I’ve always loved the challenge of looking at something destined for the recycling bin and wondering, what else could this become?
Years ago, that question led me to start saving some of my empty glass bottles. Instead of immediately recycling them, I wanted to experiment with turning them into pieces that could actually be used around the home.
The result was three very different projects from the same simple material.
The Idea
For these projects, I wanted the finished pieces to feel intentional—not like something I was keeping around simply because I didn't want to throw it away.
By cutting the bottles at different heights and working with both halves, I was able to completely change their function. One became a handmade candle, another a simple candlestick holder, and the last became a self-watering planter for herbs.
Same bottle. Three completely different possibilities.
Making Something Useful Again
The candle was a way to preserve a bottle I liked while turning it into something useful—and something that could easily become a handmade gift.
The tops of the green bottles became simple holders for taper and tea-light candles. I loved how little needed to be added to make them feel like completely different objects.
But my favorite experiment was the self-watering herb garden.
For this one, I used both halves of the bottle. The bottom holds water while the inverted top holds the plant, with string running between the two to help draw water toward the roots. It was a simple way to use essentially the entire bottle while creating something practical for the kitchen.
Looking back, I think that's still what I love most about upcycling: taking something ordinary and finding a new story for it.
Want to See How I Made Them?
I filmed the full process, including how I cut the glass bottles and transformed them into all three projects.
Watch the 3 Ways to Upcycle Glass Bottles video below to see the full process.