How To Create beautiful lighting using recycled glass bottles

How To Create beautiful lighting using recycled glass bottles

I have always been mesmerized by what glass can do when combined with the perfect lighting.
The experiments in school with prisms and light bending have always been my best memories. However, this article is not revolving around hardcore science, it is about creating wonderful home decor using the same techniques though.

Well, the first step in this involves finding waste glass bottles. Well if you do not find any you can always ask friends. The major source of my glass bottles are my friends who throw booze parties. (Disclaimer: I do not encourage people to booze just to get bottles!!!) Glass bottles of any nature can be used and modified to create beautiful artistic décor pieces. I usually prefer thin long juice bottles or even beer/ wine bottles as they are easy and quick to decorate and do not consume more material. However, it is advised to experiment with various sizes and shapes to find about which suits your taste best.

Second, is to decide how to decorate it. Now this is kind of tricky as glass bottles can be decorated by using various techniques. I usually prefer painting and wrapping the bottles than cutting them, as precision cutting and sanding are not my piece of cake. (Those who opt to cut glass bottles should ensure to be extra careful.) Wrapping the glass bottle with thread, coloured paper, felt and so on has been very exciting. It involves in planning and deciding how to allow the light to pass in a particular design and create beautiful patterns of shimmering light. One basic point is not to cover the complete bottle, so as to block any light passing through it. That would renounce the main aim of creating lighting.

Third, decide what kind of lighting suits the design. Fitting a light bulb can be tricky and can be used only when you choose to cut the glass, to allow enough space to put the bulb in the bottle. I prefer using small LED string lights (Christmas tree lights). You can always use candles and other light forms too depending on the bottle size and shape. One note of caution would be not to put candles in a closed glass bottles as the trapped heat could shatter the glass. If the bottle is coloured glass, you can always choose white light. However if it is a plain glass bottle using different coloured lighting can enhance the look and feel of your lamps.