Too many people end up throwing their glass bottles away when they are finished using them, however, there is no need to waste this good quality glass since you can reuse them in a number of ways. So, here is our guide to some creative glass bottle ideas for craft enthusiasts.

Oil Lamps

This simple idea turns your old bottles into homemade tiki torches. To achieve this, follow these steps:

1. Fill an empty bottle with crafting pebbles up to a third of the way full.
2. Insert a tiki refill wick into a brass coupling of size 3/8” or 1/4”.
3. Fill the rest of the bottle with tiki fuel.
4. Insert the coupling with wick into the bottle.
5. Light the wick.

Spray Bottles

While plastic can leech harmful chemicals, glass bottles can handle a range of sprays. Try the following:

1. Find an empty glass bottle with a grooved mouth for screw-on caps. Bottles for mineral water, vinegar and beverages are best for this.
2. Remove the nozzle from your plastic spray bottle and apply it to the glass bottle.
3. Pour in the cleaning product and use.

The Bottle Jar Store

There are plenty of creative glass bottle ideas for you to try out at home. To find out more about our fine range of shaped bottles, jars and other products, we invite you to get in touch with us today.

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For a drink that truly embodies the season of spring, elderflower champagne is at the top of the list. This bubbly and lightly alcoholic beverage has been a favourite for generations due to its delicate yet refreshing taste. It doesn’t take much to brew your own elderflower champagne at home. So, to get you started, here is our guide to making elderflower champagne.

Adding Your Ingredients

1. Gather flowers from an elderflower tree. Make sure to avoid picking elderflowers from a tree near the road as these may be contaminated. Also, avoid any elderflowers near the ground just in case animals have marked their territory there.
2. Gather all your ingredients together. Do not wash your elderflowers as they have natural yeast that aids in the fermentation process. Simply remove the flowers from the stalks and shake off any insects.
3. Add the elderflowers into the container and cover them with sugar or honey.
4. Remove the yellow rind from both lemons being careful to leave the pith. Add the rind to the mixture in the container. Juice the remaining lemons and add them to the container as well.
5. With the mixture of elderflowers, lemon rind, lemon juice and sugar/honey in the container, pour in the boiling water. Stir until the mixture is completely dissolved.
6. Add the cold water followed by wine tanning and stir. Follow it up with vinegar and continue to stir.
7. Cover the container and leave it to cool down for a few hours until it reaches a temperature of around 20C.
8. Once sufficiently cooled, add the yeast nutrient and champagne/wine yeast to the mixture. Stir gently.
9. Cover the container and leave it in an area at room temperature for four days, making sure to stir the mixture once a day.

The Bottle Jar Store

To start brewing elderflower champagne at home ask us today about our champagne bottle stopper and other accessories.

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While wine has been made for thousands of years, the use of yeast for fermentation is much more recent. Wine makers over time observed the fermentation process at work but did not know what caused it. It was not until the 1850s when French scientist Louis Pasteur discovered that microscopic yeast cells converted the sugars in the mixture into alcohol. Since then, wine making yeast has been used to improve the quality of many different wines. So, what are the benefits of using it and how can we best apply it when winemaking. Here is our guide.

Why Use Wine Making Yeast?

As wine was made without the addition of yeast for thousands of years, why is it used so commonly now? Firstly, wine making is much more prone to failure without the use of it. Throughout the years wine would be susceptible to bad batches that had mould or were cloudy and vinegary. The second reason is because the design of modern strains help get the most out of wine quality.

However, not all winemakers use yeast, some still prefer to let their wine ferment naturally with wild, native yeasts. While this can result in good batches of wine, this process can come with many risks. Using yeast specifically developed for wine will ensure not only the maximum amount of alcohol is produced, but with the best flavours and aromas.

