We certainly love wine bottles, not just for their contents but also because so much can be done with the empty vessels. Most bottles are so beautiful, that once emptied, can be turned into elegant water carafes, or centrepieces. With Mother’s Day a few days away here are five DIY projects that we reckon will showcase your creative side. Don’t forget to pick up another great looking bottle for mum to enjoy.

Bar None’s Mother’s Day pics from Select are Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, Bolla Prosecco, Robert Mondavi Private Selection Merlot, Cavicchioli Rose, Catena Malbec and Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque

Cutting The Wine Bottle

Your project might require you to cut the wine bottle. However, if you do not have a bottle cutter, here is an easy way to do so. Please note that the cut section/finishing may not be as smooth as you would experience if you used a professional tool, but you will still have an end product that is cool and useful.

First, you will need to source your empty wine bottle. Second, tie tightly a piece of cord around the section of the bottle that is to be cut, so that there is a mark created on the bottle — be certain that the cord or twine wraps around the bottle 4-5 times. Third, remove the cord and soak in acetone. Fourth, tie the soaked cord again around the section that now is marked (same area that you had tied first). Fifth, light the cord and allow the acetone to burn right around; you may need to rotate the bottle. Sixth, once the acetone has stopped burning, soak the bottle in cold water; you should hear a popping sound. Separate the bottle into two pieces. Be careful as the separated edges tend to be sharp. If you have a file, you could smooth down the edges – ensure you have on gloves that can protect your hands. Then wash the bottle to remove any residual glass.

Wine Bottle Projects

1. Wine Bottle Light

What you will need: Empty wine bottle, light drill, masking tape, and Christmas (pepper) lights.

Steps: Remove the wine label if required. Rinse the wine bottle with water and allow to dry. Then place the tape at a lower section of the bottle; the tape will be used to hold the bottle and help with non-splintering. Drill a hole into the bottle; be patient and apply as little pressure as possible so that the bottle is not destroyed. Once the hole has been created, rinse the bottle thoroughly to get rid of any residual splinter. Then feed the pepper lights into the bottle, leaving the plug out. And there you have your wine bottle light. You could make a number of these for balance.

2. Monogrammed Decorated Piece

This could be ideal for Mother’s Day as you could make something ideal for mom.

What you will need: Three wine bottles, cord or burlap, flowers, paint and paint brushes (normally used for art class) or spray paint.

Steps: If the wine bottles are not the same, you may want to spray paint the bottles, so they look similar. Then, using your paint brush, write the letters M O M (one letter on each bottle) and allow to dry; you could also achieve a similar effect with permanent decorative markers. Next, wrap the cord or burlap around the neck of the bottle for décor and add your flowers.

3. Candle Holder

Depending on the size of the candle, you will be required to cut the wine bottle to accommodate the length of the candle. See my instructions above re:cutting the wine bottle.

What you will need: Cut wine bottles and candles.

Steps: Once cut, go ahead and place your candle inside the bottle and of course, light it up!

4. Creating Vases/Self-Watering Planter

You can also turn your wine bottles into vases for your plants. Follow the same steps to cut and prepare the bottle.

What you will need: Cut wine bottles, soil and plant.

Steps: Once your wine bottle is cut, add the soil and the plant. This could be a nice addition to Mom’s desk at home. To create a self-watering planter, use the upper part of the bottle by turning the spout downward into a taller vase with water, then add the soil and plant.

5. Message on a Bottle

What you will need: Wine bottle, black or white paint, markers and a bit of glitter for effect.

Steps:Remove the wine label and spray the bottle and allow to dry. Then add your message in your own creative way. Use a bit of glitter for a sparkly effect.

Now that your creativity is flowing, get innovative — add photos, sand, wine corks, seashells, pebbles, and the list goes on — put your own spin on these ideas and there you have your unique gift for Mom. Happy Mother’s Day!

Readers’ Grapevine Club: If you are new to wines and want to join us on our wine discovery, then this is for you. On the third Thursday of each month, I will highlight your feedback on our grape variety/vine of the month. The Grapevine of the Month is chardonnay. Share with me your feedback on what you thought about the wine and your overall wine experience.

Grapevine of the Month: Chardonnay

Readers’ Feedback:

Extraordinary wonder and joy are interwoven through ordinary life; seek for them relentlessly. Please share with me your wines, spirits and cocktail experiences or comments on the above article at debbiansm@gmail.com, or follow me on IG @debbiansm #barnoneja.

Debbian Spence-Minott

An Alumna of the US Sommelier Association

CEO of the Academy of Bartending, Spirits & Wines

President, Jamaica Union of Bartenders and Mixologists (JUBAM) Limited

Marketing Studies Lecturer – The University of Technology, Jamaica