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Five lit taper candles with wax drippings are arranged on a table among green foliage and a floral arrangement. A single floating candle is in a clear glass container in the foreground. The setting is dimly lit, creating a warm ambiance.
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Yield: 2 Candle Holders per Bottle

How to Make DIY Wine Bottle Candle Stick Holders

Create a stunning DIY wine bottle candle holder with this easy step-by-step tutorial! Upcycle empty bottles into elegant decor for your home.
Cost$10-$50

Equipment

  • Godora Glass Bottle Cutter Kit

Materials

  • Empty wine bottles
  • Ice cold water
  • Hot water
  • Dripless taper candles
  • Sandpaper 120-200 grit waterproof
  • Safety gloves and goggles
  • Sharpie pen
  • Quakehold
  • Floating candles

Instructions

  • Step One- Remove the labels from the wine bottles
  • Remove label using hot water and a razor blade. If there is any sticky residue remaining on the glass bottles, use Goof Off to remove it. 
  • Dry the bottle entirely before cutting.
  • Mark the bottle at the desired height with a Sharpie pen.
  • Step Two- How to turn a wine bottle into a candle holder
  • Adjust the backstop on the glass cutter
  • Move the bottle to align the marking line with the glass cutting head. 
  • Adjust the backstop against the bottom of the bottle. 
  • Remove the entire bottle and tighten the screws. 
  • Replace the bottle on the cutter. 
  • Step three- The cutting process to cut the wine bottle
  • Adjust the cutting head so it is perpendicular to the bottle. (sightly facing up towards the bottle) 
  • Tighten the wingnut on the cutting head using the wrench.
  • Add a drop of canola oil on the blade using the eyedropper in the bottle-cutting kit. 
  • Rotate the bottle with medium pressure and a steady grip, slowly rolling the bottle towards you. Be sure to always keep the bottom of the bottle firmly against the backstop. Rotate the bottle one full turn. 
  • Do not go over the score line more than once; make sure it is straight and connected end to end, or you will not get a clean cut.
  • Step Four -Separating the scored line 
  • Place two correct-sized rubber rings (in the glass cutter kit) on both sides of the score line. 
  • Pour boiling hot water over the score line while rotating the bottle for about 20 seconds. (Do this in the bottom of the sink)
  • Use cold running water over the score line while rotating the bottle for about 20 seconds. 
  • The bottle should come apart with a clean break. 
  • To smooth any rough edges, use wet sandpaper and sand the flat edge of the wine bottle. 
  • Step five- how to put a candle in a wine bottle

After cutting the bottles, I decided to get creative and use both ends to make unique candleholders in three different ways:

  • The neck of the bottle holds a taper candle perfectly.
  • The shorter bottom half creates a beautiful floating candle holder.
  • The taller bottom section makes a stylish holder for a taper candle, giving it a different look.