These bottles look beautiful all by themselves or in a grouping of different sizes. With the right lighting, they really look like “treasure”, and make a “gallery-elegant” gift that is actually quick and very inexpensive to make. But, don’t worry - we won’t tell the person you give it to.

We have made a lot of these over the years because they were very popular in our gallery, and the real fun is that no two have ever turned out the same. Each is a unique work of art.

Much of the interest of each piece is the size and shape of the bottle you start with. We have worked with everything from large wine bottles to tiny glass bottles purchased at a craft store. Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and most import stores (Cost Plus and Pier One) have a great variety of bottles in various shapes - which are priced anywhere from $1 to $5. They may or may not come with a cork, and if they do, it can be turned into a great part of the design.
Two Treasure Bottles on display. Rose design stamp by Magenta and Native American design stamp by Toybox.
Materials You Will Need:

Glass Bottles - any size and shape you desire

Instant Iron and Instant Rust made by Modern Options and sold just about everywhere in sets of one small bottle of each (around $9) or in individual larger bottles. They are changing the brand name to Sopisticated Finishes and that name may be on newer packaging. Try craft stores, art supply stores, paint stores and/or Home Depot.

A large “less-than-best” Round paint brush

Stamps of your choice

A wet folded facecloth in a waterproof container

Hot Glue Gun with “Hot Melt” glue sticks, and a Heat Gun

Black Patio Paint or other matte black acrylic paint (we like Patio’s satin finish and toughness)

Rub&Buff in Autumn Gold and Gold Leaf

Wire: Copper 22 gauge and Brass or gold color 26 gauge

Wire Cutters (old scissors will work for very thin wire), Round Nose Pliers

Bamboo skewers, and 1/8" dowel piece or smooth paint brush handle

Charms and beads of your choice
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