Making a Yeast Starter

If you want to get a head start on the fermentation process when making wine, using a yeast starter is a great choice. Here is one way to make a one:

1. Use a small portion of juice. This can be from any existing unfermented wine juice you have available. Otherwise, you can use natural juice obtained from fruits or store bought juice providing it contains no preservatives. If the juice is unpasteurised then boil and cool it before use in order to sterilise it.
2. Add a 1/4 teaspoon of yeast and two teaspoons of sugar for every pint of juice. Each pint of yeast starter will be useful for five gallons of wine.
3. Over the next few days the wine starter will start to foam. Once this fermentation process peaks, add the starter to the wine juice. This is the optimum time to add the starter for best results.
4. As you add the starter to the wine juice, gently swirl the sediment up from the bottom first. This will ensure that you use the entire supply of yeast starter.

The Bottle Jar Store

Here at The Bottle Jar Store we have a wide range of yeast products for making wine. Each product we make can improve the taste, aroma and overall quality of your wine. In addition, we offer many oenological products including preservatives, tannins and fining agents. To learn more about our range of wine yeast products we invite you to visit our online store today.

Bottle decoration has become a hugely popular craft in recent years. It’s great for the environment, too, as it’s created a new purpose for all those unwanted glass bottles. The concept of decorative wine bottles isn’t new; we’ve been sticking seashells to bottle containers and turning them into lamps for donkey’s years. But new ideas and materials have brought the craft glittering into the 21st century.

At The Bottle Jar Store, we’ve been supplying glass containers for every purpose since 2011. Whether it’s for:

• Simple storage
• Decorative art
• Storing food
• Creating candles
• Garden lights
• Bottle lamps
• Sand pictures
• Special occasions
• Drink containers.

We’ve got a range of empty bottles at affordable prices for many different projects.

Let’s read further into other creative ideas on exciting things you can do with glass bottles.

Light in a bottle

What we used to call fairy lights have come a long way in recent times. New products like microwire string lights have opened up fresh opportunities for crafters. If you’re planning to put lights inside your creations, clear glass bottles are ideal. Some old fashioned glitter and a string of microlights will turn a plain bottle into a thing of beauty. They make fantastic gifts and can be decorated in a theme to suit the person receiving them.

Painted bottles

The only boundary is your imagination when it comes to decorative spirit or wine bottles. Paint can be used on bottle decoration in several exciting ways. For example, spray paint used either alone or with a stencil can create stunning effects. Make sure you have enough space to work in, and if you can do it outside, even better. So why not try dipping the neck of a bottle in paint, then standing it up and letting it drip. It creates an enchanting echo of those candle-in-a-bottle days.

Decoupage

No exploration of glass bottle art ideas would be complete without mentioning decoupage. The possibilities of this paste-on technique are endless, from old maps to floral cut-outs. Once you’ve chosen your images, glue them to the bottle using a PVA adhesive or similar product. Once dry, put another coat of PVA on top. You can add additional decorative touches using paint, such as a gold leaf. The finished effect is delightful and can be themed for birthdays, weddings or seasonal events. Imagine what you could create for Halloween!

The Candle Effect

Candles create a warm, romantic gesture and fill the air with the elegant aroma of vintage wax. If the glass bottleneck is large enough, you can place tea lights into the base and devise a therapeutic atmosphere. Tall slim candles can also be placed in the neck of some bottles. However, it is recommended that a plate be used to catch the dripping wax. Here are our top five homely bottle candle placement ideas:

1. Table placement in the dining room for a dinner party
2. Add a few around the conservatory to bring in a little warmth
3. Place in the summerhouse on those lost, cold winter evenings
4. Spot around the garden for a romantic evening
5. Add plenty of bottle candles around the bathroom before a long soak.

Flowers & Cuttings

Bottles provide a stylish effect for single flowers, cuttings and trimmings. You can jazz up a room, bring life into the kitchen or bring a smile to any table with flourishes of green, pinks and vibrant yellows. It’s easy and perfect for children to get involved. Start with what is available in your garden; even wildflowers can capture the essence of the outside world.

