I have always wondered what to do with my empty wine bottles. I have seen the wine trees or strings of lights inside the bottles but those weren't the ideas I was looking for. I decided these empty bottles would be perfect lanterns for my patio. So here is the process I used to create beautiful outdoor lighting.

Sources for Materials:

Michael's (wire, embellishing beads, wire cutters)

Kinkajou http://www.bottlecutting.com/

Other materials Needed:

Empty wine bottles of various sizes and colors

Razor

Warm water and soap

Tub or sink

Goo Be Gone or adhesive remover

Kinkajou bottle cutting kit

Sandpaper

Pitcher of boiling water

Wire 20mm.

Wire cutter

Beads or embellishing materials

Candles

Step 1: Step 1 : Preparing the Bottle

1. Wash and clean the empty wine bottle.

2. You may have to soak the bottles in warm soapy water to remove the labels.

3. Use a razor to remove any residual glue from the labels.

4. Additional Goo Be Gone or adhesive remover maybe necessary it any glue still remains.

Step 2: Step 2 : Making the Cut

1. Align the bottle cutter to the position you want on the bottle.

2. Lock the diamond cutter into position and make one cut all the way around the bottle.

3. Remove the cutter and attach the rubber bands above and below the bottle.

4. Start boiling a pot of water.

Step 3: Step 3 :

1. Hold the bottle over your sink. I place a towel in the sink to catch the bottom.

2. Carefully pour the boiling water over the cut line in the bottle.

3. Turn the cold water on and run the bottle under the cold water.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the bottom falls off.

5. Remove the rubber bands.

Step 4: Step 4 : Decorating Your Bottle

1. Take sandpaper and rub along the cut line to smooth out any sharp edges. You can use different grades of sandpaper to get a smoother finish.

2. Using wire and bead embellishments, you can decorate your bottle however you like.

3. Place a candle or tealight under your bottle and enjoy!

4. The candle will not get blown out but the top of the bottle will get warm...use caution when lifting. The bottom of the bottle should be cool to the touch.