Small plastic pill bottles are worth saving for a variety of purposes, and they can be decorated in countless ways. Some of the easiest embellishments include decorative tape and paint, but the decorating options are infinite. Before recycling or throwing away your empty medicine containers, consider these six crafty ways to decorate them from top to bottom. They can be used for storage, decorative purposes and much more.
Decorate the Bottles with Japanese Washi Tape
The easiest way to decorate small plastic pill bottles is with Japanese washi tape. It is becoming more and more popular in the United States as well as the U.K. The texture is similar to masking tape, but it comes in countless colors and patterns. Wrap the containers a single row at a time to match and complete the repeated designs. The will no longer look like medicine bottles, especially if the lids are painted and decorated.
Wrap Them with Fabric and Ribbon Trim
If you cannot find decorative washi tape, consider wrapping your small plastic pill bottles with fabric. Use Fray Check if you do not want to hem the raw edges. It can be found in some discount chains, online and in stores that sell fabric and/or crafting supplies. It will seal the edges and prevent the material from fraying. Give the containers a more finished look by trimming the edges with coordinating narrow ribbon. They can look gorgeous, and after the caps are painted and/or decorated, they will look nothing like containers that once held medicine.
Cover the Bottles with Peel-and-Stick Vinyl
Peel-and-stick shelf paper, wallpaper or border can be used to decorate plastic pill bottles. Use leftovers from a project, or buy discontinued patterns or leftovers from a home decorating store. Apply it to the bottom first. To keep the edges from puckering, clip them before pressing the vinyl into place. Cover the sides with a single piece and only one seam will show, and it will not be very apparent.
Paint the Plastic Lids with Krylon Fusion Paint
Plastic cannot be coated with just any paint, at least not successfully. Use the wrong paint and it will quickly peel away. If you plan to decorate dozens of plastic pill bottles, buy Krylon Fusion paint. It sticks exceptionally well to plastic, and it comes in dozens of colors. Once the paint dries, they can be decorated further.
Top the Caps with Pretty Fabric or Paper Blooms
Consider topping the caps of the painted plastic pill bottles with pretty fabric or paper blooms of the appropriate size. The finished containers can be used to hold small items from paper clips to beads. They will look lovely, and the floral theme will be especially fitting if the bottles are used store flower seeds.
Cover the Painted Tops with Faux Jewels
If flowers are not your style, or if you would rather have containers with a lot more glitz, add faux jewels. Choose small faceted glass, crystal or plastic gems with flat backs. Use strong adhesive to attach them to the tops and the sides of the painted lids. Consider using faux jewels of various sizes and colors, and transform what was once trash into gorgeous treasures that can be used for storage, gifts and more.
Source: Advanced Crafting Experience
