As the summer comes to an end, and some of us begin to begrudgingly clean up the cottage to close another great season, we’re likely to collect at least a few empties that remind us of the good times past. Although the days of sipping a beverage on the dock with your feet dangled in the water may soon be over, there are lots of fun ways you can use your empties to create new and exciting projects. These DIYs make perfect additions to your home or cottage, and what’s even better? You can enjoy them all year long.
Design & DIY
Fun and creative ways to repurpose your empties
Cork trivet
A good trivet is so handy to have. If you have about 60 corks lying around, you practically have a cork trivet. Simply glue three corks together with super glue and continue adding more corks in a circular shape.
Beer bottle glasses
Given the time and effort required to complete this project, it might be easier to simply buy a set of glasses. But these ones are unique and a great conversation starter. Instructions: apartmenttherapy.com
Beer cap coasters
These beer cap coasters make a great housewarming gift. Simply glue bottle caps to pieces of cork or well-sanded wood of any shape.
Beer cap ornament
A Christmas tree should reflect its homeowners. If you’re someone who loves a certain beer, why not make an ornament out of your leftover caps. Arrange them in anyway you like and show some pride for your favourite brew. These would also make great gifts for friends.
Beer cap magnets
If you only have a few beer caps hanging around, this is an easy way to reuse them. Simply glue magnets to the back of your favourite caps. You can leave them undecorated, or you can paint them with nail polish, and before you know it, you have fun and functional magnets ready for the beer fridge.
Bottle candleholders
Bottle candles are easy to make and particularly great for those times of the year when you need a lot of candleholders (like the holidays). After you have cleaned your bottle of all labels, tape a pattern on and spray paint it or use metallic pens to add embellishment. Instructions: shannonberrey.com
Cork jewelry organizer
Make this useful jewelry organizer by affixing corks to a fabric-covered frame. You’ll never have to worry about untangling your necklaces again. Instructions: jaybirdblog.com
Bottle lamp
If you’re good with electrical, or know someone who is, why not make an attractive and inexpensive lamp with your old wine bottle? Along with the bottle, you’ll need a suitable lampshade, some wiring, a light bulb, and a drill to cut through the glass. Instructions: lanared.blogspot.ro
Wine bottle tiki torches
These tiki torches make a great addition to outdoor weddings or outdoor party you may be planning. Repurpose your old bottles by filling them with decorative rocks or beads. Next, feed a wick (outfitted with a washer) through your bottle to the bottom and fill it with citronella oil. Instructions: whenthepigsfly.com
Bottle cap table
If you have enough bottle caps, this project has a beautiful result. Simply glue your bottle caps on an existing table and cover them with a clear epoxy resin. Plus, you can get really creative when it comes to your selection of caps. Instructions: mybeautifulcrazylifex33.com
Bottle cap organizer
If you’re a crafter, jewelry maker or scrap booker of any kind, you likely have all sorts of tiny supplies scattered around. This bottle cap organizer is a great way to keep everything contained and organized while you’re working with it. Simply attach bottle caps to cardboard and spray with paint to decorate.
Wine bottle bird feeder
This DIY calls for a little more handy work, but it is well worth it. Once you drill two holes in a bottle, simply glue a plate to the bottom and create a hanging mechanism. The glass bottles blend in with the surrounding nature surprisingly well, making this a great addition to your backyard or cottage. Instructions: thegardenroofcoop.com