Message In A Bottle

Decorating a bottle with twine, thin rope around the neck and a cork to finish can make your bottle look stunning. So why not add a little sand inside the bottle, write a love note or any desired message and lock it away for a special occasion. The message in the bottle can look stylish around the home and be used as an ornament. Would you like to leave a message? Here are some ideas for your story:

• The perfect holiday
• A vivid dream
• Your first memory
• A love poem
• Secrets
• A clue to hidden treasure
• Map
• Your children’s names
• A message that only you can make sense of.

Luxury Dispensing Bottles

Some bottles are finished with a screw cap neck, allowing alternative fittings. If you can find a lotion dispensing pump that can be matched up to the bottle neck size; you might be able to create a luxury, glass dispensing set for your bathroom, kitchen or utility room. Most importantly, remember to keep the dispensing straw and cut it to the same height as the bottle.

Using accessories

Bottle decoration isn’t all about paint and paste. The way you accessorise your bottles can make a massive difference to the finished item. Like wrapping the perfect parcel, colour coordinated ribbons can bring your creations to life. The use of hessian, rope or lengths of coarse string can bring a charming rustic look to your bottles. So why not add a little lace to a bottle with some soft white lights inside for a lovely wedding centrepiece.

For the best results, let your creativity be your guide. And if you don’t have access to the bottles you want, The Bottle Jar Store is here to help. So we have a vast range available, so for more information or friendly advice, why not get in touch.

Whether you are starting a microbrewing business or just brewing for personal use, wine making is fairly easy to do. All you need is some wine making equipment, the right ingredients, a controlled environment, and plenty of time. Therefore, here is our step by step guide to making wine for beginners.

Part Two – Fermenting the Wine

1. Clean, rinse and sterilise all equipment immediately before use.
2. Remove each grape from its stems and wash them thoroughly. Throw out any rotten or suspicious looking grapes.
3. Press or crush the grapes and let the juice run into the main fermentation vat.
4. Add wine yeast into the grape juice.
5. Insert your hydrometer into the mixture. If it reads less than 1.010, dissolve some granulated sugar in filtered water and add it to the mixture.
6. Stir the mixture thoroughly then cover the main fermentation vat with a cloth. Leave it to ferment for a week to 10 days.

Part Four – Finishing the Wine

1. With the plastic tubing cleaned and sterilised, run the wine into each bottle, leaving a small amount of space for the cork.
2. Insert a cork into each bottle and stand them upright for three days.
3. After three days store each bottle on its side in a cool area of around 12C. Red wine should be aged for at least a year, while white wine will be ready in six months.

Creating decorated wine bottles with lights inside might seem like a daunting task at first. Yet it is possible to create decorated bottles with lights inside at home without much trouble. All you need is some spare recyclable materials plus some wine bottles, and you can make an attractive gift item. Here is our guide to making decorated bottles with lights inside.

How To Make Decorated Bottles With Lights Inside

To create decorated bottles with lights inside, you will need the following:

• Empty wine bottles
• LED lights with cable
• Power drill with ceramic/glass cutting drill bits
• Battery pack
• Rubber grommets
• Bowl/glass of water
• Knife/scissors (optional)
• Glue
• Decorative items (stickers, glitter, etc.).

You can follow these instructions to complete your desired lighting effect:

1. First, slowly drill a 10 mm hole into your wine bottle without applying too much pressure. Pause every few seconds to cool the drill bit in the water.
2. Once you have drilled a hole in the bottle, wash out any shards of glass under a tap.
3. Insert a rubber grommet into the hole to prevent the glass from chafing the cable. Reshape the grommet with a knife or scissors if it is too thick. Then, use glue to keep it in place.
4. Feed the cable through the centre hole in the grommet and pull it out through the top of the bottle. Make sure one end of the cable is attached to a battery pack while the end hanging out of the top is attached to the LED lights.
5. Feed the LED Lights back into the bottle and glue the top of the cable to the inside of the wine bottle lid before screwing it back in place.
6. Seal up the battery pack and attach it to the side of the bottle before turning it on.
7. Once you are sure the lights are working correctly, you can decorate your bottle any way you like by attaching stickers, applying glitter to the bottle, etc.

