Do you find yourself hoarding empty wine bottles, believing one day you’ll do something with them? Well, now is your chance! Save an empty bottle of Madame F, stick a candle in it and voilà – your very own good-looking candle holder. If you have a few more empty bottles lying around, why not try your hand at some wine bottle crafts.
If wine bottle decor couture sounds right up your street, join the club. Wine bottles come in a host of different shapes and sizes, all worthy of appreciation − so why not upcycle them into something unique? The elegant curves, the tinted hue, the slender neck and an arty label all deserve to be on display and admired.
You don’t even need serious designer skills and tools to upcycle a bottle; wine bottle crafts can be done easily from the comfort of your own home. Just pour the remaining wine into a big glass and channel your inner creative genius.
Haven’t yet finished your bottle of wine? Read our best wine cocktails to enjoy this spring.
Wine bottle craft ideas
Add a bit of DIY flair to your home and sit back and marvel at your masterpiece. We recommend using our Madame F bottles for their voluptuous and tapered shape as they are perfect for different crafts, but any empty wine bottle will do.
Retro wine bottle candle holder
Ah, simplicity is what we like to hear. Making these wine bottle candle holders could not be easier, and you probably have the supplies hidden in the back of a drawer. The end result makes the perfect centrepiece for a cosy dinner or retro style celebration.
What you need:
empty Madame F bottle (or any wine bottle, we won’t be that offended)
candlestick
scissors
Method:
Size up your candlestick. Too long for the bottle will make it top-heavy and it could fall over; a major hazard if the candle is lit. Break or cut the candle so that not too much is sticking out of the top. You can slide the thin end of the candle into the bottle neck to see where the widest part is and cut there.
Wedge the candle into the opening. You can use the scissors to shape the bottom slightly, making it easier to fit in.
Now you have a cool new candleholder! The end.
Susy the frog’s tip
Place the bottle onto a pretty plate or coaster to catch any wax dripping down the bottle. You can also decorate the bottle with ribbon or paint, but we think it’s vintage perfect the way it is, wine label and all.
Wine bottle vase
Now you could just clean a bottle and stick in a rose stem and call it a day, but what about those big blooming bouquets? The kind your partner brings you when they’ve forgotten your anniversary for the third.year.running. This wine bottle vase requires a little more skill, but it’s so worth it.
Susy the frog’s tip
You can decorate your new vase however you fancy, but we think it looks extra special as it is (especially if it’s Madame F).
What you need:
empty wine bottle(s)
kitchen twine
acetone aka nail polish remover
bucket of ice water
lighter
sandpaper
Method:
Cut a length of the twine, enough to wrap around the bottle four times. Soak the twine in the nail polish remover.
Wrap the twine around the bottle where you want it to break and tie it securely in place. Here comes the excitement! Light the twine, making sure your fingers are safely away from the flames. Rotate the bottle quickly but steadily to help the flame run the length of the twine. It should only take a few minutes and about six turns of the bottle before the fire dies out.
Once the flames have gone out, submerge the bottle in the bucket of ice water (neck pointing down). Hopefully, the bottle will separate into two pieces, you might hear a cracking sound, but that’s expected.
Your first attempt might be uneven, a bit sloped or angled, but that makes it even more unique! Sand down the edges for a smooth and safe finish before marvelling at your creation with a pretty bunch of flowers sitting proudly inside.
Wine bottle terrarium
For nature and wine lovers out there, this terrarium will fit right into your wine bottle decor. These would make super lovely gifts for friends and loved ones, or put it on your mantelpiece next to your overgrown monstera. Bonus; the plants are artificial, meaning you won’t have to look after them!
What you need:
cut wine bottle (use the cutting method for the wine bottle vase above)
artificial moss
a range of artificial succulents
hot glue gun and glue sticks
circular object for the base of your wine bottle (jar lids and candle lids work)
extra additions like miniature figurines or crystals or leave it purely succulent
Method:
Clean whatever you’re using for your base and hot glue the moss to it.
Glue your selection of succulents and miniatures, layering it up however you want.
Place the cut wine bottle over the top of your scene. If you want, you can glue it to the base or leave it so you can change up the scene as and when you want. All done, and no one will know it’s not the real deal.
Susy the frog’s tip
If you want your terrarium to look snazzier, glue a glass knob or bead to the top. Use E6000 Plus glue to ensure it sticks to the glass.
Self-watering wine bottle planter
Sticking with the nature theme, why not try a self-watering wine bottle planter? A handy craft if you forget to water your wildlife enough (consider this your reminder to go water them now).
What you need:
cut wine bottle (use method from above crafts)
wire netting or a coffee filter
twine
soil and plant
Method:
Keep both parts of your cut wine bottle (the bottom and the top neck section). Attach a length of twine from the wire netting or coffee filter and place it in the top section of the bottle, with the twine trailing down the neck.
Add soil on top of the filter or netting in the top part and add your plant.
Fill the bottom section of the wine bottle with a little water and place the top section into it. Make sure the twine reaches the water.
The water will travel up the twine, feeding the soil and plant.
All these crafts are safe to do at home, but gloves and protective eyewear can be worn if necessary. It’s advised that children should be supervised if doing any of these crafts, and any cutting/fire of glass should be done by an adult.
