DIY gifts – Page 3

DIY Upcycle Lighted Santa Bottles

This handmade Santa light-up bottle adds a warm and cozy feeling to any space for the Christmas season. This project requires a recycled bottle and drilling a hole in the lower backside of the bottle. Also required is a fun search for a Santa image. The choices are endless, ranging from recycled Christmas cards, magazines, printed images, and the imagination goes on. Most importantly don’t forget a strand of Christmas lights. Now let’s get started and enjoy the fun.

Materials for drilling a hole in glass

Drill
Drill Bit
Safety Glasses
• Facemask
Spray Bottle With Water

Directions

Drill a hole in the bottle. Through my research I found that using a 1/2 inch hole saw diamond grit drill bit works best for drilling a hole in a bottle. You can find this type of drill bit in most hardware stores and online.

Safety first: Wear safety glasses and a facemask to prevent eye injury and inhaling glass dust.
Starting on the backside and lower end of the bottle place the drill bit at an angle. This will allow you to start a groove in the bottle. Once you have the groove started you will begin to slowly bring the drill to an upright position. Apply pressure but not too much as this will cause the bottle to break. Periodically stop drilling and spray the drill bit and bottle where you are drilling the hole to keep the drill bit and bottle cooled off. This also keeps the glass dust level down while you are drilling.

Tip: I have also seen websites online where you can purchase predrilled bottles from suppliers.

Materials for Santa bottle

Empty Bottle (most types of bottles will work for this project)
Cork (optional)
Strand of Christmas Lights (20-30 bulb strand with a one-ended plug)
Santa Image (of your choice)
Raffia
Christmas Bells (two)
Glue
Water
Paintbrush

Removing labels from the bottle. Soak bottle in warm soapy water until the label is saturated with water. Use a putty scraper or a scraper with a razor blade on the end. Once the bottle is clean allow it to dry.

Tip: If the inside of the bottle has any residue from the drilling process you can tear off a small piece of a cleaning cloth and swish it around with the water in the bottle and that will help to rid of it.

Apply the Santa image. I prefer to make a mixture of Elmers glue and ¼ water. If the image is on thick paper this mixture will work well. If the image is on a thinner paper use a thicker consistency of glue (less water). Note: Other types of glue or Mod Podge products will work. Check your local craft stores to see what products they carry.

Measure the Santa image up to the bottle to insure the placement of the image will be where you want it. Using your paintbrush brush glue on the area where the image will be placed. Starting from the center of the image place your image on the bottle and gently glide your fingers from the center to outer edges of the image. Once you have the image glued down brush some more glue over the top of the image. Start this from the center working your way out as well. If any bubbles occur on the image you can smooth them out with your fingers from center to outer edges. Allow image to dry. Note: Once dry you can add glitter or a coat of crafting varnish on the Santa image.

Wrap raffia around neck of the bottle. Two or three strands of raffia will cover the neck of this size bottle. More strands may be required if your bottle is taller. Start by tying one end of the raffia around the neck of the bottle leaving a little excess on one end to tie off in the end of the wrapping process. Begin wrapping it fairly tight around the neck of the bottle. If your strand starts to run out tie the next strand to the one you started with and keep going until you have covered the neck of the bottle. Now tie off with the excess. Note: Twine, yarn, or ribbon can be used in place of the raffia.

Tying on the Christmas bells. Using another strand of raffia, tie the raffia around the top of the bottles neck, leaving a generous amount on both ends so that you can tie one bell on each end.

Place a cork in the top of the bottle. (Optional)
Inserting the strand of Christmas lights. Turn the bottle upside down to insert lights (this helps the light strand to flow more evenly throughout the bottle). Starting from the bulb end of the light strand insert each bulb individually into the bottle. Once you have your strand of lights in it is time to plug in and enjoy.

