dropper for a tie-dye effect. This stage allows precise, optional color additions.
Photo: Emily Fazio
Let dry, then use your trivet to shield tables from heat or enhance your tablescape.
Photo: Emily Fazio
