If you are tired of hearing the clang of beer bottles as they hit the recycling bin, stopping throwing them away. They can be reused in creative and decorative ways. Consider turning some of them into beautiful vases using one or more of the following four methods. Wash and dry the glass before getting started, and transform the containers into something that can be used to beautify your home. They also make fantastic gifts for teachers, family, co-workers and friends. They are fun to make, and as long as they are clean and fully covered, no one will be able to tell what they originally held.
Wrap Beer Bottles with Multihued Yarn or Jute Twine
Yarn makes a fantastic wrap for beer bottles, and it does not have to be knitted or crocheted. Coat the glass with 3M 77 spray-on adhesive, and neatly wrap it from the bottom up with multihued yarn. If you prefer a nautical look, use jute twine instead. After it is completely wrapped, tie an eight-inch piece around the neck of the bottle, and tie on charms or wooden beads. What was once nothing more than beverage containers can become gorgeous vases for real or artificial flowers.
Decoupage the Glass with Art-Quality Tissue Paper
If you prefer vases that allow light to shine through, cover clear beer bottles with art-quality tissue paper. If the bottles are printed, use a product called Star San to remove the ink. It is an acid-based sanitizer, and it works better than any other ink removal method. Be sure to read the label for product usage instructions and warnings. Your work area should be well ventilated.
After the ink has been removed and the bottles are washed, rinsed and dried, apply square pieces of tissue paper in colors of your choice. Use the photo as a guide. Attach the paper with decoupage medium. After it dries, go over it with decoupage to seal the papered vases. They need to dry completely before adding additional embellishments. Attach the faux gems just below the neck of the bottles with E6000 adhesive. It will dry clear, and the vases will look spectacular, especially on a windowsill.
Attach Small Flat Glass Pebbles
Small flat glass pebbles can be used to turn beer bottles into gorgeous vases. Cover green bottles with a variety of emerald pebbles. Use deep brown and solid white glass pebbles to embellish brown beer bottles. Those that are clear can be covered with any combination of colors. Attach the pebbles with E6000 adhesive. To prevent the glass pieces from falling off before the glue is dry, start at the bottom and wrap masking tape around the rows as they are finished. The tape will hold the pebbles in place until the adhesive dries, and it will come off without leaving behind adhesive residue.
Replicate the Look of Leather with Masking Tape and Brown Paint
Masking tape is good for more than just holding embellishments in place when making beer bottle vases. It can become part of the decorating scheme. Rip off one-inch pieces of masking tape, and apply them to the glass. They should slightly overlap. After the bottle is completely covered, smooth the tape down one last time. Use a rag, a foam brush or a sponge to apply dark brown acrylic craft paint that has been thinned with water. It will look like leather. After the paint dries, coat it with clear acrylic sealer to protect the finished piece.
Source: Advanced Crafting Experience