DIY Graphic Centerpiece from Reclaimed Wood

by Johnnie Collier

Now that I have your attention with a seriously adorable puppy and his one blue eye, I would like to show you how to make this chicken wire reclaimed wood graphic centerpiece! This piece definitely evolved as it was being made. My friend came over to see if we could come up with a centerpiece for her square kitchen table, and we started at my wood pile. We ripped some chippy painted trim, and added it to some pallet wood and wire. We thought we were finished there, but had the idea to visit The Graphics Fairy where we found the perfect vintage spoon and fork images to transfer onto the pallet wood sides. The result is just what she had in mind, and now I want to make one for myself!

SUPPLIES:

Scrap wood (we used wood pallets and old trim)

Chicken Wire

Ryobi Air Nailer

1 inch brad nails

Kreg jig

1 inch Kreg Screws

Wood Glue

White Tissue Paper

Mod Podge Matte

Printer (laser jet or ink jet printer are fine)

Card stock

Painter’s Tape

Mitre Saw

Drill

Metal Snips

TUTORIAL:

We knew we wanted a square crate. Starting with the bottom, we used two 5.5 inch wide pieces of pallet wood that we cut to 11 inches long with the mitre saw.

We attached the pieces together with the Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System and 1 inch screws (I showed you how to use that here: How to Use a Kreg Jig). The blue circles show the Kreg pocket holes.

We cut two pallet wood sides to 11 inches and attached them with pocket holes and .75 inch screws since the pallet wood sides were to thin for 1 inch screws.

Next we lined up the trim pieces we had ripped and marked them, cutting them with the mitre saw to the appropriate length.

Next we cut the chicken wire with aviation snips to fit the sides of the crate. We attached the chippy painted trim piece over the chicken wire to hold it in place.

We thought we were finished, but then Victoria had the great idea of adding the chippy trim to the pallet wood sides where the arrows are in the photo.

We cut the trim to fit and nailed it into place with the Ryobi nailer. This is what we were left with at that point. I decided the wood area at the arrow and the side opposite it were perfect for graphics. We chose the vintage spoon and fork graphics linked in the first paragraph and used the tissue paper image transfer technique I showed you here: DIY Image Transfer Recycled Glass Bottles.

Not bad for a couple of hours and $0 spent!

For more inspiration, visit our 50+ Image Transfer Techniques!

DIY Liquor Bottle to Mercury Glass Bracelet Storage

by Johnnie Collier

Bottle Bracelet Storage

I am always looking for unique and decorative ways to organize my jewelry. Pretty up a long necked bottle to suit your style and display your bracelets for all to see. It doesn’t get much more straightforward than this project!

MATERIALS

-Long Necked Bottle

-Glass Bottle of your choice

–Krylon Looking Glass Spray Paint

–Krylon Spray Adhesive Remover

-Epson Salt

-Kraft paper, plastic or other work surface protector

Bracelets galore

DIRECTIONS

1. Remove any labels from your bottle with adhesive remover. I love Krylon’s Spray Adhesive Remover. Saves loads of time for wine bottle upcyclers like me!

2. Pour Epson salt into bottle so that to about one inch from the bottom. If your bottle is smaller, you can use less. It is not important to be exact here.

3. In a well ventilated area with protected work surface, spray looking glass paint into mouth of bottle. Make sure to follow instructions on label. You want to shake the can vigourously before using. If your bottle mouth is small in diameter like this genie bottle, you will have paint pooling in one spot and running down the neck. That is fine.

4. Shake the bottle like a snow globe, so that the salt grabs the paint and drags it around. This will create the mercury glass look.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 a few more times, allowing each coat to dry for about 5 minutes before applying the next. Stop when are happy with the look.

2. Place your bracelets and admire.

EXTRA TIPS

Decoupage the bottle or paint it with glass paint and stencils for a look other than mercury glass. The customization possibilities are infinite!

Does DIY Jewelry Storage excite you? Visit our 50+ Clever Jewelry Storage DIY Ideas!

