Wine Bottle Torches

12:51 PM

Well now that we have a deck, pergola, and lighting, the only thing that we really NEEDED to enjoy our wine beer mixed drinks dinner good-times out on the deck, was a way to get rid of all the pesky little night-time critters... and by critters, I mean mosquitoes...

Little known fact between me and these winged creatures of the night, we have had an on going battle for the past 26 years... Its a love/hate relationship. And by that I mean they LOVE me and I HATE them.  Seriously, Im outside for 5 minutes and I come back in looking like I have the chicken pox... I LOATHE mosquitoes... yes, LOATHE.
So when thinking of solutions to this problem, Chris kindly suggested tiki torches... and I kindly replied "over my dead body".

This beautiful deck/outdoor area will NOT be cheapened by tiki torches... no, just no.

Enter the Google, where I stumbled upon THIS website explaining how to make "Wine Bottle Tiki Torches".... GENIUS!!!
Full details of how to make these can be found on there website: HERE
Since this is their idea, and not mine, this post isnt going to be a "how to" but rather a "we'll try it and let you know how it goes"

First step first, we needed wine bottles, at least 6 of them.... (our friends our always willing to contribute to a good cause so each graciously helped provide at least one drank empty bottle)
 I let them soak in some hot water and soap to get the labels off (tip: scrubbing them with steel wool after helped get off all the little bits of glue)
 We then pre-ordered all our needed tools per the "how to" website via Lowe's and picked them up a few hours later (P.S- if you shop at Lowe's, you NEED to be using this service... it saved us TONS of time and we didnt have to scour the store asking "What isle can XX be found?" or "I'm probably starring right at it, but can you help me find XX?" We love it!)
 All in all total was a little over $3.75 for all the supplies per bottle... not too shabby! **side note: the only thing I would recommend is buying a 3/4" spliter instead of a 1" (it was too big)**

I was a little worried about the wicks and would DEFINITELY recommend getting the wick/bottle seal as tight as possible.





First time we tried this, ours was a little loose and they would only stay lit for about 3-5 minutes before going out... lesson learned: make the seal SUPER tight to suck up all the oil!
 We didnt flood the bottle with a ton of Tiki: BiteFighter (its the super-duper anti-mosquito oil because I am NOT taking any chances) but just left the tip about 1-2inches deep.
 Once everything was happy and built, we had to determine where we wanted them on our deck...
 We decided a little above eye level so 1. People could see them and 2. It was the height we determined was least likely to catch anyone on fire.... which is a bonus.
 
 Last drill just to make sure it was secure.
 Ok, so super pretty!!



I seriously couldnt wait until it was dark to light them! (P.S- they stuck out about 5 inches from the beam.  We were worried at first that this would look kind goofy, but they ended up being perfect and we didnt have to worry about them accidentally catching the wood on fire or leaving any scorch marks)
 Here's a pretty blue one...
 We decided that 5 bottles was the magic number and tried to put everyone parallel to the railing (except one beam that didnt have railing) to make sure they would stay (for the most part) out of everyone's way...
 A full deck view:
 And at night time??
 OMG i love them...
 The flame above looks pretty big/out-of-control but I promise they were pretty mellow (I tipped this one on its side to get a little more of the oil up in there for the best picture... only it turned out a little pyro-ie... ... ... hooray FIRE!!!)

I dont know if you noticed in our previous "lighting" post, but we had them out and lit for the little get together we had last week.
They worked perfect and I'm happy to report I didnt get bitten ONCE by any evil 'sequitos!! (probably because I was wearing jeans, boots, and a long sleeve shirt, but we'll go ahead and award it to the wine tiki torches)

So there you have it!!
Do you guys like em? Would you ever try something like this? Again, if you like em, check out that website and try em out!!









I would love your feedback!
-Samm
















Share This Story

Tags:

You Might Also Like

53 comments

  1. LauraApril 27, 2012 at 4:18 PM

    I just wanted to say I stumbled across your blog a couple months ago and I love it! You guys do so many cute/neat things. Love the wine bottle torches-even though we don't have deck I'm thinking I can use these somehow in our backyard.
    Anyway, keep up the great work!

