How many wine bottles do you empty each week? If you throw out a collection of glass each week or month, you might enjoy finding a way to reuse them. Wine is expensive—especially if it comes in a fancy bottle—so you want to get the most out of it. Read on to learn how to make wine bottle candles.
Try Bottle Cutting
The best way to turn a wine bottle into a candle is to cut through the glass. This changes how the bottle will function. Since it won’t hold liquids anymore, you can remove portions of the bottle to make it look like a candleholder, jarred candle, and more.
No matter how you cut your wine bottle, you’ll likely need to use a mixture of hot and cold to detach the pieces. Also, you’ll need to sand the edges once you cut the bottle. There are several different methods for cutting wine bottles:
- Score the bottle with a handheld glass cutter. Secure the bottle in a roll of tape and use a steady hand to cut the glass in a straight line.
- Use a bottle cutter to score the glass.
- Wrap acetone-soaked yarn or twine around the bottle where you want it to break. Light the twine on fire several times and rotate the bottle to get a consistent indent.
You need to use extreme temperatures to finish the job. Once you score the glass, you can dunk it back and forth in boiling and cold water. You can also use a flame and a piece of ice to target the exact place you want the bottle to split. Go back and forth with fire and ice until the pieces detach.
DIY Votive Candles
Cut the top off your wine bottle to create a jarred candle. You can make the jar as tall or short as you want. Use the bottom section of the bottle as the holder and fill it with whatever wax you prefer. Combine essential oils with your beeswax or soy wax to enhance the scent.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to include a wick. You can buy wicks online in different materials, including wood, hemp, and cotton. Once the wax solidifies around the wick, trim it to a size that’s safe for burning.
Homemade Floating Candle Jars
You can use the bottom section of a cut wine bottle to hold premade candles, too. While you can stick taper candles, votive candles, and tealights inside, you can also create a floating candle. Fill the bottom of your wine bottle with water—or wine—and place a floating candle on top.
Upcycled Wine Bottle Lanterns
With the top of a wine bottle, you can create a lantern for a premade candle. Make the lantern as tall or short as you please. Keep in mind that you’ll need enough space inside the lantern for your candle.
Pro Tip: Get multiple uses out of one bottle! Cut your wine bottle toward the middle so you can use the bottom and top to decorate.
Create Candle Wax Drip Bottles
Another great way to turn your wine bottle into a candle is by placing a premade candle on the neck. This works best with taper candles. If the opening is wide enough, you can secure a taper candle in it. You may need to use a platform that inserts or sits on top of the capsule.
One of the best things about this method is that it’s two projects in one. As the candles burn, the wax will drip onto the bottle, leaving unique streaks. Use a taper candle with a bright color that will show up against the glass. You can display wax drip wine bottles in your home, sell them, or give them as gifts.
Make Wax-less Candles
Wine bottles make excellent tiki torches. Whether you use them indoors or outdoors, they look incredible. Also known as a wax-less candle, these items use paraffin oil and a wick to create a long-lasting flame that won’t die until you extinguish it.
To create one, fill a wine bottle with tiki torch fuel and insert a wick holder and wick. You can make your own or buy them online. The higher you fill your bottle, the longer the flame will last. Try to keep the flame short by trimming the wick.
Pro Tip: Enjoy wax-less candles even if you don’t have a wine bottle to spare. You can find premade-filled votive candles online.
Use a Wine Bottle Chimney
Maximize the theme of your wine bottle candle with a chimney attachment. They’re made for wine bottles to help you create a sort of oil lamp. Find wine bottle chimneys online in multiple sizes and colors. To use one, create a tiki torch or wax-less candle from your empty wine bottle. Then, insert the attachment over the wick and neck of the bottle. It creates a dome that glows when you light the candle.
Reasons To Upcycle Your Wine Bottles
Reusing wine bottles is a good idea for several reasons. Not only is the practice environmentally friendly, but it also gives you a chance to be creative. Crafting is an excellent way to express yourself and create things you’ll use often.
Another great use for wine bottle candle holders is as event décor. Candles are some of the most popular wedding decorations, and you can save money by using items you already own. Whether you want to throw a sustainable party or showcase your love for wine, the bottles add elegance no matter how you use them.
You can tell your friends and family how to turn a wine bottle into a candle. They’ll be pleased to know these tips and tricks. You don’t have to cut a wine bottle to make it into a candle, but it does give you more options and uses. Get creative and customize these directions to suit your décor preferences. Shop Firefly Fuel for accessories to help you create your candle. We provide wicks, chimneys, and more.
