Colorful Recycled Bottle Lamp

These are easy to make, it just takes a little time cause you can't rush things.

You can use a drill to make these, but I have opted for my dremel, cause it is easier to make the holes nice and round (like it makes a difference)

You will need:
Spray Paint 
Empty Glass Bottles
Tape
a Dremel or other Rotary Tool
Diamond Bits
Christmas Lights (the bigger the bottle the more lights need to be on the string)

Step 1 Clean the Bottle

I used an A&W Cream Soda bottle.  I am making this for my nephew and the ones I have seen made from wine bottles seemed a little inappropriate, even with the label removed.  Clean the bottle and make sure it dries all the way before you start.  If there is water left in it, the dust gets stuck to it, and is hard to wash out.

Comments

[sauci]

I really like these! But a little confused by your comment about the wine bottle when you show a beer bottle on your last pic..........

[ko'donnell johnson]

I believe it was stated in the first step that this is a root beer bottle.

[sunshiine]

This is so pretty! Thanks for sharing your hard work and great talent!

[star_above_the_clouds]

I really like this! Just wondering, how much light does it put off?

[Biggsy]

Very awesome welldone

[GreekGadgetGuru]

Thats pretty cool I've seen these before but the Christmas lights is a nice twist.

*** Check this out ***

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/428096/crystal_blue_bawls_light_wild_led_light_project/

[petergovaere]

To avoid overheating the drilling bit: fill the bottle with water before you start and seal it (f.e. with a cork).

Don't you think it's easier if you drill the hole before painting the bottle ?

[jnifrwebb]

I didn't want the paint getting inside the bottle. My husband did his by drilling then painting. There is a spot on the bottle where it got paint on the outside and some on the inside. The light doesn't shine through as well.

[petergovaere]

You can first drill the hole, plug it temporarly and then paint.

[MoreThanRainbows]

Those look really nice. I'm a little worried about the glass breaking though.

[jnifrwebb]

There are different tips on things to do to make sure it doesn't break. But my way works and is a lot easier.

[Goodhart]

With a bottle, if you are careful, there is more danger from glass particles from drilling if you forget a face shield or other protection. Just make sure you take it slow and steady.

[jnifrwebb]

I worked outside and didn't have a problem. I have a friend that has a studio and works with glass (mostly blowing), and he ties a bandanna around his face, like a cowboy.

[Goodhart]

I'd still want to protect the eyes for sure.

[jnifrwebb]

I guess I don't think about it since my everyday prescription glasses are OSHA approved safety glasses

[Goodhart]

That makes them impact resistant, but will glass dust get "around" them? I have seen too many results from glass in one's eye, to take the chance :-)

Even when I did my ible on redo-ing the logo on a ceramic mug, I had the wrap around glasses on since ceramic can be just as sharp

[jnifrwebb]

Mine have little shields that slide on the earpieces. They work great on bright days to block the sun coming in on the sides.

[Goodhart]

Ok, that is better than nothing I suppose :-)

[ragdolldude]

Diamond coring bits (I got mine on Ebay) work far better for drilling the glass. I've made probably 50 or so bottles with these bits without breaking one bottle. I use some plumbers putty to make a circle around the area with the hole, and fill with water to cool bit. Small drill press puts steady pressure when cutting. Wear gloves to be safe too, as well as glasses. I preferred the LED Xmas lights, splitting a sting or 50-60 bulbs into two smaller strings. Thes bulbs don't build up heat either. This time of the year is best to get sales on these bulbs too. Booze bottle work fine, and I also filled some bottles with etching solution to "haze" the inside of the bottle, without worrying about any sprayed finish from wearing off. I'll attach some images from my other computer tomorrow of a couple of my bottles. Dave