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You must have all heard of the rather poetic concept of sending messages in glass bottles. The first recorded use of messages in bottles is said to be around 310 BC, when Greek philosopher Theophrastus used it for his experiment. It is said that Contemplating on this subject I was also reminded of ancient scroll type cylindrical bars that were used for conveying stories or news in the past. Finding this to be an interesting concept for wearable art, I then decided to upcycle medicine glass bottles into quirky necklaces that could be used to narrate interesting stories. These “Story in a bottle” necklaces are quirky, kitschy, can be customized easily and are a hit whenever I make them.
Materials Required
- Mini bottle 2.5″ long (with a plastic screw on cap)
- Image – Printout
- Decoupage medium (mod podge gloss)
- Ice Resin (A&B), cup, stirring stick, old brush
- Hemp cord
- Rhinestone chain
- Suede cord – 18-20″
- Eyepins
- Assorted beads
- Scissors
- Nose pliers
- Wire cutter
Instructions
1. Clean your bottle with soap and water (particulary if you are recycling them) and let dry. The mini glass bottles that I have used were homeopathy medicine bottles in their previous life
2. Poke a hole on the plastic cap with a pin (heat it before poking if required) and let it cool
3. Put an eyepin through the cap, make a loop and wrap the extra wire. Apply a little decoupage glue on the cap and screw it back on the bottle
4. Print and cut out an image to fit the bottle’s dimensions. Applying mod podge liberally on the back of the image, glue it to the bottle. Smooth the image.
5. Cover the bottle cap by gluing hemp cord and rhinestone cup chain on it. Distress with paint if required
6. Cover the bottle and cap with Modpodge to seal it. Let dry for a few hours.
7. Mix equal parts of Part A and B of iceresin as per the instructions on the bottle. Coat the entire bottle with resin (including bottle but excluding the cap). Let it cure for 48-72 hours
8. Loop together assorted beads and link to connectors on either side
9. Wrap suede cord to the connectors with wire so that it is long enough for a over the head necklace. You could add a clasp if you wish to make the necklace shorter
In this design I have used a restored vintage Indian miniature painting of an Ambari (Royal procession on an elephant) and chose some interesting beads to go with the colors in the image. But any image could be used to create this design. Also you could use cord, ribbon, yarn or chain instead of the suede cord. Here are some variations of the necklaces I created using music inspired artwork.
This is a fun necklace that can be worn with casuals or as a statement piece with ethnic outfits. However you wear it, it is bound to be a definite conversation starter. I hope that you enjoy it!
What’s the most unique piece of jewelry that you have made?
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Divya N
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I am trying to make the Simple Spring Girls Crochet Dress. I got to the end of Instruction 4 and it seems to be incomplete. The straps have 8 stitches, but the instructions say ” next 9 stitches, chain. Turn”, then # 5 starts with “Chain 2.”
Were instructions left out? Please contact me.
Thank you,
Carolyn Kopp
The concept behind this piece of jewelry is really interesting. Telling your own story through a necklace allows you to not only share parts of your life, but your personal style as well. I love all the different designs you can choose from to make your piece of unique jewelry. I also think these “Story in a Bottle” necklaces would make really thoughtful gifts for friends and family.