If you love drinking wine, beer, or simply have a lot of leftover glass jars and containers from your weekly groceries, these DIY projects just might inspire you. After all, glass is durable, looks great when used decoratively, and can even be upcycled more than once.
For crafting types, it’s incredibly versatile: There are so many interesting uses on this list,it will be hard to choose just one. #17 would give your backyard the best upgrade ever.
#1. Turn a few bottles into some amazing vases for your flowers.
#2. DIY a spectacular bottle lamp.
#3. Use an old glass bottle to store all-purpose cleaner.
#4. DIY an etched wine bottle dish soap dispenser.
#5. Put together your own DIY bottle art.
#6. Make your own customized etched glass.
#7. Fill a glass bottle with lights for an awesome tabletop decoration.
#8. Build an entire aquatic ecosystem in a glass.
#9. Learn how to cut glass bottles easily and use them as candleholders.
#11. Get creative with these gorgeous jewel-toned glass bottles, made with DIY ink.
#12. Automatically water your plants with an upside-down glass bottle filled with water in the soil.
#13. Make a citronella oil lamp out of an old wine bottle.
#14. Use glass bottles to make these awesome outdoor torches.
#15. Paint glass bottles however you like and use them as vases.
#17. Fill lots of tiny bottles with flowers for some amazing wedding decor.
#18. Turn old beer bottles into new beer glasses.
Empty glass jars for salt & pepper shaker
Bring empty baby food jars to the table with this quick, useful upcycle. Paint a design on the glass using stencils and drill holes into the lid for salt and pepper shakers!
“Berry” cute office caddy
If gold spray paint isn’t already a staple in your craft collection, this adorable upcycle will have you running to the store to stock up.
Hidden treats box
The long rectangular box is a perfect container for setting homemade treats inside, side-by-side. Disguise a box of parchment paper with wrapping paper, then add a button and ribbon to keep the lid closed. Line the box with tissue paper before adding sweet treats.
Empty pill bottles for bamboo vase
This is a great way to use a variety of pill bottles. Drill a hole though the bottom of each pill bottle and stack for a simple vase.
A can of paint is a cool ice bucket!
After you add a coat of spray paint, glue paper around a paint can, and fill with ice for an instant ice bucket!
Spice up your organization
Tiny office supplies finally have a home in this desk organizer. If you’ve found yourself with an empty spice rack, consider cleaning it out and filling it back up with office knick-knacks.
CD holder for jewelry!
An old CD spindle is a great base for a jewelry holder. Take an old CD and drill holes into the sides, then place it on top of the spindle and glue on the plastic cap to hold in place.
Custom cake stand
Think twice before tossing an empty coffee tin! Once the label is removed, paint your tin. Then add strips of washi tape for fast, fun patterns. Finish off with a coat of Mod Podge and a pretty dessert plate.
Upcycled charging station
Give an empty lotion bottle a new use with this eco-friendly craft.
Keep toothbrushes in one spot
Take the lid of a plastic container and use an exacto knife to cut a slit in the bottle top. Add a coat of non-toxic spray paint, let it dry, and then add a strip of velcro to the back so it will stick to the wall.
Clever Caddy
Paint a piece of wood and add a leather strap to the side as a handle for your caddy. Paint empty aluminum cans and drill one hole to screw into the wood.
Frame in an old CD case!
Turn empty CD cases into frames. Not only do these look great, but they are practical too! You don’t have to take them off the wall to swap out the picture!
Mini jewelry and bobby pin holder
Upcyle an empty pill bottle as a bobby pins and jewelry holder. Spray paint the container and add vinyl cutouts for decorating.
Plastic bottle cosmetic holder
Cut your plastic bottles to size, then melt the rim with a hot iron.
Treats in a bottle
Surprise someone with a sweet treat by upcycling plastic water bottles. Simply cut through two plastic water bottles and use the bottom to store macaroons. Decorative washi tape will hold these in place.
Reuse round containers for storage pouches
These sturdy containers can be turned into storage pouches. Just cut through the plastic and hang them up on hooks.
Gum container upcycled to earphone compartment
Transform a gum container into an earphone case.
Watch this video for step-by-step instructions.
So many resourceful ways to reuse empty containers!
Out with the old and in with the new. These ideas give any empty container new value!