Glass soda bottles: Back in the day, you used to be able to return them for a deposit. Then it became common practice to recycle them. But why not take it a step further and upcycle your glass bottles by turning them into a creative crafting project?
The next time you’re tempted to toss that empty soda bottle in the recycling bin, hit pause and try one of these eight techniques for extending its usefulness — and its life. You might be surprised at all the creative things you can make with a little handiwork, ingenuity and inspiration.
1. Rolling pin
No rolling pin? No problem. Just grab an empty bottle and use it to roll out dough for your next baking project. It’s a good idea to put the dough between sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap before rolling to keep it from sticking to the bottle. Chilling the bottle first will also help.
2. Vase
It’s easy to repurpose old soda bottles into charming vases for your favorite flowers. You can put as much (or as little) creativity into this project as you like. It requires zero effort to use the bottle just as it is — or you may choose to paint the outside, swirl paint inside for a Venetian glass effect, or wrap the bottle with string or ribbon using a hot glue gun. The result will be a unique, handmade home accessory that will instantly liven up any space.
3. Bottle tree
Add some offbeat yard art to your landscaping by creating a kaleidoscopic bottle tree. There are many fascinating ways to arrange bottles on real trees or specially built bottle tree frames. You can find inspiration and project instructions on both Pinterest and the HGTV website.
4. Bottle vase centerpiece
If a single soda bottle makes a good vase, a six-pack can make an even better one! There’s a lot to love about a handcrafted bottle vase centerpiece. It’s easy to make, can be used indoors or out, and the flora in the vases can be switched out as the seasons change. Find instructions for this project here. Pro tip: Have the wood pre-cut at the hardware store to save on time, effort and the number of tools you’ll need.
5. Votive candle holders
There are a couple of ways to tackle this eye-catching project for glass bottle votives. You can cut off the top of the bottle and place a tea light inside, or cut off the bottom of the bottle and place the remaining form over the candle. You can find some instructions for the latter technique here.
6. Bottle bell wind chime
Wind chimes can bring a touch of zen to any patio or backyard space. You can make your own natural music using an empty glass bottle, and this tutorial will show you how.
7. Drinking glasses
Tell the tumblers in the cabinet to move over, because your new favorite drinking glasses — handmade out of upcycled soda bottles — are moving in! While there may be a bit of a learning curve to this undertaking, the results are so worth it. The trick is to be sure to smooth out the rims thoroughly. Here’s how to do it.
8. Bottle chandelier
You’ll find plenty of designs for chandeliers made of recycled bottles online. What most of them have in common are bottles with the bottoms cut out, lights strung inside and a wood or metal holder to suspend them from the ceiling. Given that this project involves both glass cutting and some minor electrical work, it’s best tackled by crafting experts, but the outcome is absolutely stunning. Learn how to make your own here.
If you’re looking for some attractive glass bottles to use in your next crafting project, check out Jarritos, Mexico’s No. 1 soft drink brand. Not only are Jarritos bottles beautiful to look at, but they also happen to contain unique — and uniquely palate-delighting — fruit-based sodas. Jarritos’ super-good beverages are sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your creativity. Visit their website today to see where you can find Jarritos’ most popular flavors at a store near you.