Light Up The Night
Turn empty glass bottles into charming outdoor torches that add a warm glow to your patio
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
· Clean glass bottles
· Torch wicks
· Copper reducer coupling (Choose appropriate size for the opening of the bottle to support the wick)
· Copper tube cap
· Stainless steel flat washer
· Citronella torch fuel
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Collect glass bottles with attractive shapes or labels then wash and dry them thoroughly. I like saving interesting bottles specifically for this project.
2. Trim the torch wick to the appropriate length for your bottle.
3. Fill the bottle about halfway with citronella torch fuel.
4. Moisten the end of the wick with a small amount of the fuel before lighting. This helps it ignite more easily.
5. Place a washer onto the bottle, insert the reducer coupling then the wick into the bottle and make sure it fits securely. The washer just helps to stabilize the reducer coupling
6. Light the wick and enjoy the cozy outdoor atmosphere
ADD A LITTLE FLAIR WITH DECOUPAGE
Add a colorful design with tissue paper, paper napkins or fabric
Step 1: Prepare Your Surface
Start by cleaning your project surface thoroughly. Decoupage works beautifully on glass, metal, ceramic and many other smooth surfaces.
If you're using thin paper or decorative napkins, paint your project with a light-colored acrylic or chalk paint before applying your design. This prevents the background from showing through and helps the colors appear brighter.
Trim or tear your paper or cut fabric into the desired shapes. For decorative napkins, carefully separate the layers and use only the top printed layer.
Step 2: Apply the Design
Brush a thin, even coat of decoupage glue onto the area where the paper will be placed.
Carefully position the paper onto the bottle. Starting at the center, gently smooth it outward with your fingers, a small hand-held roller, or a piece of plastic wrap, to remove wrinkles and air bubbles. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Seal Your Project
Once the design is fully dry, apply a protective coat of decoupage medium or a clear sealer over the entire surface. Let the finish dry thoroughly. For an extra-smooth, professional-looking result, lightly sand between coats using fine-grit sandpaper, then apply an additional coat if desired.
SAFETY NOTE: Only use citronella torch fuel intended for outdoor torches. Avoid using tall or narrow bottles that could tip over easily. Use the copper tube cap as a snuffer to extinguish the flame safely instead of blowing it out. Keep wick trimmed to avoid irregular burn patterns. As always, keep away from children, pets and flammable objects.
