I have 5-gallon glass water bottle lamps circa 1978...

Question

I have always had silk flower arrangements in each one but want something different. Any suggestions?  No shells please!!!

Jill Feigelman · Answer

Would you want to decorate the lamps for the holidays? I like the ideas of setting up a winter scene in the bottles. Playing off of this idea: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/christmas/decorating-in-vases-to-create-a-christmas-glass-vignette-and-snow-2422662 Also do you have a picture of the lamps to share so others can share their ideas?

Jill Feigelman · Answer

Glass beads might be nice then?

Myst · Answer

Try silk greenery and may a small plastic type monkey or animal. Don't go with a child's toy but find something lifelike. Or you could find some silk bromeliad's!

Marlene Haigh · Answer

i painted mine with artificial snow for xmas

Naomi J · Answer

I made mine into a terrarium. It has a hole cut in the side big enough to get my hand in for designing and watering.

Jennifer Broderick · Answer

We turned ours into a one of a kind fish tank :)

Denise Robbins · Answer

Use etching  and put your initials dB or a saying on them.

Mssmatch · Answer

I don't know about jungle but I am a matchbook collector and I filled mine with old matchbooks from the '40's

Nita line · Answer

Make it a lamp

Beth · Answer

Fill with corks from wine bottles. Or seed pods such as the ones on oak trees.

Swan Road Designs · Answer

Since they are probably easy to un-cap and we're so close to the holidays, why not fill them with pine cones, colorful purchased leaves, and acorns for Thanksgiving. Then, for Christmas, gently fill them with some of your more sentimental and fragile ornaments.

As for the rest of the year, look around your home and see what colors you seem to radiate to and what things/subjects interest you. Go from there. Perhaps there are some cherished keepsakes that would better be displayed by securing them in the large jars and still allow others to appreciate them.

I collect old sewing implements/spools/buttons and have a 5-gallon jar filled with old wooden spools, most with thread still on, all in assorted sizes. It's beautiful and I'm now thinking of sewing some of my collected buttons onto a fabric shade to compliment the base of the lamp.

Just look around you and see where inspiration strikes. And, best of all, you have a canvas you can change any time you like.

Khonstanze · Answer

create a tiny fairy (or mouse, etc) habitat using artificial greenery and lots of imagination.

Duv310660 · Answer

I personally would put in a fish - a temperate one that does not require aeration or heat. A small goldfish or a beta (siamese fighting fish - keep water level low, perhaps 1/2 depth of the bottle. Regularly tip out a portion of the water and add fresh to keep clean; this way you avoid having to remove the fish and do a major cleanup.

Susan Cryor · Answer

Lights

Patricia C · Answer

little plastic toy animals. you could paint them gold (popular color now) and fill the bottles???

Lorretta · Answer

Decorate for the season and use mini-lights to light up the bottle. So great in a living room.

Neva Overy-Morgart · Answer

I have put sand, some silk wild flowers( just a few ), shells, and a few pieces of drift wood. Makes for a very pretty display.

Bonnie D · Answer

How about seasonal stuff? Christmas balls, pumpkins, Easter eggs, etc. OR beans and peas -dried of course!

Cynthia · Answer

Funny my thoughts ran with all of these ideas, pine cones and lace, different color sand in layers and seashells, colored marbles, glass colored pebbles you fill vases with add a fish if it is water tight, seasonal decorations(Spring,Summer, Fall, Winter),Holidays( New Years, Valentines, St Patricks, Memorial, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas)whatever those Seasons or Holidays inspire you to combine. Have fun with it!

Patricia Howard · Answer

Some sand, shells, starfish, and sand dollars from the ocean.

Ann · Answer

Plant a terrarium!

Mar sue · Answer

I have one I put a pice of old quilt with vintage toys around in it like a doll in a rocker, dishes, toy cooking utensils.

Cynthia · Answer

This is a great idea!

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I have 5-gallon glass water bottle lamps circa 1978...

Decorating in Vases to Create a Christmas Glass Vignette and Snow

Suggested Project Book