Display your favorite photos in a decorative bottle adorned with seashells, beach sand and trinkets.

Materials

  • clear wine or liquor bottles
  • small seashells
  • sand
  • bendable copper wire
  • bottle toppers (corks or fun items like an old door knob)
  • candle


Tools

  • hot-glue gun
  • long-handle paintbrush or pencil with eraser

Wash Bottles
Clean the bottles with soap and water. If the label’s adhesive does not come off, try using a product like Goof Off or Goo Gone. Let bottles dry completely, inside and out. (Sometimes a paper towel stuck in the top helps dry inside out.)

Fill Bottles
Pour sand and small seashells into a bottle. Use a folded a piece of paper to help pour the sand, if needed.

Insert Photos and Notes
Carefully roll your photo (paper copies work best) and slide it into the bottle. Use the paintbrush or pencil eraser to push the picture down and try to open it up a little. To add to the fun, write a note on a piece of paper or on a brown paper bag to add to the bottle.

Finishing Touches
Find a cork or stopper that will fit snugly in the bottle. Use a hot-glue gun to attach a shell or a favorite trinket to the top of the cork. Place the cork into the bottle and make sure it stays put. To add some depth and character to the piece, wrap the top of the bottle in decorative wire, costume jewelry or anything personal.

Seal and Display
If you’d like, drip candle wax along the edge of the bottle top and cork to seal the memories in the bottle.

Banner