As glass recycling disappears across the country, wine and other glass bottles end up in the trash instead. And it’s such a terrible feeling to throw out something that can be easily recycled- or repurposed, craft-wise. So, whether you’re in that predicament or not and simply want some inspiration for painted wine bottles, then you’ve come to the right place. These glass bottle crafts will definitely have you thinking about new ways to reuse all the bottles and jars that end up in your bins, that’s for sure.
Coastal Style Bottle Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Wine bottles, or any interesting bottles for that matter, are ideal for incorporating into your home decor. And if you enjoy coastal decor, then transforming your empty bottles of rosé into these beachy bottles might really appeal. You can change the color with specialty paints and add some nautical netting- either the DIY kind or pre-knotted.
The Magic of Alcohol Inks
Image credit: The Navage Patch.
If you’ve never played with alcohol inks on glass bottles, then you are definitely missing out. Look how stunning these glass bottles turned out! And the addition of twinkle lights to them just sends them over the edge into pure amazement.
Painted Wine Bottles as Nautical Buoys
Image credit: Stow and Tell U.
If you give these a quick glance, then you probably wouldn’t even realize they weren’t actual fishing buoys, right? But they are, in fact, painted wine bottles and liquor bottles that have been given amazing nautical makeovers! What a great way to add a touch of coastal charm to your home.
Faux Terracotta Clay
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Thanks to faux finish paints like this terracotta spray paint, you can transform clear glass in any number of ways. And these glass bottles look like clay vessels now– but they started out clear and plain. Makeovers like this will definitely keep them out of the recycle or trash bin, that’s for sure.
Unicorn Glitter Glass
Image credit: My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.
Ok, while technically a mason jar, it doesn’t change the fact that this is a gorgeous makeover on clear glass! And you could definitely transform some larger bottles with this unicorn-style makeover. As someone with a niece who is obsessed with unicorns, I definitely approve this kind of clear glass painting style.
DIY Sea Glass Bottles
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Once you learn that “sea glass paint” is a thing, your empty wine bottles will never be the same! Because you can transform plain, clean wine bottles into DIY sea glass bottles like this! And it’s a spray paint, so anyone (and I mean ANYONE) can make this craft project look this good.
Modern-Style Painted Wine Bottles
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
Color block paint makeovers on wine bottles or other clear glass is a great way to repurpose them into modern decor. Especially when metallic gold paint like this is used. The secret to this kind of makeover, however, is those crisp clean lines- aren’t they gorgeous now?
Painted Pumpkins and Gourds
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Fall aficionados may really enjoy this crafty project- painting glass bottles to look like pumpkins! If your wine or liquor bottles have the right shape, they can be carefully painted to give them a very gourd-y appearance! Some twine and a leaf around the neck finish give them the perfect finishing look for your autumn decor.
Hydrodip Magic
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
If you’ve never heard the word “hydrodip” before, well now you have and now you’ll want to try it! It’s the DIY technique of getting beautiful swirls of color like this on glass bottles. Think of it like paint pouring or tie-dye, but on your empty wine bottles; and definitely a craft project that your older kids might want to try with you.
Tinted and Transferred
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
While this liquor bottle started out clear, colorless, and plain, it certainly isn’t now! It’s been tinted to a healthy shade of cobalt blue and a transfer decal was added for a mid-century modern touch. Such a great way to extend the life of a whiskey or wine bottle that was destined for the recycle bin.
Painted Wine Bottles that Change Color
Image credit: Salvaged Living.
There are so many amazing spray paints out there that are perfect for painting wine bottles (or other clear glass). And this one even has a color-shifting look for extra interest and curiosity.
Message in a Bottle
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Ok, now that the song version is stuck in your head, maybe the DIY version will be stuck in your crafty to-do list! Turning wine bottles into a playful version of “message in a bottle” is as easy as adding beach sand, a rolled up book page, and wrapping the cork in twine.
And yes, the slightest amount of paint gives the bottles a “tumbled on the ocean floor look” to add to the idea.
Two-Tone Painted Wine Bottles
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
You can paint the inside of glass bottles…you can paint the outside…and in this case, both! Painted wine bottles (or other jars) with this two-tone effect is a fun way to give previously clear glass a lot of personality and charm.
Shabby Chic-Style Painted Wine Bottles
Image credit: My Repurposed Life.
Painted wine bottles with a shabby chic style are perfect if you are drawn to that feminine, romantic look. A combination of paint, transfers, and other embellishments like charms and twine come together in a dreamy combination that’ll look lovely in a shabby chic-style home.
Crated Demijohn Vase
Photo source: Sadie Seasongoods.
A staple of French country decor, crated demijohns are highly sought after antiques. But you can make a smaller version for your tabletop with a wine bottle like this! The wood comes from a craft store, which makes it easy to find and work with for moderately-skilled DIYers.
Painted Wine Bottles that Look Like Pottery
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
If your empty bottles have interesting designs in the glass, then giving them a faux finish like this will make them look like pottery! It’s really amazing what some spray paint and craft paint can do with the right technique.
Halloween “Poison” Bottles
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
For my fellow Halloween lovers, save those empty wine bottles for Halloween projects! Transforming them into faux poison bottles is as easy as making them dirty (with paint or actual dirt) and adding spooky labels. Plus, different colors and shapes work well together for that “mad scientist” look- just like a creepy laboratory.
Painting Glass with…Coffee Grounds?
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
What was once a clear glass vase now looks like old stoneware or pottery thanks to paint and…coffee grounds! Quite the unlikely craft supply, I know, but such a fun way to “weather” and age your painted projects like this.
Creative Ideas for Painted Wine Bottles
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I hope these upcycle projects and ideas will have you saving those wine and liquor bottles from being trashed. There are some fantastic craft supplies and paints out there that give clear glass amazing makeovers. And let’s face it, there are a LOT of clear glass bottles, jars, and vases out there that could use a little “zhuzh”. All you need is the inspiration and idea to make it happen.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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