Elegant Path Lights From Soda Bottles

8 Materials
$3.00
20 Minutes
Medium
These mini torches are upcycled from 7oz plastic soda bottles and look lovely lining a path or walkway. They use battery operated tea lights so they're super safe. You can make them any color you like. CLICK FOR MORE DETAILS
We used a Pepsi 12oz size bottle. It had nice curves for the project.
EDIT: I had to add these tea lights I just found. Waterproof with a remote! http://amzn.to/2oI7l9s
Wrap masking tape around the bottle, just below the top bevel.  This will become your cut line. Using the X-acto knife, cut below the tape to separate the bottle into 2 pieces. The bottom portion of the bottle will become your light holder.  If you choose to discard the top portion of the bottle, be sure to save the bottle cap as it will be used later.
Once you have your design drawn, use the X-acto knife to cut out the design.
Carefully remove the sections that will be covered in paint, leaving the remaining tape in place to create the design.
When creating the designs, we opted for a chevron, polka dots and angled lines, but the possibilities are endless!
In a well ventilated area, spray the bottles with the desired color.  Let dry.
Once dry, remove the remaining tape to reveal your design.
If using a solid paint, you can see here that the design is much more visible and vibrant.  Once the tape is removed, set aside the plastic bottles and prepare your stakes.
To begin creating your stakes, cut the 36″ dowel into three 12″ pieces. Using a hot glue gun, apply a generous amount of hot glue to the end of a dowel.
Place a bottle cap onto the hot glue and hold in place until dry. Once dry, apply a generous amount of hot glue to the top of the bottle cap.
Depending on your color choices, paint the dowel and cap to match your bottle. Place the base of the bottle onto the hot glue and hold in place until dry.
THESE ARE NOT MEANT TO BE KEPT OUT IN ALL WEATHER. IF YOU WISH TO DO THAT USE THE FOLLOWING
Replace some of the above items with the following.
  • waterproof glue
  • Wood Sealer for dowels
  • Drill or something to Polk small holes in bottom of cuts to allow for draining
  • Water proof tea lights with remote ( http://amzn.to/2paryrx )
Suggested materials:
  • Plastic soda bottle (We used Pepsi 12oz size)
  • Dowels 1/2" 36" long cut into three 12" sections
  • X-acto knife
See all materials
Nancy at Craft Your Happiness
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 6 questions
  • Barbara Klish Barbara Klish on Apr 17, 2017

    Is there a glue that will withstand hot or freezing weather better than hot glue? We have both of those and hot glue will pop off or soften.

  • PHIL PHIL on Apr 17, 2017

    HOW LONG DOES THE TEA LIGHT BATTERIES LAST?

  • Tami Stone Tami Stone on Apr 17, 2017

    Since the candle is glued on to the cap, how do you turn it on/off?

Comments
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2 of 49 comments
  • Mark Rawnsley Mark Rawnsley on Mar 12, 2020

    They look functional with a flare.


  • Doreen Kennedy Doreen Kennedy on Mar 30, 2020

    I like your torch light idea. The metallic colors give them a more sophistication look. I think maybe I’ll try this with the tops of cheap solar dollar store Malibu lights. I like to use them in different containers in my yard. Thanks for the super idea. Your very creative.

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