From Bottle to Box in 10 Steps

by ptninjamonkey

2.3K257

Intro: From Bottle to Box in 10 Steps

Here's a cool little box you can make from recycled materials. Enjoy!

STEP 1: Materials

You will need

A 16 oz/1 quart/2 liter bottle ( I used a 1 Quart)

A metal file

An exacto/carpet knife

A small but relatively heavy bead/rock

STEP 2: Remove Label

This is a painfully slow process because you are really trying to remove the whole label instead of what I did. Oops. I also was going to paint the end product but between steps 9 and 10.

STEP 3: Cut the Bottle

Cut the bottle in half FROM LID!!! (to bottom)

STEP 4: File Down Edge

File the edge down so you can run your finger across it and it is completely smooth.

STEP 5: Measure Out Flaps

Measure so there are 5 flaps of even length. This may take some time.

STEP 6: Cut and Re-measure

Cut flaps part way and measure to make sure they are close to the same size. Finish off the cut.

STEP 7: Round Off the Corners

I used the exacto for this step at first, but then discovered it was much easier with scissors.

STEP 8: Crease

Fold in flaps and crease very smoothly.

STEP 9: Glue "handle"

Glue on the stone/bead to the widest flap or the flap that you want to be the top flap. I just used super glue.

STEP 10: Done!

All done! Hope its useful!

7 Comments

mrrich419 10 years ago

where are you where theres a frostop still lol

ptninjamonkey 10 years ago

Funny you should ask :) There's a candy store by my house that sells all sorts of old soda and candy. They even have an old soda fountain from the 40s. It's pretty cool!

jmwells 10 years ago

Slightly faster step toward getting smooth edges: after all the cutting is done, make quick passes of the edges through a candle flame.

jmwells 10 years ago

Thanks. Gotta be quick tho. I've melted many bottles.

rimar2000 10 years ago

No, jmwells. PET (polyethylene terephtalate) is thermo-shrinkable, then your procedure will deform the cylinder.

jmwells 10 years ago

That's why I do quick passes when I play with that sort of thing. Just enough to take off the burrs, and slightly round the edges. It takes some practice to get it right. I've melted many a bottle.