The bar’s decoration is progressing well, and I’m enjoying the process of discovering inventive methods to showcase our favorite items! Two things we adore: Proper Twelve Irish Whiskey (his choice) and candles (my choice). So I melted those two elements together (literally) and fashioned some candle bottle decor that I’m really fond of.
Supplies needed for melted candles:
Whatever you do, ensure you place aluminum foil beneath the bottles. I may or may not have picked up this lesson the hard way.
I stumbled upon a box of candles at At Home. Candles ranging from 10-12 inches will do just fine. To fit the candles into the bottles, warm the bottom of the candle using a lighter. After a few seconds, insert it into the bottle and gently twist while pushing down. You’ll notice it forces the candle in and helps you straighten it out.
Here’s where the challenge arises. Nowadays, taper candles are designed so they don’t drip everywhere. Kudos to today’s candle makers for improving things, but somehow making it trickier. 🙁
There are several methods to actually encourage the wax to run down the side. Essentially, you’ll need to create a pathway for the wax to flow. After some experimentation, I discovered that lighting another candle to burn that pathway while also using wax from the candle I’m holding worked most effectively.
If that was confusing, don’t worry. In summary, you just need to aid the candles in getting the wax to drip. Using a lighter or another candle is the most effective approach. Melt it to your desired look, and you’re all set!
I’m thrilled with how they turned out! It’s just the masculine candle bottle decor I needed for select shelves. I’m eager to share more of the bar area with you! Remember that I post many updates on Instagram if you’d like to follow my journey there!
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# How to Craft Candle Bottle Decor – A Step-by-Step Guide from Just a Girl Blog
Candle bottle decor offers a stylish yet straightforward way to infuse warmth and character into any environment. Whether you’re aiming to establish a cozy ambiance for a dinner gathering, a romantic arrangement for a special event, or simply wish to incorporate some DIY flair into your residence, candle bottle decor is an ideal solution. This step-by-step guide, inspired by the inventive concepts from *Just a Girl Blog*, will lead you through creating your own candle bottle decor using repurposed bottles and a few essential materials.
## Items You’ll Need:
Before we jump into the crafting, let’s collect the essential supplies. Most of these can be easily found at home or in your nearby craft store.
– **Empty glass bottles** (wine bottles, beer bottles, or any glass containers available)
– **Taper candles** (or tea lights, based on your design choice)
– **Spray paint** (optional, for an aesthetic finish)
– **Twine, ribbon, or lace** (for accents)
– **Hot glue gun** (for affixing decorations)
– **Decorative elements** (like artificial flowers, beads, or charms)
– **Candle wax drip protectors** (optional, to avoid wax from spilling on surfaces)
– **Sandpaper** (to smooth any rough edges if necessary)
– **Scissors** (for trimming twine or ribbon)
Now that you have everything gathered, let’s get started!
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## Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Bottles
Begin by thoroughly cleaning your glass bottles. Remove any labels or stickers by soaking them in warm, soapy water for about half an hour. Once the labels are softened, scrub them off with a sponge or brush. Rinse the bottles and allow them to dry completely.
If there are any rough edges at the bottle’s opening, gently sand them using sandpaper. This is particularly important if you’re intending to use the bottle as a candle holder, as it will help prevent any sharp edges from causing injuries.
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## Step 2: Paint or Decorate the Bottles (Optional)
If you wish to introduce a splash of color or a decorative touch to your bottles, now is the appropriate time. Spray paint is a quick and effortless way to rejuvenate your bottles. Pick a color that matches your decor or the theme of your gathering.
– **Tip:** For a contemporary, stylish finish, consider metallic spray paints such as gold, silver, or copper. For a rustic or vintage atmosphere, choose matte or chalky finishes in subtle tones.
Ensure to spray the bottles in a well-ventilated space and let them dry fully before proceeding to the next step.
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## Step 3: Add Embellishments
Once your bottles are clean and dry (and painted, if you opted for that), it’s time to embellish them. This is where you can unleash your creativity and customize your candle bottle decor.
– **Twine or Ribbon:** Wrap twine, ribbon, or lace around the neck of the bottle and secure it with hot glue. You can tie a bow for a straightforward, refined appearance, or wrap the twine multiple times for a more rustic effect.
– **Artificial Flowers or Greenery:** Use hot glue to attach small faux flowers, leaves, or greenery to the bottle. This adds a natural, organic element to your decor.
– **Beads or Charms:** For a bohemian-chic effect, thread beads or charms onto the twine or ribbon prior to wrapping it around the bottle. Small decorative elements can also be glued directly onto the bottle for extra texture.
Feel free to try out various combinations of embellishments to reflect your style or the theme of your event.
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## Step 4: Insert the Candle
Now that your bottles are decorated, it’s time to put in the candles. If you’re using taper candles, simply place the candle into the neck of the bottle. Ensure it fits securely and stands upright. If the candle is wobbly, melt a small amount of wax from the base of the candle and press it into the bottle’s opening for a tighter fit.
If you’re working with tea lights, you can place them inside the bottle by cutting off the bottle’s neck (this should be done with care using a glass-cutting tool). Alternatively, you can just set the tea light on top of the bottle’s opening if the neck is sufficiently wide.
– **Tip:** If you’re concerned about wax dripping on your surfaces, consider using candle wax drip protectors or place a small dish or tray underneath the bottle to catch any wax drips.
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## Step 5: Arrange and Display
Once your candles are firmly in place, it’s time to arrange and showcase your creation.