    Laura :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. JamieMay 14, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    Loving this idea! I share your disdain for bugs and tiki torches. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Katie @ Quality Cheap HomeMay 14, 2012 at 4:56 PM

    What a great alternative--WOW! Can't wait to show my husband this idea! I'd love for oyu to link up to my party as well @ http://qualitycheaphome.blogspot.com/2012/05/piece-of-cake-linky-party-6.html

    ReplyDelete
  4. kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloorMay 14, 2012 at 5:14 PM

    This is genius!! And so, so pretty!! And I'm with you on the hate of mosquitoes! Bleh!! These turned out so great. So happy you linked up today!! Thanks for stopping by!

    {HUGS},
    kristi

    ReplyDelete
  5. The Thriftiness MissMay 14, 2012 at 5:45 PM

    They look great on your pergola!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMay 14, 2012 at 9:00 PM

    Nice job, I'm about to make some of these myself! I can't decide how many to make...I have like 20 bottles but I think I might burn down my yard if I try to light that many at a time! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. JillMay 15, 2012 at 6:21 AM

    Brilliant! They look fabulous on your awesome deck which looks like it's being well used!!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  8. Cherished Handmade TreasuresMay 15, 2012 at 3:50 PM

    They look AWESOME! Thanks for linking up to the Creative Corner Hop.

    Sandy
    Cherished Handmade Treasures

    ReplyDelete
  9. Cynthia @ Oh So PinterestingMay 15, 2012 at 10:05 PM

    These turned out great! Thanks for sharing the "how to", I've been thinking of making these for our yard. I'll let you know how it goes.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Erin @ Chronic Christian CrafterMay 16, 2012 at 12:25 PM

    I am completely like you with mosquitos...if one is within a mile radius of me...it sniffs me out! These are so much classier than the tiki torches, I agree. I will have to look into the cost...I'm guessing not too difficult to make...maybe my husband and I could do along our fence...hum...something to ponder. We don't drink wine, but we have bottles from "sparkling cider" :) (ha...wild!!! I know!) Anyway, these are ADORABLE, as most anything you do! Thanks for linking up with us @ Toot Your Horn Tuesday!

    Erin

    ReplyDelete
  11. Accidentally WonderfulMay 16, 2012 at 12:41 PM

    These are fabulous! I love how inexpensive they are without looking cheap. I'll have to remember this!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Tammy @ A Walk in the CountrysideMay 16, 2012 at 12:46 PM

    Great idea! My husband buys the tiki torches from Home Depot. They are cute but then the container starts leaking and we'll lose all the oil! I'm your newest follower!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Melissa @ Loving this {crazy} life!May 17, 2012 at 10:21 AM

    I cannot wait to try this! Thanks again for linking up to last weeks party! I have another one up and running today. Looking forward to seeing what you have to share.

    http://lovingthiscrazylife-melissa.blogspot.com/2012/05/welcome-to-katie-from-quality-cheap.html

    Hope you’re having a great week!

    XO, Melissa

    ReplyDelete
  14. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeMay 18, 2012 at 9:10 AM

    How fun and such a great idea. Love it. Thanks tons for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  15. michelle@somedaycraftsMay 18, 2012 at 6:07 PM

    Awesome! i am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousMay 18, 2012 at 9:31 PM

    Great idea! Your deck is beautiful! I hate mosquitoes as well and they are already everywhere!

    Thanks so much for linking up for Functional Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  17. EtcetorizeMay 18, 2012 at 10:48 PM

    Very, very awesome! Your deck looks great. I bet you're going to get loads of use out of it. Thanks for sharing at Etcetorize!

    ReplyDelete
  18. UnknownMay 18, 2012 at 11:08 PM

    I do like them. I have purchased those little cheapy ones and always ended up throwing them away. These are so perfect and will still be around in a year. Just dropping in from Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons to invite you to link this up at Freedom Fridays.
    PS I am now following you on Linky Followers:) Us Texas gals have to stick together:)

    ReplyDelete
  19. UnknownMay 19, 2012 at 7:29 AM

    I absolutely love them. I love how your friends were happy to help your cause. We have great friends like these. I'm a new follower stopping over from stuff and nonsense Friday. I host a weekly link party on wednesdays and I'd love it if you added me to your list of parties.

