Recycled Crafts

DIY Scrap Wood Halloween Pumpkins

These three pumpkins were made entirely with materials I had on hand, which is always a plus! With my huge pile of wood pieces from previous building projects, I am pretty excited when I can use up some of the leftovers. I used my table saw to rip scrap 2×4 into what are essentially wood shims. You can do that, or use purchased wood shims or paint stirrers. Let’s go make some free pumpkins!

MATERIALS:

Plywood (i used 1/4 inch since that is what we had on hand, but you can use thicker)

2×4 scrap pieces and table saw or pre made wood shims or paint stirrers

Wood glue or construction adhesive

Sharpie

Jig saw

Ryobi Air Strike Cordless nailer

5/8 inch brads

TUTORIAL:

Use a sharpie to draw pumpkin shapes on your plywood. I made three of varying heights and widths. You can print templates and transfer your design to the wood with transfer paper too. I just wanted rustic looking pumpkins so I went free hand.

To make the wood shims, I set the table saw guide to the thickness I wanted using a shim from another project.

Then I just cut my 2×4 scraps using that guide setting.

I cut out my pumpkin shapes from the plywood using my jig saw.

I placed each pumpkin on top of side by side wood shims and glued them into place with construction adhesive.

For added strength, I nailed each shim in two places with my cordless nailer and 5/8 inch brad nails.

I added weight to my pumpkins and let the glue dry overnight.

Once dry, I cut the excess wood shims off, using the plywood pumpkin as my jig saw guide.

To finish, I hot glued twigs to the back of the pumpkin for the stem!

Check out these other great Halloween DIY projects for your favorite bloggers!

DIY Paper Flower Fall Wreath

by Johnnie Collier

I finally got my hands on the Cricut Giant Flowers Cartridge, and had myself a great time! There are tons of ways to use these paper flowers in decor. I opted to make this festive fall flower wreath.

Following the instructions that came with the cartridge, I made the Lotus, Zinnia and Rose in oranges and purple Core’dinations paper.

I wanted a flat wreath form, so I made one using cardboard. I do this a lot. Just find something round in the size you want your wreath, and trace it onto cardboard using a sharpie.

I like to cut two pieces of cardboard per wreath form and tape them together…

Once I made the wreath form, I began laying out my flowers until I had the wreath full. I glued the flowers into place with hot glue.

***TIP: I also used got glue for making the flowers. Gluing each petal into place as they are added keeps them from falling out all over the place as you continue building the flowers.

Before gluing the last flower into place, I added a loop of burlap ribbon for hanging the wreath.

Although it was simple, it did take some time. Now I have an eternal paper flower wreath! Totally worth it.

Be sure to visit our 50+ Paper Flower Projects for more inspiration:

Tissue Decoupaged Recycled Wine Bottle Lanterns

by Johnnie Collier

Hanging lanterns in the trees goes a long way towards setting a lovely scene. With some tissue paper squares and a few wine bottles, you are on your way to create beautiful, eco-friendly lighting to add ambiance to your outdoor space or party.

MATERIALS

-Clear wine bottles

-Bottle Cutting Supplies (See How to Cut Wine Bottles)

-Tissue squares in a variety of colors

-Glass drilling supplies with 1/8 inch diamond hole bit

-metal chain

-jewelry pliers

-Mod Podge

-Foam brush or flat paint brush

DIRECTIONS

1. Clean bottle and remove any labels.

2. Cut bottles to 4-5 inch height and sand any rough edges (See How to Cut Wine Bottles).

3. Drill 2 holes about 1/8 inch from the top on opposite sides of the bottle (For how to drill in glass, See DIY Mason Jar Chimes).

4. Clean the cut bottles with alcohol or glass cleaner (I put on gloves at this point to avoid fingerprinting the glass).

5. Paint a strip of Mod Podge down the side of the glass and add a tissue squares. Overlap them as desired for different effects.

6. Paint layer of Mod Podge over each strip as you finish, smoothing out wrinkles in the paper with your paint brush as you go. Don’t over do it as the paper is easily torn.

7. Once entire glass is covered, go over it with another layer of Mod Podge. You can use the outdoor formula if you are leaving the lanterns outside long term.

8. Add chain by opening link the end link with pliers, inserting it into the hole near the top of the glass and closing it back with the pliers. Insert the other end of chain in hole on the opposite side.