Other Ideas For Decorated Bottles With Lights Inside

Using LED lights for decorative ideas can create a warm and inviting space. Many pubs, clubs, wine bars and restaurants are repurposing bottles to help create an electric ambience.

Homeowners are also opening their creative flair and lighting up the garden in the summer months. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to jazz up the cold conservatory, add some magic to the summerhouse or wow your friends with a warm glowing pergola.

We have created our top four bottle lighting effect examples.

• Bottle Torch – Use a copper top plate connecter, wood screws, cap, fuel and wick and you can turn your bottle into an outdoor torch.
• Bottle Chandelier – Gather at least a dozen empty wine bottles. Attach them to a ring and chains and place lighting at the centre.
• Bottle Citronella Candles – with copper coupling and tubing, Teflon tape, a torch wick, a bag of marbles and citronella torch fuel you can have an outdoor torch that will keep insects away.
• Hanging Bottle Lights – If you have a dozen bottles lying around, turn them into decorated bottles with lights inside as above and hang them individually from the ceiling.

In addition, you can dress up your wine bottles with lights by adding mosaics, messages, hand-painted designs, glass beads and more.

Start Your Bottle Journey Today

Here at The Bottle Jar Company, we offer a selection of green and clear wine bottles for craft enthusiasts and homebrewers. To learn more about our range of large glass bottles, we invite you to explore our online store or contact us today.

How do you make a bottle lamp? It depends on the type of lamp you have in mind. One option is to insert a string of fairy lights to create an illuminated display. LED fairy lights can be purchased from a wide range of online outlets at an affordable price. Most are battery operated and have an On/Off switch to enable the battery to last longer. The warm glow from the glass bottle offers a tranquil and vibrant atmosphere to any awaiting room. If you have an empty spirit, wine or beverage bottle? You can simply pop in the lights and turn them on.

Some high-end spirit bottles can look beautiful and offer a different feel for each room. Coloured gin bottles will offer a different glow when compared to a flint vodka bottle. Things to consider for your next lighting project:

• The colour of the bottle
• Shape
• Size of the bottle
• The feel of the final light – vintage, classic, sophisticated, or clean effect
• The colour of the LED lights – warm, white or blue.

Another is to cut the base off a bottle and place it over a candle. However, today we’re going to concentrate on how to make a bottle lamp with a light bulb.

1. What You’ll Need

The key element you’ll need is an attractive glass bottle. Here at The Bottle Jar Store, we have a range of bottles for every kind of use, including lamps.

First, you’ll need a stopper with a hole through it and a length of the threaded metal tube. If you’re not using a kit, you’ll also need a glass drill bit and a rubber grommet. Last but not least, you’ll need a switched socket unit for your light bulb and some two core lamp cable. (If you want a brass socket, you’ll need three core cable that includes an earth wire).

2. Fitting The Cable

Using gentle pressure, drill a hole where you want your cable to come out. (Protective eyewear and some means of holding the bottle steady is advisable). Using glue to secure it in place, insert the rubber grommet into the drilled hole. Feed the cable through the hole and out of the neck of the bottle.

Insert the threaded tube into the bottle stopper, leaving about 1/4 inch showing above it. Feed the cable through the tube. Secure the stopper in the neck of your bottle, and you’ve almost learned how to make a bottle lamp.

3. Attaching The Socket

The socket unit may come with instructions, but if not, there’s plenty of guidance online. Make sure you follow the directions carefully to avoid any mishaps.

Once you’ve connected the wires to the terminals, re-attach the cover. You can then screw the socket unit onto the end of the threaded tube that’s protruding from your stopper. Fix a plug with a 5 amp fuse to the other end of your cable, and voilà! You know how to make a bottle lamp.

