Say cheers to bottle art!

after party time

Upcycled bottle art is the most sought-after decorative element for interior designing these days, and it goes without saying that wine and beer bottles are a thing of beauty. Even when left alone, they form lovely decorative pieces. With bottles, there is plenty to know, a lot to learn, and there are a million ways you can use them as interesting decorations.

Craftpersons and creative thinkers have transformed and converted the normal glass bottles that we know of into useful objects that can be used in the house. Prathap Ruthnaswamy, proprietor of. Bottle Tree, states that the creative uses of glass bottles are many, ranging from lamp shades, wall hangings, wind chimes, napkin holders, planters, door and window panels, to name a few.

During his career, Prathap has created several objects with glass. While stain glass is also used extensively, he says that bottle glass and the art of using bottles as interior decoration elements still exists. Every part of the bottle from the neck to its base is of utmost value to a craftsman, as it can be used to create something. Sometimes, the glass is cut and the bottle’s shape is not retained, only making use of the glass for the art work, while sometimes, parts of the bottle are used. And if need be, only a hole is drilled or a part of it is cut off, maintaining its shape and giving new value to the piece.

Bottle lights
Some objects that are easy and beautiful to have around are bottle lights. Many people keep bottles for years because they hold sentimental value. They may have been gifts or the owner may have some memory attached to it. Prathap says people come to him and ask him to do something creative with it, while retaining its originality.

Bottle lights are in demand as they look lovely. They can be used as hanging lights or just as a lamp shade to enhance the lighting of the space. A glowing effect can be created by a technique called sand blasting. This produces a white texture providing a snowy effect, while the lights create a romantic and calm ambience.

Planters
The love for greenery and gardens has always existed among city dwellers and it comes as no surprise that glass bottles make exquisite containers. The very look of it will have anyone desiring for one. Most often, the bottles themselves can be used as planters, kept erect with the plant placed within, like a vase. If not, drill the bottle to make an opening and hang them around the desired place. People love putting money plant in it. Green bottles being the most popular.

Drinking glasses
The structure of certain bottles is very eye-catching and the demand for drinking glasses made from vodka bottles and wine bottles is on the rise due to its popular appeal.There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to bottles.

Personalising
While there are a million things that can be done and some fairly simple, there are a few points that one needs to know. Most often, people just think bottle art is the use of wine bottles, but there is more to it than just that. “Absolut Vodka bottles are popular; they are best used to make lamps and drinking glasses. Huge drinking glasses and bar glasses are made from Glenlivet Whiskey bottles. Even if someone does not use the glasses, they just keep it in the bar since they are very eye-catching,” says Prathap.

DIY lovers need not be disappointed. Anokhi of Anokhi Planet, a family venture that is dedicated to upcycling discarded materials, has several tricks up her sleeve when it comes to upcycling wine bottles. “You can use them as window décor with a money plant or flowers. Bottles can be cut at the bottom and put over tealights for glowing balcony or garden décor,”  suggests Anokhi.

Expressing her love for recycling and making the best use of things that people mostly think of as “useless” Anokhi believes that glass bottles are just one of those many things that have a lot to offer. An old but brilliant idea, she says, is to put a message in a bottle with sand, shells and an old-fashioned cork stopper, and this could replace a store-bought greeting card.

She has also created, what she calls, ‘Chalkboard Bottles.’ They are nothing but bottles painted black and decorated innovatively. You can write on them with a chalk. She says, “They are our favourite! You can scribble with chalk on them – play tic-tac-toe, put down the special

dinner menu, an inspirational quote or a surprise message for someone you love. They make unique gifts, too!”

For those wanting to upcycle glass bottles, its time you let your creativity loose. Try them as planters or simply paint over them, create abstract designs and put some catchy titbits inside it. If you want, you can even place it in your garden. Inspiration is everywhere. Look around and begin decorating!