How to Make a Vase Out of a Plastic Bottle: 3 Easy Ways

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Turn old plastic bottles into one-of-a-kind vases for your flowers
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Looking for a fun and cheap DIY project that’ll add some extra flair to your home? Well, look no further because we have the perfect craft for you! These decorative vases are easy to make and won’t break if dropped. And all you need to make them is an empty, cleaned-out plastic bottle and a cutting tool (like scissors).

How to Make a Flower Vase with a Plastic Bottle

  1. Carefully cut the top of the bottle off.
  2. Draw a design around the bottom of the bottle and cut along the line.
  3. Cut a hole in the base of the bottle that’s slightly wider than the spout.
  4. Paint and decorate the bottle as desired.
  5. Place the spout inside the hole in the bottom of the bottle and glue to secure.
  6. Screw the cap back over the spout so that water won’t spill out.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making a Simple Vase Out of Plastic

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  1. Find the spot near the top of the bottle where it starts to curve inward. Take a utility knife and pierce the plastic with the knife tip. Cut around the bottle until the top detaches. [1]
    • Be very careful when cutting the bottle. Keep your fingers away from the blade.
    • If you don't have a utility knife, use scissors. Press one tip through the plastic. Then, snip around the bottle to cut off the top.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Vase out of a Plastic Bottle
    Pick a pattern for the top of your vase. In our example, we’ll do a series of semicircular lines for a rounded top. Take a permanent marker and draw a semicircle that touches the top edge of the bottle, about the size of a quarter. Repeat this shape along the whole edge until you work all the way around. [2]
    • Get creative with your design! But try not to make your design too complicated. Remember, you’ll have to be able to cut the design out.
    • Other designs include cat ears and sharp triangular spikes.
    • If a design at the top of the vase isn’t your style, stick with a straight line—it’ll still look great.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Vase out of a Plastic Bottle
    Take scissors and cut out the shapes. Trim along the lines you drew to cut the design into the top of the bottle. [3]
    • Check that the bottle edges are smooth when you're done. Round out any uneven spots with more trimming if you have to.
  4. Flip over the top section of the bottle so the spout is downward, and flip the bottom section so the bottom of the bottle is face up. Set the spout on top of the bottom, and use a marker to trace around the spout. Use a scissor or utility knife to cut out a hole along the trace mark. [4]
    • These pieces will connect later on, so ensure the hole is big enough for the spout to fit through.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Vase out of a Plastic Bottle
    The best paints for painting on plastic are acrylic or spray paint. Choose one of these types and pick a color for your vase. If you want, you can also use multiple colors on the vase. Alternatively, leave some sections clear and paint in others for a nice effect. You have lots of options for painting your vase. [5]
    • If you spray paint, make sure to do it in an open area and cover anything that could get paint on it.
    • The bottle may need 2 coats of paint. Apply the first coat and let it dry. If you can still see the plastic through the paint, then add another coat.
    • For a more elegant look, go with a metallic paint like gold or silver. [6] For a more artistic vibe, try splatter painting it .
  6. Once your bottle pieces are painted, place the spout inside the hole in the bottom of the bottle. Place glue or tape along the seam for extra stability. Then, screw the cap back over the spout. This will ensure the water in your vase won’t come out. [7]
  7. Give your DIY plastic bottle vase some extra wow factor with added embellishments! Use a hot glue gun to stick on rhinestones, ribbons, or even lace. Or opt for your favorite decorative stickers to make the vase more you.
    • Making this craft with kids? Let them go wild with decorations! A pack of stickers, permanent markers, and glitter glue can go a long way.
    • Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try using other mediums to give your vase more dimension. You can wrap the vase in yarn, decoupage it with magazine clippings, or cover it in burlap. [8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Creating a Woven Vase Design

