Finally, A Way To Incorporate My Wine Bottle "Collection"

At some point, many bottles ago, I started saving bottles to make wine lights.  The first iteration involved shoving the cord through the top.  They were pretty enough, but a bit primitive.  Eventually, I took the leap and bought a diamond drill bit, in an ill-fated attempt to make them Etsy-worthy & start a shop.  Here, the story takes a dark turn (get it, light/dark? Nevermind, I should sleep soon!!). 

The bottles were crazy hard to drill and the diamond bit wore out, as did my motivation.  Well, my motivation to actually DO something with the bottles.  Somehow, the motivation to SAVE them never died.  As space in my basement closet disappeared, I still convinced myself that I would pick up the old drill again any day now.  Fast forward a few months later, and the wine bottles have a purpsoe again.  They are crying out to be DIY centerpieces in our DIY wedding.  This would combine two of my favorite things:  recycling and rationalization. 

The question remained-- HOW would I put all of these empties to good use?  A simple idea is using them as water carafes on the tables, as shown here on re.nest.com:

While that idea is a keeper, I still wanted something that included put the "DO" in DYI.  Loved the idea of turning the bottles into vases (recycling, ratioalizing AND reducing costs-- now you're talking!), but all the methods I knew of were very time consuming and had a low success rate.  As in, you have to break a few bottles to get a good vase.

That's why I'm so excited to stumble across this video, demonstrating how to use a super simple method that reportedly works 90% of the time.  According to my new hero, Dan Roja, just follow these steps:

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  Score the bottle-- just one time around will do
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  Set a pot of water to boil
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  Place the bottle over a sink, with cool water available
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  Gently pour the boiling water over the score
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  Then, run cool water over the top
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  Repeat until-- POP!  The bottle separates

Of course, I'm paraphrasing.  If you are going to try this project, check the video for more specifics.  I can't wait to give this a try this soon; will report back.  I'd say I'll do it this weeked, but it's supposed to be 70 degrees, sunny AND there's an environomental film fest in DC.  Have a feeling I won't be home much. :) 

Wine bottles find new fab form & function at www.greenwinebottles.com. 

Mine will probably not look quite this good. :)