For more inspiration, visit our 50+ Glass Bottle Crafts:

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!

DIY Upcycle Liquor Bottle to Mercury Glass Lamp

by Johnnie Collier

Get the look of expensive mercury glass with a can of spray paint and some Epson salt! This simple project takes a genie lamp shaped liquor bottle to an elegant mercury glass lamp for way less than the purchase price you see in stores.

MATERIALS

-Glass Bottle of your choice

–Krylon Looking Glass Spray Paint

–Krylon Spray Adhesive Remover

-Epson Salt

-Kraft paper, plastic or other work surface protector

-Drill and 1/2 inch Diamond Hole Drill Bit

-Lint free towel and rubbing alcohol

-Dust mask

-Protective Gloves

-Protective Eyewear

-Container of water with a a soaked towel or rag

–Bottle Lamp Kit

-Lamp Shade

-Light Bulb

DIRECTIONS

1. Clean bottle and remove labels; to do this, soak bottles in hot, soapy water and remove labels. Rubbing alcohol in a lint free cloth will remove residual adhesive. My personal favorite technique is Krylon Adhesive Remover.

2. Drill a hole where you want the cord to exit the lamp, in the back near the base. For that technique, see my previous tutorial: How to Make a Lamp From a Glass Bottle. Follow safety precautions!

3. Clean away debris from drilling, dry bottle with a lint free cloth and tape over the hole you just drilled. You will see why!

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 a few more times, allowing each coat to dry for about 5 minutes before applying the next. Stop when are happy with the look.

8. Follow instructions on your lamp kit to assemble. The one used here was super simple to and cost $6.

9. Use a thrift store or new lampshade to fit your décor.

EXTRA TIPS

￮ The salt will stick to the wall of the bottle in spots, giving a lovely crystal effect. You can pour as little or as much of the salt out as you want after painting.

Use this technique for recycled glass bottle vases, votive holders, wind chimes and more. Keep in mind this only works when the sprayed surface is inside.

DIY Wine Bottle Candles

by Johnnie Collier

Scented with your favorite fragrance, these beeswax and soy candles are easy to make and great for all occasions! We will be cutting wine bottles and using the bottom section as a container for pouring our candles. Get started now and give these inexpensive, eco-friendly, handmade treasures as Christmas gifts that are sure to impress!

MATERIALS

Beeswax or Soy Wax

Scented Oil

Soy wicks on metal tabs

Double sided adhesive

Melting Pot and large sauce pan for boiling water

Cut wine bottles for candle containers (See How I Cut Wine Bottles)

Bamboo Skewer or pencil

Craft wire or rubberbands

Scissors

Lint free cloth

Soap and water or glass cleaner

DIRECTIONS

1. Melt wax per instructions. I used an aluminum melting pot placed in a large sauce pan of boiling water. Add scent if you are going to do that.

2. While that is melting, prepare container and wick. Clean container well and dry with a lint free cloth. Adhere wick tab to double sided adhesive, and stick other side into container.

Wrap excess wick around dowel rod, centered so that wicks are straight up and down. Use wire or rubber band to attach a second dowel rod to the first, sandwiching the wick in place.

4. Pour in wax until container is as full as you would like. Let sit overnight, trim wicks and enjoy!

EXTRA TIPS

￮ Use printable labels to customize your candles for gifts and holidays. Etch monograms and patterns like I showed you in the Monogram Tumblers project!

For more inspiration, visit our 50+ Glass Bottle Crafts:

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 Cut Wine Bottle Table Number Centerpiece

by Johnnie Collier

With just a few simple supplies, you can make this charming wedding reception table number centerpiece for that special day. Not only that, this can be used for an eco-friendly centerpiece for any occasion!

MATERIALS

-Three Green Wine Bottles with corks
-Burlap ribbon
-Lace
-flower embellishments (die cut, hand cut or buy in the scrapbook section of your local craft store)
-18 gauge craft wire
-Antique finish metal chain
-Blingy metallic and other ribbons
-Wedding themed paper craft embellishments
-Adhesive crystal sheets
-Chalkboard tags
-Decorative brad
-Monogram sticker
-Photograph of couple
-Quick grab craft glue or hot glue
-Wire cutter

TUTORIAL

1. Cut your wine bottles to 3 different heights (See How to Cut Wine Bottles)
2. Smooth out any pointy edges with grinder or sand paper.
3. Clean the bottle with alcohol or glass cleaner. I like to wear gloves after cleaning the bottle to avoid fingerprints.

