How to Transform Arizona Tea Bottles into Art

My colorful vase by Jolante

www.flickr.com

Have you ever really looked at an Arizona Iced Tea Bottle?  They are simple, symmetric and can be shaped into something pretty.  Arizona Iced Tea in Diet or Sweetened is one of the few beverages left with containers that are made of glass. This will be your canvas.

FINDING A BOTTLE OR BOTTLES:

If you drink or know someone who drinks Arizona Iced Tea, you're in business. You find them in you major pharmacies, grocery stores, mini marts, etc.  In my town the major pharmacies sometimes put them on sale 2/$1.00.  This is a very low-cost investment to start a craft.

REMOVING THE BOTTLE COVERING:

At the very bottom of the bottle, start removing the commercial covering if you drink the diet because that bottle's covering is plastic.  You can also make a vertical cut carefully and just tear it off up to the neck, which is paper and should be soaked in warm water until removable.  The sweetened tea's bottle is covered in paper, so just soak it in sudsy, warm water until label is loosened and ready for removal. You can also help remove the paper by 'scouring' with an S.O.S. pad.  Make sure that bottle is free of all glue residue and remnants of paper.

THE CORRECT GLASS PAINT:

Visit or call your favorite Art Supply store and ask for glass paint.  One good glass  paint is Delta Permenamel.  It is good for mostly artistic purposes such as a painted glass bottles or a painted vase to occupy a counter or shelf.  It withstands only moderate washing and does not require 'baking'.  Another good paint is Liquitex Glossies which can be baked.  The baked method is more for dishes that will require gentle washing more frequently.

MAKE SURE TO GET THE APPROPRIATE PAINT FOR THE JOB:

The Arizona Iced Tea bottle is just a jumping off point.  Since it is attractive but the glass is of just average quality, your paint should be opaque.  If you have the more refined glass, it would be prettier to have a more transparent paint to decorate  flowers or any design that you like.  Either way, the investment is not bad to create an artistic item that is yours or as a gift, uniquely created by you. Enjoy!

Comments (8)

donata said:

	... Hey, How creative! I like these tips for transforming Arizona tea bottles into art...love your illustration and easy to follow instructions also. Thanks for sharing your ideas. 5*****
	report abuse vote down vote up

April 15, 2010
Votes: +0

tracysmith159 said:

	... What a great way to recycle Arizona tea bottle and decorate your house. These can make a great vase to put wonderful flowers in.
	report abuse vote down vote up

April 15, 2010
Votes: +0

Carl Benjamin said:

	... This is a great project. You should promote it more.
	report abuse vote down vote up

April 25, 2010
Votes: +0

Joan Haines said:

	... Glass painting is a fine way to express creativity and make thoughtful, personal gifts.
	report abuse vote down vote up

May 15, 2010
Votes: +0

Margie Lynn said:

	... This is a really neat project. I will have to try it. Thanks for sharing.
	report abuse vote down vote up

July 02, 2010
Votes: +0

knittingscribe said:

	... great crafting trick for painting Arizona tea bottles, terrific idea
	report abuse vote down vote up

August 05, 2010
Votes: +1

djeff37 said:

	... very interesting and clever works of art.
	report abuse vote down vote up

December 24, 2010
Votes: +0

Susan Golis said:

	... I love this idea, and have some bottles too...they would make such nice bud vases...sharing on twitter...:)
	report abuse vote down vote up

January 28, 2013
Votes: +0