How to Make Lighted Wine Bottles

This article gives step-by-step instructions on how to make lighted wine bottles. Great for seasonal decor and gifts.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wine bottle(s)
• Drill with 1/4 " carbide bit
• Miniature light string 25-50 lights
• Protective eyewear and gloves
• Wire cutter, wire stripper, twist wire caps (for lights that are end-to-end)

1. Wash wine bottle, removing the label, and dry thoroughly. You can choose to leave the label on if the bottle commemorates an occasion. Write a date on the label or somewhere inconspicuous.

2. Put on safety glasses and gloves. Be sure to wear a long-sleeved shirt. Drill a hole in the back of the bottle near the bottom using a 1/4" carbide bit. The hole will need to be big enough to thread the lights through. Be sure to rinse the bottle to remove any remaining glass.

3. If you plan to frost or paint your bottle, now is the time. (You will decorate last.) Try to get a nice, sheer look by spraying bottle with frosting spray. Let bottle dry for 24 hours. The more coats, the more subdued the lights. I recommend frosting for clear bottles.

4. If your lights are end-to-end, cut the light string about 3 inches from the light closest to plug. Insert the end of the wire with plug through the drilled hole and out the top of the bottle. (When you do it this way, there's no need to thread the lights through the hole. They can be stuffed in through the top of the bottle.)

5. Strip the cording from both string ends (the string with lights and the string without lights) about 1 inch. Twist the wire ends back together. Screw a twist wire cap on the wires to firmly secure and make connection.

6. At this point, the "plug" end is sticking out the bottom of the hole, and the "lights" end is out the top. Now simply stuff the lights into the bottle. You can use a dowel stick to distribute the lights evenly into the bottle. It can take a little while to get the lights "just right". Some crafters have used rock salt to set the lights.

7. 
    

   Now decorate your bottle. EVERYDAY DECOR - Try wrapping raffia around the bottle neck. Then tie on a string of grapes and grape leaves using the raffia. Make a bow with the raffia. CHRISTMAS DECOR - You can purchase rub-on transfers to decorate your bottle. Tie a Christmasy bow on, and hang small decorations with raffia.

Tips & Warnings

• Some crafters put potpurri into the bottles so that it warms up and scents the home when lit.
• If you have a local glass or mirror shop, they may drill the holes for you cheaply.
• Try adding a little WD40 to your drilling area to prevent your bottle from cracking.
• NEVER leave a lighted bottle unattended. Not all bottles have the same density. Monitor your bottle to be sure it doesn't get too hot.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves and long sleeves when drilling.

[maryellen1001]

on 11/30/2008 Great idea! What a great way to recycle those used bottles!!

[zadsdonna]

on 11/26/2008 Really neat idea, Another possible Christmas gift.
Thanks