4. Tie burlap ribbon and lace around two of the bottles near the base.
5. Wrap sparkly twine or ribbon around neck of the remaining bottle and dangle a chalkboard tag with the couple’s monogram from it. Place a decorative brad at the top of the tag.
6. Embellish bottles by gluing on flowers, placing adhesive crystals and draping metal chain as shown.

7. Make the wire place card/photo holder. I picked up a picture display at a garage sale and cut the wire holders from that. You can easily make your own with 16-18 gauge wire. Cut a piece of wire about 5 inches and wrap one end around a cylinder shaped object a few times (Highlighter markers or small prescription bottles work well for this.). Bend wire at the base of the circle you just made. You can use round nose pliers to make the little loop on the circle part or just leave as is.

8. Insert wire into cork. Create a pilot hole in the cork with a needle tool, small nail or straight pin. Insert wire holder into pilot hole and add a dab of hot glue to secure.

9. Place table number, sentiments and photos as shown.

EXTRA TIPS

￮ Use this concept for holiday centerpieces, photo displays, anniversaries and other occasions by changing embellishments to match the theme.

Washi Tape Wine Cork Keychain DIY

by Johnnie Collier

Carry your keys in eco-friendly style with this washi covered wine cork keychain. This project is simple and quick, and makes a great handmade last minute gift or party favor. Decorate with ribbon, paint, stickers and stamps as a variation!

MATERIALS

-Cork

-Eye screw

-washi tape

-scissors

-keychain findings

-jump ring

-2 pairs of jewelry pliers

DIRECTIONS

1. Cover cork with strips of washi tape as desired.

2. Place eye screw in center on one end of the cork.

3. Use both pairs of pliers to twist open jump ring as shown.

4. attach key ring finding to eye screw with jump ring then close jump ring, using both pairs of pliers to twist it back to the closed position.

That is it!

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

And our 50+ Washi Tape Crafts

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.

DIY Scrap Wood Halloween Pumpkins

MATERIALS:

TUTORIAL:

Check out these other great Halloween DIY projects for your favorite bloggers!

DIY Paper Flower Fall Wreath

***TIP: I also used got glue for making the flowers. Gluing each petal into place as they are added keeps them from falling out all over the place as you continue building the flowers.

Be sure to visit our 50+ Paper Flower Projects for more inspiration:

Tissue Decoupaged Recycled Wine Bottle Lanterns

MATERIALS

DIRECTIONS

For more inspiration, visit our 50+ Glass Bottle Crafts:

Reclaimed Wood Wine Bottle Vase Trio

MATERIALS

DIRECTIONS

DIY Upcycle Liquor Bottle to Mercury Glass Lamp

MATERIALS

DIRECTIONS

DIY Wine Bottle Candles

MATERIALS

DIRECTIONS

For more inspiration, visit our 50+ Glass Bottle Crafts:

Cut Wine Bottle Bracelets

MATERIALS

DIRECTIONS

DIY Cut Wine Bottle Table Number Centerpiece

MATERIALS

TUTORIAL

Washi Tape Wine Cork Keychain DIY

DIRECTIONS

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

DIY Wine Cork Bulletin Board

SUPPLIES

TUTORIAL

EXTRA TIPS

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

Meet Johnnie

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MATERIALS:

TUTORIAL:

Check out these other great Halloween DIY projects for your favorite bloggers!

***TIP: I also used got glue for making the flowers. Gluing each petal into place as they are added keeps them from falling out all over the place as you continue building the flowers.

Be sure to visit our 50+ Paper Flower Projects for more inspiration:

MATERIALS

DIRECTIONS

For more inspiration, visit our 50+ Glass Bottle Crafts:

MATERIALS

DIRECTIONS

MATERIALS

DIRECTIONS

MATERIALS

DIRECTIONS

For more inspiration, visit our 50+ Glass Bottle Crafts:

MATERIALS

DIRECTIONS

MATERIALS

TUTORIAL

DIRECTIONS

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

SUPPLIES

TUTORIAL

EXTRA TIPS

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

Meet Johnnie

Categories

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