    ReplyDelete
  20. KimMay 19, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    I love this idea. It is so much better than bamboo. I might have to make a whole wall of these off of my deck, like a candle art piece. Thanks for the inspiration!
    Kim@reposhture.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Lisa @ Flour Me With LoveMay 19, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    These are beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing at Mix it up Monday :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Katie @ Creatively LivingMay 19, 2012 at 9:56 PM

    OMGoodness! This is so awesome! I I have a pergola that I always wanted to hardwire lights to, but we're moving this summer and I never got around to that project. This would be fast and perfect!!!

    Thanks for sharing!
    --Katie @ Creatively Living

    ReplyDelete
  23. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon DesignsMay 20, 2012 at 5:32 PM

    This is such a fabulous idea! I am so glad that you joined us this week! You porch is just perfect!

    Take care,

    Trish

    ReplyDelete
  24. kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloorMay 20, 2012 at 7:24 PM

    Featuring you this week at Mop It Up Monday! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Cherished Handmade TreasuresMay 21, 2012 at 7:41 AM

    You have been featured this week on the Creative Corner Hop. Feel free to stop by and grab the "In the Spotlight" button from my sidebar. :)

    Sandy
    Cherished Handmade Treasures

    ReplyDelete
  26. Katie @ Creatively LivingMay 21, 2012 at 10:22 AM

    FBing this today! (and featuring it tonight).

    Thanks for sharing it!
    --Katie @ Creatively Living

    ReplyDelete
  27. UnknownMay 21, 2012 at 12:24 PM

    LOVE this idea!! They look great and serve a purpose too! Win-win! Thanks for sharing on Fancy This Fridays! By the way, your featured on Truly Lovely today!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.May 21, 2012 at 9:02 PM

    They look really great and hopefully you can now enjoy your beautiful deck with no bugs!

    ReplyDelete
  29. AnonymousMay 22, 2012 at 9:27 AM

    That is too clever! Thanks for sharing this great project. I'm visiting from the Tell it to me Tuesday link party.

    Carolyn
    {My Simple MESSterpiece}

    ReplyDelete
  30. Rebecca @ My Girlish WhimsMay 22, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    Thank you so much for linking up to Your Whims Wednesday, I featured this on my blog tonight! Come stop by and grab a button :) http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/2012/05/your-whims-wednesday-60-and-features.html

    ReplyDelete
  31. Rose :: Fine Craft Guild .comMay 23, 2012 at 4:32 AM

    Darling + functional. So very good. My only concern is: are these flames save with those wooden beams?? I hope so. Thank you for linking it up at our link party: http://www.finecraftguild.com/party/ As always, I love your ideas, and look forward what you'll bring us this week, as a brand new party will open today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Samm SpanglerMay 23, 2012 at 10:23 AM

      Rose, I know that one picture looks like the flames are constantly 8" high, but I actually just tipped them on their side for that picture to better capture that flame. In real life, they only flicker about 1"-2" high and are 6.5" away from the wood beam. COMPLETELY safe! Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
    2. CariSeptember 16, 2012 at 1:21 PM

      what are the black rings in your picture, I dont see them on the supply list

      Delete
  32. LesleyMay 24, 2012 at 9:34 AM

    I am all over this project!
    I featured it today!

    ReplyDelete
  33. UnknownMay 24, 2012 at 4:24 PM

    Those are great!

    ReplyDelete
  34. amy and jesse hudsonMay 24, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    Wow! How cool! You will get so many compliments on them over the years!