Need some bracelets now that you have a stylish, eco friendly bracelet display? We have you covered with 50+ DIY Bracelets to Make:

Wine Bottle Candle Holder Tutorial

by Johnnie Collier

Magnify and reflect candlelight in these gorgeous green wine bottle tiered holders. This project involves cutting bottles and gluing bottoms to tops, giving you luxury style on a dime in no time. Tiered candle holders make great mantle décor and centerpieces for all occasions.

I was given these beautiful Protea Wine Bottles to use. They have the coolest designs, don’t they? Sadly, I shattered one of them, but the other survived! Here is how I did it…

MATERIALS

-Bottle cutting supplies (I use Creator’s Bottle Cutter)
–E6000 Industrial Glue
-green wine bottles
-Rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner
-Paper Towels

DIRECTIONS

1. Remove labels
2. Clean glass bottles with rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner before cutting.
3. For detailed bottle cutting instructions, see How to Cut Wine Bottles. Cut wine bottles in three heights from the bottom of the bottle to the cut line. You can eyeball it, or measure with a rule and mark with a sharpie. The smallest bottle could be four inches, the middle five inches, then six to get an equal gradient in height for your final candle holders. Use the top of the wine bottle for your candle holder base, or cut beer bottle necks for the base. That is what I did for this project.

5. Gather the tops of the beer bottles and the bottoms of the wine bottles, and make sure they are clean.

6. Apply E6000 to the mouth of the beer bottle and place on flat surface.
7. Place and center cut wine bottle on top of the glue.
8. Let dry overnight.

9. Add filler and candles. Flameless LED tea lights are shown here, on top of filler sand.

Wine Bottle Glass Holder DIY

by Johnnie Collier

It doesn’t get much cheaper or easier than this reclaimed wood to bottle/glass holder and display! Power tools are involved, but fear not; even the novice can pull this off beautifully. Impress your date on your next romantic evening with wine for two!

MATERIALS

-Scrap wood

-¼ inch Drill bit

-1.5 inch hole saw

-Jig saw

-Medium grit sand paper

DIRECTIONS

1. Sand the edges of your wood down so it looks a little worn and smooth.

2. Using the 1.5 inch hole saw drill a hole precisely in the center of the board.

3. Then using the ¼ inch bit drill a hole in the middle of the board approximately ½ inch back from each end.

4. Use a jig saw or saber saw to then slot these holes to the end of the board.

5. Plop it onto your favorite bottle of vino and let your stem ware hang freely.

EXTRA TIPS

￮ Paint your board to match your home or party décor. Etch monograms or other custom text like I showed you in the glass tumblers and doily bottle projects. Give these away as neighbor gifts for picnic season, or as easy, inexpensive holiday gifts!

Reclaimed Wood Wine Bottle Vase Trio

by Johnnie Collier

Salvage Wood Wine Bottle Wall Vase Trio

Reclaimed wood and recycled bottles combine with inexpensive copper hardware for this rustic, ecofriendly wall vase set. Make it in under an hour with just a few dollars for hardware! This is perfect inexpensive wall decor, and makes a great, unique handmade gift for the holidays.

MATERIALS

-Scrap wood cut to desired width (The board I had was 25 inches, so I went with that. Use any number of wine bottles, and cut your wood the appropriate length for that number.)

-Drill

-1 inch copper bell hanger kit (available in plumbing section of most hardware stores for less than $2 each)

-Picture hanging hardware

-Wine bottles (clean and remove labels if desired as described in Techniques)

DIRECTIONS

1. Paint, stain or decoupage your wood any way you like. I left mine as I found it since it had the weathered look I love. Same goes for the bottles. Paint or decorate them to fit your decor or occasion.

2. Measure and mark placement of your bottles, leaving even spacing between each and centering them on the board. Yay math!

3. Drill a pilot hole with a drill bit just smaller in diameter than your screw. If you aren’t using a drill, use a hammer and nail to make a pilot hole.