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Vase out of a Plastic Bottle
    Most plastic bottles curve inward about a third of the way up, making a triangle for the cap to go on top of. Find where the bottle starts curving and place the tip of a utility knife just below that. Cut around the bottle in a straight line until you come back to the starting point, and the top of the bottle detaches. [9]
    • Try to keep the cut as level as possible, but don’t worry if you curve a little bit. You can even out the line in the next step.
    • If you’d like a smaller vase, cut the bottle lower.
    • Be very careful cutting the bottle. Keep your fingers away from the blade and always cut away from your body.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Vase out of a Plastic Bottle
    Make the top of the cut as even as possible. Use scissors and smooth out any uneven spots by snipping them off. Work around the bottle perimeter until the edge is even. [10]
    • The edges don’t have to be perfectly even. Just avoid any large bulges or curves that are out of line with the rest of the border.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Vase out of a Plastic Bottle
    Take scissors and cut a straight line 2 in (5.1 cm) down from the top of the bottle. Then, move the scissors 1 ⁄ 2  in (1.3 cm) from that line and make an identical cut. Continue working in that same pattern until the whole bottle perimeter is divided into plastic strips. [11]
    • Try marking the placement of your cuts before you start cutting with a permanent marker to help guide you.
    • Make sure the bottoms of these strips are even with each other, or the folded design won’t be even.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Vase out of a Plastic Bottle
    Work around the bottle perimeter and fold each strip out. Turn the bottle upside down and press it on a table or flat surface. Hold it down for a minute so the strips flatten. [12]
    • When you’re done, the strips will be nearly flat as they extend from the bottle.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Vase out of a Plastic Bottle
    Pick any strip around the bottle. Grab it by the tip and fold it to the right, over the strip immediately next to it. Aim to insert the strip into the space on the right side of the adjacent strip. [13]
    • You can start going to the left if you prefer, but once you pick a direction, you have to stick with it.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Vase out of a Plastic Bottle
    Continue folding the plastic until you reach the strip next to the one you folded it over. Fold it underneath this strip so it rests in place. [14]
    • The strip may not stay put immediately. Tuck it in tightly so it stays secure.
    • Depending on how far you cut the bottle down, each strip may cover 3 strips instead of 2. This is okay. Tuck the plastic under the third strip as well.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Vase out of a Plastic Bottle
    Repeat the same motion of folding each strip over the one directly next to it and under the one next to that. Continue until all the strips around the bottle perimeter are folded and tucked. [15]
    • Make sure no strips pop out while you’re working. Go back and tuck them back in if any come loose. If some pieces are extra stubborn, use glue or tape to secure them in place.
    • Check that the folds are all even with each other. Make sure the folds are all roughly the same length and shape. If any are loose or out of shape, pull them out and tuck them back in so they’re consistent with the rest of the folds.
  8. With your vase complete, you can now fill it up. Pour water in about halfway up the bottle. Then, insert the flowers and pick a nice, visible location to show off your handiwork.
    • Consider adding some embellishments to the outside of your bottle for extra pizzazz. Glue on sequins or lace, or add some drawings with paint or permanent markers.
    • Try doing this DIY project with multiple bottles of different colors. This way, you can create a beautiful flower display with different colored vases.
    • If you have a large bouquet, place a few rocks at the bottom of the bottle so it doesn’t tip over.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Creating an Aesthetic Plastic Bottle Vase

