Wasn't it Saint Paul who said, "take a little wine for thy stomach's sake?" If so, he was more or less correct, according to recent studies that show drinking small amounts of wine can benefit some people's health. At any rate, many of us find a glass of wine a relaxing addition to a good meal. And if you are one of those who do, you may have the materials for the projects below already on hand, which will make clever and in some cases useful additions to your kitchen decor.

These projects incorporate labels and corks from leftover wine bottles. Soon, finding a real cork in a wine bottle may be a thing of the past. Many vineyards are moving away from using this natural, expensive material to stop their bottles and instead are using rubbery artificial "corks." Save your corks--they are interesting to look at, with the variety of designs printed on them, and who knows? Maybe wine corks will be collectible someday!

Whether or not they are worth any money, corks have sentimental value. Saving ones from bottles of wine that were part of special occasions is a fun way to be reminded of those good times. Incorporate those special corks into the projects below.

Wine Label Coasters: Gently soak the labels from empty wine bottles by submerging the bottle in warm water for an hour or so. Do not attempt to remove the label until it slides off the bottle easily. Carefully blot with paper towels and allow to dry on a piece of plastic wrap or other non-porous surface. Have two pieces of glass cut 4"x 4" for each coaster you will make. The hardware store will do this for you. Place the label between the two pieces of glass, and use copper foil tape from the stained glass store to seal the two pieces together, encasing the label inside.

Wine Charms: String short pieces of memory wire with small beads. Add a different charm on each. These can be wine related charms form the craft store, such a grapes, wedges of cheese, wineglasses, etc., or simply any different charms you happen to have. Make the wires about 1 1/2 " long. Crimp the ends after adding the charms. Give these to your guests to put on the stems of their wineglasses to tell which is whose.

Cork Framed Chalk Board: Save corks from empty wine bottles. Place them like logs, alongside each other around the edge of a purchased chalkboard with a flat frame. Use a generous amount of craft glue to adhere them to the frame, applying glue to the sides of the corks as well as the part that comes into contact with the frame. This way, the corks will be glued to each other as well as to the frame. Make use of the cork border--use push pins or thumbtacks to attach paper items, such as coupons or notes to the frame.

Wine cork bracelet: Use a heavy duty needle and needle nosed pliers to string together corks to form a bracelet. String them next to each other like logs, as in the frame, by threading the needle with clear beading elastic. You may want to use beads as spacers in between the corks. String to the size of your wrist, tie elastic securely. Just the perfect accessory for your next soiree!

Cork magnets: A handful of these would make a cute hostess gift. Simply use a knife to slice a thin section from the side of a cork so that you have a flat surface. Cut a piece of self adhesive magnet sheet to the size of the flat side, peel off backing and stick in place.

Also, mushroom shaped champagne corks make great knobs for drawers in your pantry. Simply drill a small hole all the way through the cork from top to bottom and use a thin bolt with a nut inside the drawer to attach. Or, attach a row of them in this way to a narrow piece of painted wood. Mount it in a convenient spot and use to hang potholders and tea towels.