I have absolutely fell in love with glass milk bottles and knew I just had to do something with them which is why I painted them and made a vase. Mason jars are so popular, and I still adore them too. But glass milk bottles are becoming a new love for me as I think of different ways to use them.
I first got the idea to turn them into a vase after having cuts of my Paw Paw’s money tree still sitting around the house trying to figure out where I wanted to put them and what I wanted to do with them. The money tree is so beautiful with the iridescent and pearl colored leaves. Their beauty is very different from just any ordinary plant and love the different look of it.
I placed mine on one of my desk for a little extra something and love looking at it when I’m working. All the memories of my Paw Paw come flooding my mind with every glimpse of it. He is now in Heaven with our Savior, and I am looking forward to that day when I can see him again. The box in the picture below is one that I found at Target on clearance several years ago. I have loved keeping sentimental notes, cards, etc. in it from my lovely husband. Also love the quote on top.
This craft is also something that is simple to make and inexpensive. I literally made it in one afternoon in less than an hour. If you are looking for a simple and quick gift, then this is perfect. Maybe you just want something fun to make and do, then you have come to the right place.
Before we get started, I want to say one more quick thing about these glass milk bottles compared to the mason jar. Because my money tree branches are dainty and not a full plant, I would need many more cuts of the money tree to really fill up a mason jar and make it look full and not sparse. The glass milk bottles are taller and skinnier and worked great for this type of plant.
Supplies:
Jute– I like to call it “burlap twine.”
Flowers for decoration
First start with your hot glue gun being heated and ready to go. Place a small dot of glue on the back side or the rim of the glass bottle. You do not want the glue to possibly show if placing it on the front. Place the end of the jute in the glue and allow to harden.
Start wrapping the jute around the rim of the glass bottle until completely covered.
Cut the end of the jute at the back side of the bottle again in order to keep the glue from showing. Place a dot of glue on the back side and glue the end of the jute down.
I chose to do three vase to add a little more to my desk. If just using one then it will still turn out perfect. But if you are using multiples, I suggest using an odd number if grouping them together. Be sure to glue the jute on the rest of your glass milk bottles as well.
Now start painting your glass bottles. One of my desk is in my bedroom which is decorated with gray and turquoise which is why I chose those colors. I also did varying heights of color but other designs with polka dots or stripes for example would be cute too.
Use a foam paintbrush to paint the bottles. You will see some of the actual glass bottle showing through at first with streaks but just keep going. Let that coat dry completely and paint any additional coats after that.
The gray covered better and only needed 2 coats. I ended up doing 3 coats with the turquoise to cover it completely. I also tried using the foam brushes with the round flat bottom but did not like the sponge look of the paint on the bottle.
The picture below shows the paint after the second coat.
The picture below is after the third coat.
Once the paint has completely dried, place your flowers how you would like and then display somewhere in a beautiful place in your home.
I do want to show this money tree before its beautiful leaves are exposed. First there is a brown and dirty “coating” that covers what is hidden below and appears quite ugly at first.
All I had to do is rub that coating off gently which was very easy and small flat seeds would fall out and leave this beautiful pearl-like leaf. If you know anyone with a money tree, it is definitely worth getting some. They are so different than anything I have ever seen or bought. Plus they last for a long time. Not like your typical store bought bouquets. And they are also much cheaper.
Enjoy your new vase and maybe a special someone will just buy you some flowers to place in it. Enjoy the little things as always!
If you enjoyed the post, you will also enjoy this Ocean View Shadow Box, School Year Memory Jar, and Photo Coasters.
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Adorable! I love milk bottles– they feel so old-fashioned:) Gonna have to try this!!
There are definitely my new favorite thing too! I love how they look so traditional. We hope you try it and share your pictures with us if you do.
absolutely love these!
Thank you so much!