4. Attach bell hanger using the screw that came in your kit and a drill or screwdriver.

5. Attach a loop for hanging on each side.

6. Place on wall and add wine bottles. Time to head to the farmer’s market for some fresh flowers!

Cut Wine Bottle Bracelets

by Johnnie Collier

Your friends will be amazed when you tell them these bracelets use to be wine bottles! This project involves cutting glass and firing in a kiln, but you could do a version without the kiln too. Use rub on transfers and alcohol inks to create a piece of wearable art!

MATERIALS

-glass bottle label removing and cleaning supplies (see techniques)

-glass bottle cutting supplies (see techniques)

-stainless steel measuring cup

-kiln

-kiln wash

-glass drilling supplies

-jewelry chain

-jump rings

-toggle clasp

-two pairs of jewelry pliers; flat and or needle nosed

-alcohol inks and felt pad applicator

-non stick craft sheet

-rub on transfers

-beads and charms for embellishing as desired

-permanent marker

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut a ring from your chosen bottle (See How to Cut Wine Bottles)

2. Carefully score ring with glass cutter and tap to break score, leaving you with a half circle. Score this to the size you would like your bracelet to be, about 2.5 inches.

3. Place bracelet piece on kiln washed stainless steel mold or measuring cup as shown and fire to full fuse (see techniques).

4. Once the bracelet is cool, remove it from the kiln. Mark for placement of holes where chain will be attached with a jump ring.

5. Drill the holes using small diamond bits (see How to Drill Holes in Glass). I use this diamond tipped micro engraving drill bit kit for my small holes.

6. Begin drilling at the mark, coming in at an angle to start your hole, then moving to 90 degrees as described in the techiques. Make sure to cool the drill bit in water every 30 seconds or so to prevent glass from shattering due to heat.

7. Apply rub on transfer per instructions to the front surface of the bracelet.

8. Use felt applicator or brush to apply alcohol inks to back surface of bracelet.

9. Open jump ring using two sets of pliers to twist each end in opposite directions. Do not pull ends apart to open, rather twist open as shown.

10. Attach the appropriate length of chain to get desired bracelet length and close jump ring by twisting ends back together. Keep in mind the closure will add about ½ inch to the length of the bracelet.

11. To finish, attach toggle clasp ring to one end and bar to the other, using a jump ring for each.

EXTRA TIPS

￮ Create custom bracelets, earrings and pendants using this technique. Use blank rub on transfer paper made for inkjets to transfer your own designs to your recycled glass jewelry!

DIY Wine Cork Bulletin Board

by Johnnie Collier

Stay organized, eco-chic style with this cork board made from… corks! This project is simple, functional, stylish and can be super inexpensive with a thrifted frame. Start saving those wine corks, ask your friends to save them, and hit your local recycle center to see if they can hook you up with some. You are going to need quite a few, especially if you have a large frame.

SUPPLIES

-Wine Corks

-Utility Knife

-Hot glue gun and sticks

-Frame without glass

TUTORIAL

1. Remove glass from frame, leaving just the backing.

2. Decide on a pattern for your corks. Simple and repeating looks best.

3. Starting in the center, begin gluing corks in your chosen pattern directly onto the frame backing.

4. When you come to the edges where full corks no longer fit, cut the corks where necessary to create the appropriate shape to fit the space. Continue until the entire frame is full.

EXTRA TIPS

Seal corks after they are all placed for a glossy finish if desired! These would be great for displaying bride and groom photos for your wine themed wedding reception.

For more inspiration, visit our 50+ WINE CORK CRAFTS:

Rainbow Recycled Wine Bottle Chandelier

by Johnnie Collier

Hi there, recycled wine bottle decor lovers! Today I am sharing a project that will add color to and illuminate any space. Get your rainbow on with this wine bottle chandelier or match it to your style. You can make this light to go with your home decor using your favorite Mod Podge Sheer color, or use as many as you can get your hands on, like I did. The project involves cutting wine bottles, which is easier than you may think, so let’s get started!