4. Shade Or Bare Bulb?

There was a time when lampshades were de rigueur, but that’s no longer the case. Nowadays, retro Edison-style light bulbs have become increasingly popular in household and commercial lighting fixtures.

If you prefer a shade, then that’s your own take on how to make a bottle lamp. Attach it to the socket unit in the usual way. For a more contemporary industrial look, a bare bulb may be a better option. Once you’ve fitted the bulb (and shade if applicable), simply plug in, switch on and chill out.

Discover The Bottle Jar Store

Bottle lamps provide an attractive and decorative source of light and are perfect to make as gifts for friends. Perhaps, now you know how to make a bottle lamp, you could even start your own cottage industry and sell them.

Whatever kind of bottles you need, you’ll find them at The Bottle Jar Store. Browse our products online, or contact us today for more information or helpful advice.

If you’re looking for a red currant jelly recipe you’ll find one right here. If you’re looking for something to store your red currant jam or jelly in, you’re also in the right place.

Here at The Bottle Jar Store we’ve been supplying our customers with a comprehensive range of glass containers since 2011. Our products are used by crafters, producers, brewers, preservers and home cooks. Whatever the size, whatever the shape, from beer bottles to jam jar glasses, you’ll find it here.

The red currant story

Jellies and preserves can be made from a multitude of fruits and flowers. From strawberries and mint to plums and dandelions, the only frontier is your imagination. You can make them and store them, give them as gifts or set up a business and sell them. Of all the jellies, however, one of the most abidingly popular is red currant. One reason for that is that it goes so well with meats like lamb and pork.

Red currants were used as medicine in the Middle Ages, and their organised cultivation began around the 15th century. By the 1700s they were being eaten as a dessert fruit. Nowadays, the vast majority of red currants are grown in Europe.

Red currant jelly recipe

The truth is, there is no definitive red currant jelly recipe, largely because there are so many. But the basic principal of red currant recipes is generally the same, and very simple. This one should take around 30 minutes to prepare and make, plus the time you allow to strain it.

Ingredients

For this red currant jelly recipe you will need 4 lbs (1.8 kg) of red currants and 3 pints (1.8 litres) of water. You’ll also need 1 lb (450 g) of sugar for every pint of juice you obtain after straining.

Method

1. Wash the fruit (but don’t remove the stalks) and place it in a jam pan with the water.
2. Bring the pan to the boil, then simmer gently for around 20 minutes until the fruit is soft and pulpy.
3. Use a flexible spatula or the back of a spoon to squash the juice from the fruit. Then spoon the mixture into a jelly bag or lined sieve over a large bowl, and allow to drip. Leave for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. (Tip: Don’t try and squeeze the fruit, or it could make your jelly cloudy).
4. Measure the juice back into your clean jam pan. Add 1 lb (450 g) of warmed sugar for each pint of juice, then stir over a gentle heat.
5. When the sugar has dissolved, turn up the heat and boil rapidly for around 3 minutes. (The jelly should set when tested).
6. Remove any scum, then pour into glass jars and seal whilst still hot.

To present your red currant jelly in the best possible way, simply take a look at our products. With our range of glasses in a variety of styles, you’re sure to find the perfect jar for your creation.

Glass jars are an essential in the kitchen. But you can use a glass jar for much more than just preserving jams. The potential of glass jar crafts is endless; so, there’s no reason to neglect the jars in your cupboard. With a little design and decoration, you can turn humble jam jars into lights, candle holders, ornaments and more. From storage to decoration, there’s bound to be a craft idea to suit you. Whether making them for yourself, gifting them or selling them, your glass jar masterpieces will bring delight. Here are just a handful of glass jar decoration ideas to inspire your next craft project.

Glass Jar Decoration Ideas

We most often use glass jars for storing things; and there’s no reason why your glass jar crafts can’t be put to the same use. But rather than storing preserves, simple modifications can make them more particular. Combined with a lid and some careful cutting, you could turn a jam jar into a soap dispenser or a toothbrush holder. Both of these will add bags of charm to a bathroom.

