How to Turn an Empty Wine Bottle into A Candle Holder

I’m joining a group of very talented ladies in The Handcrafted Society. Each month they share a project that is their own version of repurposing a particular item.

This month we were all challenged to use something glass in our projects. I chose to take two beautiful wine bottles that I’ve been saving with the intention of making something beautiful out of them.

A lit candle in a glass holder sits on a white plate. Beside it is a wine bottle candle next to a vase of red roses, while a ceramic bowl cradles red and white patterned fabric hearts. The wooden sideboard in the background hosts decorative plates and a lamp.

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Don’t forget to check out the glass creations from the rest of the ladies. You’ll find their links at the end of this post.

Two bottles of rosé wine are displayed. The left, with a rose-shaped glass base, boasts a label reading "Côte des Roses." The right bottle features ornate embossing and presents "Fleurs de Au" with a blue seal at the neck, perfect for upcycling into an elegant wine bottle candle.

Choosing A Wine Bottle

Rosé wines tend to have beautiful bottles. I had an empty bottle of Fleurs d’Eau Rosé Brut Sparkling that I bought at Aldi. The bottle is stunning with a raised glass abstract floral pattern on most of the bottle. I also bought a bottle of Gérard Bertrand Cote Des Roses from Trader Joe’s because the bottom of the bottle is a glass rose creation.

A clear glass vase holds five vibrant red roses with green leaves, set alongside a wine bottle candle on a wooden surface. The softly blurred background adds a bright, airy feel to the scene.

My goal was to make a candle out of one of the upcycled wine bottles. I ended up with a candle and a vase.

Cutting Glass

I don’t know if I’ve ever shared with you that Keith, my “Handy” husband owns a Glass Contracting Business. He’s not just the “Handy” guy who does all of the projects I ask him to do around the house. 🙂

When I asked him what was the best way to cut a glass wine bottles to make wine bottle candles, he explained to me that it wasn’t easy and that there are different methods that can be used to cut empty wine bottles.

Typically when you cut a piece of glass you would score it with a glass cutting tool and then apply pressure on the opposite side to break it at the score line. With a bottle it’s next to impossible to score on the outside and then apply pressure from the inside. So this could be the ways you could create the cut.

Here are two options for creating the cut:

  1. You can score it with a glass cutting tool, then put the bottle in the freezer for a while, then run under hot water to shock it and cause it to break at the score line.
  2. You can bring it to a glass guy (“Handy”) and have them use a saw that has a diamond blade to cut the glass and then polish the edges with a wet belt sander.

I chose to do the latter because it was available to me. What I’ve learned creating this project is that cutting a glass bottle is not easy. The bottles with the glass design through out, I decided to just cut the top off and make that into a vase. The bottle with the cut rose bottom had smooth sides so that bottle was cut to accommodate my candle.

I would suggest trying any method out on bottles you don’t care about first until you get the hang of it.

A handsaw and a spray bottle sit on a green mat in a workshop, surrounded by scattered tools and boxes in the blurred background. A flexible blue hose connects to the saw, while a wine bottle candle flickers softly next to a red cloth.
Glass cutting saw
A person holds a frosted, partially cut wine bottle, displaying intricate patterns. In the background, another person saws a separate item. A workbench is visible, covered with brown liquid and cardboard, hinting at the creation of a unique wine bottle candle.
raw edged vase
A glass on the table holds a partially melted frozen drink, adorned with a Gérard Bertrand Cote des Roses wine label. In the background, a clear, conical bottle and an enchanting wine bottle candle flicker gently on a wet surface beside a cardboard box.
raw edged candle
Close-up of an intricately etched glass vase on a textured surface, exuding a translucent allure with floral patterns. In the background, on the same surface, blurred objects include a wine bottle transformed into an elegant candle holder.
A clear glass with "côte des roses" label and a tall, empty decorative wine bottle sit on a textured surface, ready to become an elegant candle holder. In the background, blurred objects on a shelf are visible.
After the bottle edges have been polished
Two pieces of broken glass with intricate patterns glitter on a sunlit white surface, resembling the delicate shards of a wine bottle. A candle flickers gently beside them, while a plant in a terracotta pot is softly blurred in the background.
Bottles after they have been washed at home

I’ve seen some tools that you can buy on-line that make it look easy. Since I haven’t tried any of these I can’t give an opinion one way or the other. The reviews would indicate that some of them work just fine.

