When you buy your wine, spirits or any bottled beverage really, the chances are you were every bit as drawn to the bottle as its contents. Especially these days as some are so beautifully designed it seems a real waste to throw them away. Well, now you don’t have to because you can save a favourite bottle from the bin and turn it into a candle, vase, lamp of diffuser. The upscaling possibilities are endless and best of all, it’s so simple to do, you’ll be wondering why you never did it before!

You can even impress friends by giving them as gifts. Got a friend who loves their G&Ts? Give them a candle made from their favourite tipple. It’s easy to do, lets you unleash your creative side and cuts out on recycling as you’ve done it yourself.

Here’s what you’ll need…

There are just a few items needed to turn that old empty bottle into a new piece of art that lights up your life.

• An empty bottle you love. Just make sure it’s a round one.

• A glass bottle cutter. You can get one from most craft shops or online.

• Soy wax. It’s nice clean burning wax and it’s also eco friendly. You can get it from your local candle shop or online.

• Candle wicks. These come in packs and again are available in local candle shops and online.

• An essential oil. This is to scent the candle, just choose your fave fragrance.

• 600 grit wet sandpaper. You might already have some at home.

• A hot glue gun. If you don’t already have one, you can pick them up from most hardware and craft shops.

• A slow cooker

What to do…

Step 1. Cut your bottle

First, make sure your bottle is empty. Then wash it out and let it dry.

Next, make sure you’ve got the right type of cutter for your bottle. Slide the glass cutter over the bottle and tighten down all the screws. Then, rotate the bottle so the blade leaves a score around the glass.

Now you need to protect the bottle, so wrap it in cling film and sellotape. This is to protect it during the next stage. Once you’ve wrapped the bottle go from pouring boiling water to pouring cold water along the score. Keep doing this until the top of the bottle just cracks off. Please be careful during this stage!

The cut might now need sanding along the edges with the wet sandpaper to make it nice and smooth. You don’t want any sharp edges you can cut yourself on! Once again, take this step slowly and be super careful!

 

Step 2. Melt the wax

Pour the Soy Wax in the bottle, then double the amount. This is how much you’re going to need as it reduces in volume when you melt it. There are different way to melt the wax, but one of the easiest is to use an old crock pot or slow cooker. You just won’t be able to use it for cooking again. A slow cooker should melt all the wax in about 10 minutes.

Alternatively, you can melt the wax in the microwave or use a double boiler. It’s just a bit messier.

Remember to add some drops of your essential oil. About 15 to 18 drops should do it, but experiment to see how strong or weak a smell you like.

 

Step 3. Prepare the bottle

Next, take one of your your pre-made wicks.  Use the hot glue gun to stick it to the base of the bottle. This should stop it floating to the top when you pour in the melted wax.

Once all the wax has properly melted and you’ve added the essential oil, put it into a jug so that it’s easier to pour into the bottle.

 

Step 4. Pour in the wax

Carefully pour the melted wax into the bottle and leave to set. Taadah! You should now have your finished candle bottle. Light and enjoy your masterpiece!

  

Create a candle holder

If you don’t want to start cutting bottles and melting wax, then this is a much quicker and easier method. You’ll just need a bottle and a candle.

Clean out your bottle then place the candle in the top. And that’s it! You’ve created that authentic rustic restaurant feel in seconds. Especially once the wax has run down the candle and onto the bottle. 

Have fun making your different bottle creations and be sure to share them with us on social media using #ThisSOthing. We can’t wait to see your creations.