Love These Lanterns

Yep, I cannot throw away wine bottles when I know I can always make something out of them. Well, I did see this idea on Pinterest a long time ago, but I finally collected and cleaned enough bottles to make these for Christmas gifts.
First, I used a Generation Bottle Cutter to cut off the bottoms of the wine bottles. I would run sand paper along the bottoms to make a smoother edge. Then with Armour etching cream, I engraved the bottle using vinyl self sticking stencils. This process is relatively simple. Just paint on the cream, wait 10-15 minutes, then wash off. I would tape off a small edge around the bottom of the bottle with masking tape and apply etching cream to the rim for a finished look. Then the glass drilling was the hardest task. My husband tried to drill two holes in a candle votive and he broke a few in the process. I did ask a friend with a drill press to drill holes and he had a better success rate. After the holes were drilled, I finally added chain and a metal ring through the neck of the bottle, which is used as a stopper. I changed up the looks of the bottles by using clear, amber, and green bottles and using silver, gold, and black chain. Another tip is to use gloves, eye goggles, and lay off the coffee!!!
Definitely a "learn as you go" project. I cracked many bottles while trying to get an even cut, but with a little patience and an abundance of wine bottles, it eventually worked out well. I hope my family and friends enjoy these personal lanterns as gifts.