The glass bottle cutter kit features a cutting tool, adjustable base with rollers, and a small handheld cutter. Perfect for crafting wine bottle candles, it comes in a cardboard box labeled "DIY Your Life Well, Glass Bottle Cutter.

Glass Cutting Tool

Step by Step

  1. Emptied the bottle via consuming the tasty Rosé
  2. Washed the bottle well and removed the labels by soaking. I did need to use Goo Gone for a sticker on the back of the Trader Joe Bottle.
  3. Brought the bottle to “Handy’s” shop and watched while they cut and polished the bottles. I chose to cut one for a candle and the other for a pretty vase.
  4. Melted my soy wax in a double boiler method, added essential oils and poured it into my cut wine bottle to create a candle. For complete candle making step-by-step, see my post HERE.
A table laden with candle-making supplies: wicks with metal bases, rounded adhesive stickers, a bag of white wax flakes, two black bottles resembling wine bottles, and a large metal pouring pitcher.
Candle Making Supplies
A hand grasps a small adhesive dot, poised beside a sheet of identical dots and a cable with a metal button on the wooden surface. Amidst it all, the warm glow of a wine bottle candle adds ambiance to the scene.
Use a candle sticker to secure the wick in the bottom of the glass
A candle wick is centered in a glass tumbler, held upright by a pencil resting across the rim. The setup brings to mind the charm of a wine bottle candle. A wooden cutting board and various kitchen items provide a rustic backdrop, enhancing the cozy scene.
Secure the wick to a pencil
A large, transparent mixing bowl filled with white, flaky chunks sits on a dark countertop beside a wine bottle candle casting a warm glow. The bowl has measurement markings on the side.
3 cups of soy wax
A kitchen counter showcases a wooden cutting board, where a glass of yellow liquid and a pencil are artfully balanced. Nearby, two small bottles labeled "Sea Salt" and "Lavender and Ginger" accompany a small bowl of white powder, while a metal pitcher gleams beside an elegantly flickering wine bottle candle.
I added essential oils to the melted wax and then poured it into the glass
A makeshift candle setup with melted wax fills a repurposed wine bottle, its wick centered. A pencil rests horizontally across the rim, securing the wick. The setup sits elegantly on a wooden surface.
Waiting for wax to cool and solidify
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.

Other Ideas

While I chose to make my own candle as I had all of the supplies on hand in my craft room, you could just cut the bottle and put a tea light or votive candles in the bottom.

Rosé bottles that are so pretty are hard to discard. I’m start collecting some to use as water vessels for dinner parties.

A hand holding a transparent, intricately designed glass bowl. In the background, a vase with green leaves, a lit candle nestled beside it, and a decorative dish filled with red and white fabric items are set on a tray.

You don’t have to cut them to still use them as a flower vase. One long stem would look amazing with several bottles lining the center of your dining table. Or place one next to a bed for yourself or a guest.

You also don’t have to use Rosé bottles for candle holders. If you have vintage glass or old wine bottles, they would also make a cool soy candle container. 

Peace and Love,

A blue background with hand-drawn elements sets the stage. A heart symbol flanked by two lines adds charm, while the text "Lynn xoxo" in cursive whispers a promise to make food prep easier and more delightful.

The Handcrafted Society

Be sure to visit my friends and see what they did with their glass projects!