When having a bath, you might want some relaxing candles. This is where jam jar lights can help. Glass jars make great candle holders. With additional decorations you can change the colour and mood of the light itself. Alternatively, you could work with dedicated diffusers or glass candle jars. These jars are perfect for anyone who loves making fragrances and scented candles.

Perhaps for the lighting you have in mind, electric LEDs might be more suitable. The brightness of LEDs will let light travel through the thickest decoration. This is perfect if you want to make decorative lights for an occasion like Halloween or Christmas, where the kids might pile on the craft materials.

Finally, it’s very popular to use glass jars as drinking cups. But you could go the extra mile by adding a straw hole or spout into the lid. Also, this would be a great time to bring to your jar your own painting ideas. You could personalise your drinking jar with etchings or paints.

Bottles and Glass Jars for all kinds of Crafts

These are just some of the many glass jar crafts possible at home. Whether working with jam jars, or more specialised bottles, glass jar crafts are a great way to get everyone involved. And thanks to The Bottle Jar Store’s wide range of bottles and jars, you won’t have to struggle to find the right container for your next project.

Give The Bottle Jar Store’s full range a browse to get your creative ideas flowing. From glass candle jars and perfume dispensers, to beer bottles and jam jars, you’ll find all kinds of classic glassware on offer. All of these products are just a click away, so why not order your home craft supplies with us today.

If you want to find out how to make homemade hot sauce, we’re here to help. Countries all around the world use spicy sauces to go with a variety of different dishes. So the hardest part of the process could be deciding what kind of hot sauce you want to make. There are some basic rules, one of which is that it will almost certainly involve peppers. The type of peppers you use will determine how hot or mild your sauce is.

Getting started

There’s no definitive hot sauce recipe, and you can adapt the ingredients to suit your own personal preference. Just make sure you have plenty of glass sauce bottles to store it in when you’ve made it. Pick your peppers according to your taste. Poblano peppers are a good choice for a mild hot sauce recipe, while jalapeño peppers will give you more of a kick. The other thing to remember is the cardinal rule. You can put heat into your sauce, but you can’t take it out again.

Basic ingredients

• 700 grams of your chosen peppers (ends removed, and cut in half)
• 6 cloves of peeled garlic
• 1 pint of water
• 2 teaspoons of sea salt
• 5 tablespoons of cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey (if you want a sweet note)
• ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum (to emulsify and thicken, but it’s optional)

(If you want to make enough for several bottles, just increase the level of ingredients accordingly).

How to make hot sauce

1. Place the water in a pan and add the peppers, garlic, salt, vinegar and honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for around 10 – 15 minutes until the garlic and peppers have softened.
2. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend until the consistency is smooth. (Your sauce will thicken once it’s in your fridge, so make sure it’s blended enough).
3. During the processing, add the xanthan gum (if you’re using it) and then blend for another minute.

Some uses for hot sauce

The great thing about hot sauce is that it can be used in all kinds of ways. One of the most popular is as a condiment, and it can offer a zesty alternative to ketchup. Add spice to whatever you like, from pizza and pies to pasta and sandwiches. It’s also widely used as a cooking ingredient, and can really perk up some of your favourite dishes. Why not try it as a dip, or add a little to your regular salad dressings. Hot sauce is truly versatile.

Bottling Your Hot Sauce & Shelf-Life

1. Purchase you choice of glass hot sauce sauce bottles.
2. Sterilise your bottles and bottle caps.
3. Transfer the prepared sauce into your clean empty sauce bottles.
4. Seal with the bottle caps.
5. Refrigerate your creation.
6. A homemade sauce should have a shelf life of approx. 90 days if kept refrigerated.

Since 2011 The Bottle Jar Store has been supplying quality glass containers for all kinds of uses. One of the things we specialise in is bottles for oils and sauces. For a huge selection of reusable bottles in a wide range of styles, browse our range of empty glass bottles for a variety of uses.