Introduction: Make an Art Bowl From Pet Bottle
PET is Polyethylene Terephthalate, which is a thermoplastic polymer.
It can be re formed by heating. After heating process, it becomes more stiff, rigid, durable and glassy. It becomes even stronger and crystallized when perforated.
This re formed and perforated second life as a bowl is longer and the original bottle.
Object now has an artistic value other than serving as a container for almost any material (eggs, bread, nuts, pencils, soaps, small objects etc.), it can be used as an ideal fruit bowl as the air circulation prevents fruit decay.
Step 1: What You Need?
Bottle, cutter or scissors, soldering iron, flame (I use a spirit burner which I made with a jar and cotton cord)
Step 2: Cut the Bottle
cut the bottle. you will use the bottom but don't throw away the upper part. there are many ways to upcycle every shred. see the jewelry and accessory made from them at tertium non data
Step 3: Forming
heat the edge over flame and try to give a nice form. but before forming your bowl, experiment several times with leftovers until you have the control over the flame. smaller flame is more controllable. after re-forming the edge, try to heat other parts to give a good form.
Step 4: Piercing
pierce the bowl with the soldering iron. continue to pierce as long as your patience allows. I can do it 4 hours before I give up. this time, I decided to treat only the edge, but I could go all the way.
Step 5: Repeat
repeat the steps until you upcycle all the bottles you have. use them at home, give them to your friends, teach someone to make, even sell them on etsy. http://www.gulguvenc.etsy.com

Participated in the
Keep the Bottle Contest
74 Comments
Question 1 year ago on Step 5
This is a great project! I don't own a soldering iron and was wondering what brand you have? When I looked online, most had a very different tip. I just was something like yours. Thank you, Deborah
7 years ago
First of all, I LOVE this. Second, I have a quick question. I'm working with 8-9 year old campers next week and want to try this build with them. Do you know if heating the PET bottle with a high-powered heatgun would work to melt the bottle similar to open flame? I appreciate your time, Mel.
8 years ago on Introduction
¡¡Me encanto... esta muy bueno.....tambien podria ser con un poco mas de color!!!
10 years ago on Introduction
I saw your beautiful bowl with some flowers attached to the top of the bowl, how did you do that?
10 years ago on Introduction
I think the creator of this recycled bowl is a beautiful person aside from his or her fantastic creation because they shared with strangers how they made it! Thank You!
10 years ago on Introduction
Oh, you've ruined me. You have absolutely ruined me. This is right up my alley, thank you!
11 years ago on Step 5
good idea , nobody will se what's before. i like to work wiht empty plastic bottles I saw anhother proyect on internet, and i did my own version , I,m sending you a picture , bye
12 years ago on Step 5
שלום אני חברה חדשה ונלהבת מהאתר תודה לכולם על הרעיונות הנפלאים אני עובדת עם ילדים ואוהבת מיחזור ואומנות בכלל כהובי ניסיתי להוריד קובץ pdfעל מחזור הבקבוקים אך ללא הצלחה אשמח עם מישהו יעזור לי אני לא כתבתי באנגלית אני מקוה שהתרגום יהיה סביר
14 years ago on Introduction
I love this it is so cool....and I'm gonna have a go! I may us smaller bit to morp my plastic bottle beads mmmm now I thinking!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Plastic bottle beads? Ohhh, I want to hear more!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
pet necklace www.gulguvenc.blogspot.com
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
What kind of dye do you use to achieve the beautiful colors of your jewelry!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
It's nice, but I don't think my pet would be interested.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Your PET would very much be interested in being re-purposed into beautiful jewelry rather than ending up in a landfill...and you don't even have to feed or walk it!! Doggonnit. :D
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Your work is A-MA-ZING! You are very talented, or you have too much time on your hands-I think it's talent. I'm envious.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I have just looked at all your stuff! They are fab! I am gonna make some to use as tree hanging in my back garden ready for the summer! Love and Peace Cath
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I put them on here, but they are also at http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/plastic_bottle_beads
Enjoy
Cath
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
You are an artist! Very inspiring Instructable - can't wait to finish work to go and try! I've also looked at your blogspot - beautiful work! I love the jellyfish! LOL and thanks for sharing this idea.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I don't know if you have already seen them on this web-site but if not they are here and explained a little better maybe?
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/plastic_bottle_beads
12 years ago on Introduction
What do you use to color the pet bottles?