​

Lit candles of varying heights, with wax drips cascading down the sides, are arranged on a table. A glass vase with delicate white and purple flowers sits nearby. The scene has a warm, cozy ambiance.
WM Design House
A glass vase contains green moss, ferns, and a small candle. Two decorative eggs rest among the greenery. Twine with a star-shaped charm is wrapped around the vase.
Skylark House
A collection of green and blue glass vases in varied shapes and sizes, each holding small, delicate flowers. The scene includes a stack of plates and a bowl with textured glass pebbles on a marble surface.
South House Designs
Small green and white flowers with glossy leaves are arranged in textured blue and green glass jars. The jars sit on a white round tray, creating a fresh and rustic floral display against a softly blurred background.
Perfecting Places
Handcrafted Society Logo
A glass candle burns on a saucer beside a vase of red roses and a decorative bowl filled with heart-shaped fabric ornaments. The background shows a wooden cabinet with a lamp and framed picture.
Living Large in a Small House
Three jars filled with red and pink candies, adorned with ribbons, are displayed on a kitchen counter. They rest on a wooden tray, surrounded by heart-shaped decorations, in a kitchen setting with a white backsplash and countertops.
An Organized Season
A delicate table setting featuring pink roses in a glass vase, a pink plate with a white napkin atop a larger white plate, and a tall crystal glass on a light wooden surface. Everything is arranged elegantly with soft, pastel colors.
The Crowned Goat
A woven tray holds a floral arrangement in a blue and white vase, alongside a glass candle holder with a textured base. Several decorative books are stacked beneath the vase on a light-colored table surface.
White Lilac Farmhouse
Two decorative plates with intricate designs. The larger plate features a figure near a tree and rocks, while the smaller plate depicts a landscape with trees and a mountain. Both plates have an earthy color palette and are set on a wooden surface.
Amy Sadler Designs
Two stained glass vases with red, yellow, green, and white panels sit on a windowsill. A pine cone, pomegranate, and eucalyptus leaves are nearby, with sunlight streaming through the window in the background.
Sonata Home Design
A decorative candle with floral designs sits on a stack of green books. Fresh white roses in a vase are in the background, adding a touch of elegance to the scene. The setting appears cozy and inviting.
Thistle Key Lane
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.
About the elderly woman: With long gray hair and glasses, she wears a white knit sweater and hoop earrings, her gentle smile radiates warmth against the plain light gray background.

Meet Me

My name is Lynn. I live in the suburbs of Chicago in a 1,300 sq. ft. home with my Handy husband, Keith.

I’m an open book about my life on my blog. You can find out more about me by visiting my About page.

about Me
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.

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10 Comments

  1. I love how you turned these rose bottles into a vase and a candle holder, Lynn. Sometimes our charity shops are low on glassware and votives so it’s nice to know you can use wine bottles as an option. Candles make any setting so pretty and elegant. Hugs, CoCo

    Reply

  2. Good morning Lynn! I had no idea your husband worked with glass.. Thank you for sharing this glass cutting knowledge with us. I’m going to try to score the glass and put it in the freezer – just to experiment. Your bottle/vase turned out beautifully. Love the designs on the glass. Pinned!

    Reply

  3. LOVE that wine bottle! Yes, sometimes we buy wine based on the bottle — guilty! But how you used the bottle is extraordinary! Love it!!!

    Reply

  4. Lynn, the rose bottles are just perfect for this project! Your candleholder and vase turned out beautifully!

    Reply

  5. Rose all day! I love these bottles! I think we should have a galentine’s party to empty some Rose bottles!

    Reply

  6. Lynn, I love that you made a vase out of that one gorgeous bottle. Wow, it is lovely as a vase. A wonderful idea of using a bottle for a vessel for making your own candles. It’s so much fun to make your own candles. Such great ideas!

    Reply

  7. Hi Lynn! I love this idea! I’ll be on the lookout for beautiful wine bottles from now on! The vase and candle are both so pretty! We’re so fortunate to have “handy” husbands! Pinning now!

    Reply

  8. Now I definitely need a glass cutter! This is a fantastic way to upcycle beautiful wine bottles. I actually have a Cote de Roses bottle that is sitting on a closet shelf because it is so pretty…I just couldn’t throw it away! Now I know what to do with it. Thanks for the great tutorial and the inspiration! Pinned!

    Reply
  9. Michelle | Thistle Key Lane says:

    I’m always a little sad when I put a pretty wine bottle in the recycle bin. However your brilliant project is giving me lots of ideas! Your vase and the candle holder are absolutely stunning! Pinning for inspiration!

    Reply

  10. Love that embossed bottle Lynn! We’ve used a diamond bit to drill holes in glass and that works well. But I haven’t tried to cut a whole bottle! Love the candle idea!

    Reply