How to Make Candelabras from Old Bottles

Looking for the perfect chandelier or candelabra and haven’t found “the one?” Don’t spend thousands of dollars at a retail store. Instead make your own using special old glass bottles. From wine bottles to uniquely designed water bottles; you can craft a one-of-a-kind chandelier that will have your friends asking “where did you find that treasure?”

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Steps

Choose Your Design

    1
    Determine how you plan to display your new lighting piece. Will you be hanging it from the ceiling like a chandelier or as a centerpiece on a table? How you plan to display the piece will dictate exactly which supplies you will need.
    2
    Evaluate the room design. Before you can create the light source you’ll need to have an idea of the surrounding design. Is it modern or art deco or is your room design more traditional or even shabby chic?
    3
    Decide on a lighting size. A massive candelabra might be fun and lend for more drama but does the room size support it? Make sure you size the lighting source to fit the room before you attempt to create it.
    4
    Consider the types of glass bottles you will need for the project. Clear glass may look fantastic but you may want something funkier and go for colored or stained glass. You should also decide on the bottle shape since bottles come in just about every size and shape.

Pick Up Supplies

    1
    Gather/purchase enough bottles for your project. Make sure after evaluating the space, design and display you are armed with enough bottles. Create a mock candelabra with the bottles by simply arranging them to see if what you have is the desired look.
    2
    Locate power tools. Check your workspace for a glass cutter, hammer, electric drill and possibly an electric saw (unless you can purchase pre-cut wood). You will also need sand paper.
    3
    Purchase a 2 x 4 of ½” plywood to hold your chandelier together. If possible, pre-measure for size and bring the measurements to the hardware store so they can cut them for you.
    4
    Pick up a 3/32” steel cable, ferrules, wax and cotton wicks at the hardware store.
    5
    Consider purchasing special beading and paint to cover either the plywood (if you don’t plan to stain it) and a hot glue gun. You can decorate the bottom of the bottles with beads or jewels for an added, original touch.

Create the Chandelier/Candelabra

    1
    Score a clean bottle along the bottom/base with the glass cutter. If possible, use a hose clamp to hold the bottle in place while you score it.
    2
    Use a candle flame to heat the score line. This will reduce the likelihood of the bottle breaking when you cut the bottle.
    3
    Run an ice cube over the scored/hot line. After a few minutes the bottle will gently break along the scored line.
    4
    Sand the edge of the bottle using sand or emery paper to remove sharp edges.
        Add the bottle cap or cork once it has been sanded.
        Drill a small hole through the cap/cork as this area will receive the cotton wick.
    5
    Drill three 11/2” holes into the plywood where the bottle necks will sit. Don’t discard the popped holes, but put aside and use later in the project.
    6
    Drill holes on each end of the plywood to hold the suspension cable. Make sure you drill for a tight fit.
    7
    Place the cotton wick inside one bottle and then slide through the plywood circle, followed by the ferrule.
        Bring the wick back through the plywood circle and then cap.
        Tie wick against the cap and leave one end of the wick approximately 8 inches long.
        Pass the long end of the wick through the pipe into the bottle’s neck and then outside the top.
    8
    Place a small, pea-sized piece of wax to stop up the hole on the inside of the cap. Then add/screw on the cap.
    9
    Melt about 8 ounces of wax and slowly pour into the bottle while holding the wick straight.
    10
    Allow to dry before display and lighting.

 Tips

    When pouring the wax into the chandelier add ¼ of the wax first, give it time to dry and then add the rest. This will eliminate leakage.
    Add paint or beading along the plywood or bottles for an extra special look.