    Thanks for linking up with me at last week's Drab to Fab! Hope you'll come back this week and link up again. I love seeing what you're up to!

    http://www.amynjesse.com/2012/05/drab-to-fab-link-up-features.html

    Amy @ Sugar and Spice

    ReplyDelete
  35. Randi~Dukes and DuchessesJune 5, 2012 at 2:10 PM

    Those are so fun! I love them. I think I need a few of those out by my pool. Thanks for sharing the idea!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Billie DeeJune 23, 2012 at 11:45 AM

    Samm - I just stumbled upon your block from a post on Pinterest and WOW! You folks have done some absolutely amazing things! I've added you to my reader and look forward to watching your home improvements.

    ReplyDelete
  37. AnonymousSeptember 14, 2012 at 6:40 PM

    These look Awesome...
    What are the black looking rings? I have wine bottles with not ring or lip on them so I have not tried them yet. But I see you have your split ring further down the bottle and it hangs fine.

    ReplyDelete
  38. AnonymousMay 20, 2013 at 3:43 PM

    Good day! I simply want to give a huge thumbs up for
    the nice information you have got right here on this post.
    I will be coming again to your blog for more soon.


    My weblog :: travel system stroller reviews

    ReplyDelete
  39. AshleyShell@gmail.comJune 28, 2014 at 12:56 PM

    I just did this project, and I wanted to mention that if you put a few inches of water in each bottle, the oil will sit on top and the wick will reach all of the oil better.

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnonymousSeptember 7, 2014 at 3:23 PM

    I visited various sites however the audio feature for audio songs
    existing at this web site is in fact excellent.


    my web blog healthy weight loss ()

    ReplyDelete
  41. AnonymousNovember 11, 2014 at 12:13 AM

    Hi buddies, it is great written piece entirely defined, continue the good work constantly. TreeServiceinGreenville

    ReplyDelete
  42. UnknownDecember 16, 2014 at 11:02 PM

    Big thanks to you for sharing such great information. Upholstery Cleaning Hub

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousDecember 19, 2014 at 3:50 AM

    Cheers! You have really allured me; I have no words to explain my feelings about your post. rentals lynchburg va

    ReplyDelete
  44. UnknownDecember 27, 2014 at 9:49 PM

    Christian Louboutin Bois Dore, christian louboutin remise 50%, Discount Louis Vuitton, christian louboutin shoes, wholesale jordan shoes, ugg boots, ugg soldes, discount nike jordans, cheap christian louboutin, uggs on sale, Cheap Louis Vuitton Handbags, ugg australia, uggs outlet, Air Jordan 11 Gamma Blue, discount christian louboutin, Discount LV Handbags, christian louboutin, Cheap LV Handbags, ugg pas cher, Bags Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin Daffodile, ugg, cheap jordans , cheap nike jordan shoes

    ReplyDelete
  45. AnonymousJanuary 16, 2015 at 12:23 AM

    Hurrah, that’s what I was trying to get for, just what a stuff Presented at this blog!! Thanks admin of the site. Best Limo Service Los Angeles

    ReplyDelete
  46. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2015 at 11:17 PM

    I found your blog in the directory of blogs, your blog looks awesome. Have a nice day.
    rentals lynchburg va

    ReplyDelete
  47. AnonymousFebruary 6, 2015 at 4:29 AM

    It’s an outstanding blog to help new comers I am also getting benefit from it, thanks best home security

    ReplyDelete
  48. UnknownFebruary 10, 2015 at 1:08 AM

    The information you have shared with us is really so great, nice effort!! umrah packages

    ReplyDelete
  49. Mitcheal ClerkMarch 13, 2015 at 1:05 AM

    I was pinning away for such type of blogs, thanks for posting this for us.highest deductible on car insurance

    ReplyDelete
  50. Angel RioApril 10, 2015 at 1:18 AM

    Waooow!!! Magnificent blogs, this is what I wanted to search. Thanks buddyonline payday loans in nashville tn

    ReplyDelete
  51. AnonymousJune 8, 2015 at 6:18 AM

    This is amazing supportive of me to have a website, that’s so valuable for my awareness. Thanks Health Insurance Gainesville

    ReplyDelete

Comments make my heart happy... and I read every ONE of them... thank you so much for taking time to make my day!

Like us on Facebook

Little House in the Big D

Flickr Images