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Vase out of a Plastic Bottle
    For this DIY flower vase, you need an aesthetically pleasing plastic bottle. A bottle that’s made of thicker plastic will give you the best results. Once you have your bottle, peel off the label and remove any excess residue. [16]
    • Use lemon oil on a cotton ball to help peel away and remove sticky residue from the bottle. [17]
    • For stubborn stains, soak the bottle in hot water overnight.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Vase out of a Plastic Bottle
    Very carefully, use a knife and/or scissors to remove the top of the bottle. Sand down any sharp shards of plastic with sandpaper, or carefully apply an iron set to medium-heat to smooth out the rim of the vase. [18]
    • Because the plastic is sturdier, it may be harder to cut. Ask for an adult’s help if you need it.
    • This step is completely optional! If you like the spout style of your bottle, keep it. [19]
  3. And that’s it! You’ve successfully made a beautiful and aesthetic DIY flower vase. Now, all that’s left to do is fill your vase with water and flowers. [20]
    • Make your vase more unique with some decoration. Try tying a bow or ribbon around the middle, gluing a strip of lace around the center, or decoupaging the bottle with newspaper clippings. [21]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How else can I reuse plastic bottles?
    Natalie Kay Smith
    Sustainability Specialist
    Natalie Kay Smith is a sustainable fashion writer and the owner of Sustainably Chic, a sustainability-focused blog. Natalie has over 5 years of sustainable fashion and green living writing and has worked with over 400 conscious brands all over the world to show readers fashion can exist responsibly and sustainably.
    Natalie Kay Smith
    Sustainability Specialist
    Expert Answer
    My favorite way is to make planters from them, but you can also make a cute bird feeder or use them for storage and organization. You can find plenty of fun ideas online!
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    Add equal amounts of flour and water and stir to make a paste. If it needs to be thicker, add more flour. This acts as a glue you use with strips of paper. I usually rip strips of newspaper, cover it with paste, then smooth it onto whatever I am wanting to paper mache. I usually cover a balloon or some other shape I have made with paper. Once it dries (usually overnight) you can pop and remove the balloon and paint or do whatever else with it.
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      Video

      Things You'll Need

      Creating a Woven Design

      Making a Simple Vase

      • Plastic bottle
      • Scissors
      • Utility knife
      • Permanent marker
      • Acrylic or spray paint
      • Hot glue (optional)
      • Rhinestones or stickers (optional)

      Creating an Aesthetic Plastic Bottle Vase

      • Sturdy plastic bottle
      • Scissors or knife
      • Lemon oil (optional)
      • Sandpaper (optional)

      Tips

      • You don't need flowers to make your vase look decorative. Try filling it with colored marbles instead for a different style.
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
      • Play around with the size of the bottle you use. Small or large soda or juice bottles are great options.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Need some inspiration? Look at vases you can buy online to find a design you like.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://paperplateandplane.wordpress.com/2011/07/24/bean-and-soda-pop-bottle-vase/
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/IOb0R7tObD0?t=6
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/MhLn0cWJu4I?t=39
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-JWhg_ZR6tU?t=6&feature=share
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/MhLn0cWJu4I?t=58
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/QiAxlOLZMxY?t=206
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-JWhg_ZR6tU?t=8&feature=share
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OWn8Lt4R_ow?t=30&feature=share
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/zLGYVXOMCsY?t=2
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/aLkoaiC48j0?t=36
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/zLGYVXOMCsY?t=32
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/aLkoaiC48j0?t=106
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/zLGYVXOMCsY?t=126
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/aLkoaiC48j0?t=134
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/aLkoaiC48j0?t=161
      7. ↑ https://upcyclemystuff.com/how-to-upcycle-a-plastic-bottle-easy-diy-vase-tutorial/
      8. ↑ https://www.lelaburris.com/removing-stickers/
      9. ↑ https://upcyclemystuff.com/how-to-upcycle-a-plastic-bottle-easy-diy-vase-tutorial/
      10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6V8TYhjoXEI?t=21&feature=share
      11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6V8TYhjoXEI?t=32&feature=share
      12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Rh_MwyPM2E0?t=7&feature=share

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Making a vase out of a plastic bottle is a fun way to reuse some old materials. Start by cutting the top of a bottle off with scissors. Then, take the scissors and cut a straight line 2 inches down from the top of the bottle. Repeat this all the way around the bottle, making each strip roughly ½ inch wide. Carefully fold the strips outward. Then, fold each strip in half and tuck it underneath the strip next to it. This will make a nice, decorative rim to your vase. Once your vase is done, you can decorate it with markers, paint, or stickers for some extra flair. To learn how to draw a design on your bottle, read on!

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