12 Ways to Add Texture to Mixed Media Art Bottles

Just over 2 years ago I discovered mixed media art. Decorated bottles came up on my Pinterest newsfeed and it was love at first sight. While I am a creative person I would never classify myself as artistic. I can not paint or draw but I do have a creative imagination.

I watched a few videos on youtube and realised you did not have to be a great artist to do this style of mixed media art. I jumped in and had a try and found it just came naturally to me.

Some of my website followers asked how I create these bottles with so much detail and will I make a Youtube video. I am too self-conscious to do a video, so I will do the next best thing and explained the tricks that I use to create my mixed media art bottles. As with all my projects, I try and use recycled materials. And wherever possible I try and use recycled items in the creation of my bottles too. When I create mixed media art bottles I believe that adding many textures is the secret to a great piece. In this post, I will be sharing with you the 12 ways I used to add texture to my projects.

When I create a bottle I always start by adding multiple textures to the surface. The reason I do this is, to create a good surface for the embellishments to stick to. I have tried many different types of glues over the years but I have not found one that will stick embellishments securely onto the glass. For the purpose of this tutorial, I will use the Kracken bottle as an example and show other bottles where these textures have been used.

Step 1: ​1. Resin Embellishments

I have a very large collection of silicone moulds that I have collected over the years. These are really great for making 3D embellishments. This is just a small sample of my collection but you get the idea of what they look like.

In my opinion, using epoxy resin in the moulds works best because it captures every detail in the mould. You will also find the resin is hard-wearing compared to using clay or other materials.

This octopus mould was the most expensive mould I have ever bought and when it arrived it was huge. I thought I had checked the size but obviously, I was wrong. If you make a mistake with the size you can still use the mould by shaping it around the bottle. I poured the resin into the mould and left it to sit for about 8 hours. You want it set but still soft enough to shape it around the bottle. I have used this method before when I created this Resin planter/bowl.

Step 2: 2. Fabrics

Fabrics come in so many textures and each one has its own unique look. I like to recycle the leather, straps, clips, zippers and other accessories from old handbags for my projects. You can also use items like tapestry mesh, onion bags, burlap and lace, they all look amazing once painted.

To apply the mesh I like to use gel medium which I apply to the bottle first, then apply the mesh. Once the medium is dry I always add a layer of gel medium onto the mesh.

Step 3: ​3. Embossed Paper

Embossed paper is another great method because there are so many embossing folder designs to choose from. I bought this embossing press second hand but even to buy new you can pick them up for about $100. To use this press is as simple as putting card stock in the folder and putting the folder between the plates and passing it through the press. You are not limited to card stock with this embossing press. I embossed aluminium cans to create this wall hanging that was embossed using this method.

Step 4: 4. Modelling /Texture Paste

Texture paste and stencils work great for creating slightly raised surfaces in mixed media art. You can purchase assorted packs of background stencils. Alternatively, you can make your own with a Cricut vinyl cutter and mylar film.

To use this method is as simple as placing the stencil over the bottles and applying the texture paste, then removing the stencil. I must also mention when using this technique, it does not need to be applied perfectly. The imperfections add to the look.

Step 5: ​5. Ropes and Cords

You can use a variety of ropes and cords. Some are recycled from old necklaces, some are shoelaces any cheap rope will work. I use the rope around the necks of most of my bottles because I like to add large resin embellishments to the neck. This will create a better surface for the hot glue to adhere to.

I use black hot glue to attach the rope around the neck of the bottle. From past experience, I find black hot glue does not stand out as much as the clear.

Step 6: ​6. Chains and Braids

Because I have been doing mixed media art for a couple of years now I have accumulated a large section of these. I use an assortment of plastic beaded chains, braided fabric trims and chains which I buy by the metre from Aliexpress. They have a huge section at very reasonable prices. Your local charity shop is also a good source for finding these sorts of items.

Step 7: ​7. Belts and Handbags Straps

Belts and handbags straps add great texture and detail to the bottles. I went to my local charity shop and asked them if they would keep the old belts and handbags that are not good enough for resale. I buy these from them for next to nothing because they were going to be throwing them away. For this project, I used the strap handle and clasp from one bag and the strap from another. You can use any colour because you will be painting everything at the end.

Step 8: ​8. Glitter Gravel and Sand

The theme for this bottle was a monster kracken that had to be chained up after it had eaten a human and left the remains. Creepy I know, I have no idea where I get these ideas from. I glued parts of a skeleton to the bottle and wanted it to look partly buried in the sand.

I added a generous amount of the ultimate glue and pushed the glitter gravel into the glue and left it to set.

Sand is a great way to make an item look old and rusty. I used this method when I created a steampunk Christmas tree 2 years ago. I used some sand from my niece’s sandpit and pushed it into the glue to get this textured effect on the gear image attached.

Step 9: ​9. Charms

For most of my projects, I like to add an assortment of smaller charms to add more detail to my bottles. I use these to fill in any gaps I think to look too bare. These charms can be bought from Amazon and Aliexpress in bulk.

You can also use items like jigsaw puzzle pieces and buttons, any item with an interesting shape will work.

Step 10: ​10. Broken Jewellery and Beads

Broken jewellery is another item I get from my local charity/thrift store. They are happy to keep all watches, bracelets and broken jewellery and sell it to me at a very cheap price.

Step 11: ​11. Kids Small Toys

These small toys are my favourite item to add to a decorated bottle. I particularly love adding small cars, lego, and plastic insects. They make the bottle look so interesting and unique. The cars and insects I buy for Kmart for a few dollars per pack which is a bargain.

Step 12: ​12. Bits and Bobs

I also do lots of DIY so I like to use items I find in my workshop like nuts, bolts, screws, thumbtacks to name a few. If I have a broken telephone or appliance in my home, I always take them apart and salvage any interesting parts like circuit boards, springs, switches and buttons. These are really great for steampunk art. You can use just about anything that has an interesting shape or texture.

Step 13: Tips to Help

The best advice I can give when doing this type of mixed media art is to try and see past the mess. This is how my bottle looked before painting. I did go back and add some squares of paper and half pearls to the head because it looked a little plain. As you can see it looks like something the cat through up. But that is ok, once painted it will come together. You can zoom in to the pictures to see how I have used most of the techniques I have described.

Step 14: ​Painting the Bottle

Now you can paint everything black using gesso or acrylic paint. Next, I used some metallic rust paint and dabbed it over the surface using a sponge or paintbrush. Finally, I added some highlights using orange, raw sienna and peacock blue around some of the embellishments.

Step 15:

More examples of finished bottles.

Step 16: More Mixed Media Art Projects

This Steampunk lamp was created using a cardboard shaped book and a recycled lamp that got a mixed media art makeover.

Step 17: Steampunk Mannequin

This Steampunk mannequin is one of my most popular creations that has inspired many similar creations thanks to Pinterest. You can find more mixed media projects and lots of unique DIY projects on my website Unique Creations by Anita