Tiki Torch Bottle

by Paige Russell

26K56320

Intro: Tiki Torch Bottle

Since the beginning of time, humankind has been connected to fire. And even though it's no longer a must for survival, having it around is a great reminder to be in the moment and to celebrate this life stuff. So I decided to make myself a way to have it any old time I wanted. May I introduce the Tiki Torch Bottle.

I could have just used the oil containers that came with torches, but I wanted to showcase the beautiful rich red of the oil I bought and help add even more color to the backyard.

This is a super quick and simple swap to make and I think the visual fun-ness of it makes it worth the effort.

STEP 1: Supply List

(x1) pack of six tiki torches (I got mine from Home Depot)
(x2) bottles of red lamp oil
(x12) fun colored 12" zip ties
(x6) empty Mike's Hard Lemonade bottles

scissors
small funnel

STEP 2: Snip Snip

Cut the straw ties and remove the original containers.

STEP 3: Some Borrowing

I was originally going to use small corks as tops for the bottles, but discovered that the screw caps from the containers the torches came with screwed right onto the threads of the Mike's Hard Lemonade bottles!! Easy peasy.

So just unscrew all the caps with their wicks from the containers and set them aside.

STEP 4: Fill 'er Up

Place the small funnel in one of the empty bottles and carefully fill it up with oil, making sure to stop pouring in time to have it not overflow.

Repeat with the remaining bottles.

STEP 5: Stick the Wick In

Take one of the caps with its wick and lower the wick into one of the full bottles.

Screw the lid on tightly. It won't go on quite straight, but this won't effect the functionality.

Repeat for the remaining bottles.

STEP 6: Put It in It's Place

Take one of the bamboo torches, spread out it's 'claws' and gently insert one of the bottles.

STEP 7: Zip It

Wrap a zip tie around the top, securing the bottle tightly in place. Repeat this closer to the bottom of the bottle. Move the nubby zip tie ends to the back of the bottle and trim off the tails.

STEP 8: Place, Light, Enjoy!

Stick the torches in the ground wherever you'd like to shed a little light and warm firelight ambiance. These are the perfect companions to my Backyard Tiki Bar project and to any and all summertime fun!

20 Comments

batery99 9 years ago

omg it looks like a molotov cocktail I loved it

Gary Viveiros 9 years ago

I always hate it when my employer wants to use "Tiki torches" for outdoor gatherings with people able to walk right up to the torches as they mill about. The ones we use are metal. They are made metal to reduce the risk of creating a Molotov cocktail when a gust of wind blows them over, or someone hits them while they rough-house or accidently brush against them in the night. and then there is the possibility of someone's styled hair getting too close, or napkins blowing in the wind brushing against them and spreading fire. It's a Risk Management nightmare, and we always have someone on the lookout. We would never, ever consider flammable or easily breakable materials for the container or support. Unless you know how to formulate transparent aluminum, I would suggest you reconsider. Why risk a lifetime of guilt when a design can go bad so easily? We've thrown out many innovative ideas because despite their appeal, it's just not worth the calculated risk.

DIY-Guy 8 years ago

We make sure to not place lighted patio torches on the walkways. Always place them at a distance, even behind the low walls used for landscaping- far out of even arms' reach. Works for us and the insurance agent. :)

perfo 9 years ago

hmm makes me think of an interesting idea. A spring loaded cap that snaps over the flame if the bottle/torch tips over a certain degree. I agree though I like and use these things I'm always having to watch them. If there is kids or drinking adults around somehow things always end up getting knocked over no matter how stable they look.

SparkySolar 9 years ago

I like your Instructable

Thank you so much for sharing

Rima

the glitch 9 years ago

You do realize if you light it and it burns for a while and the wick is inside the bottle and you threw it it would kinda be like a bomb

Brainsnstuff 9 years ago

if you added borax and instead of using the lamp oil you used ethanol or the yellow bottle of HEET in the car section at Canadian tire or Wal-Mart

TimidRaven 9 years ago

we've done it , made it out of Ethanol, it was so cool looking!! I like the Mike's Bottles! Go Team Mike!!

ooohlaa 9 years ago

So fab, beautifully done, but I would want to see it more elegantly made by removing the labels. Lots of recycle/upcycle stuff looks like it says, I am clever I recycle my garbage, but I think with labels off its more attractive and connotes more class and less redneck. Even the zip ties could be replaced with copper wire for a natural look. I get off on designing things, and don't mean any criticism, just a different way of using your wonderfully crafted and creative psot.

Paige Russell 9 years ago

There are definitely lots of different ways to execute on this simple idea. You should try making some like you described, it would be a great 'ible'!

ooohlaa 9 years ago

Ya, except I don't seem to be able to get good pix once they are up on line. I sell on ebay and my pix always come out so dark I have to lighten them. I use either an old Olympus Camedia 3.2; a Casio Exilim 10.1 or Casio Exilim 8.3 always set on best shot and once uploaded they ALL come out dark. Any comments. I would like to buy a better camera but I think its me.

ooohlaa 9 years ago

oops last word should be post!

pucksurfer 9 years ago

This is brilliant, great job

neo71665 9 years ago

When the bamboo starts getting old and breaking you can use some 1 inch PVC pipe. Saw the fingers on the end, tie some Turkish knots on it to stimulate the bamboo knots with natural twine, and paint it all tan. Then use the booze bottle torches. All mine were made with the old bud ice bottles years ago (back when those bottles had the ice blocks molded in) and need some paint touch ups but still going strong.

Paige Russell 9 years ago

Great idea neo71665! Thanks for sharing it.