BOTTLE CAP CRAFTS

Since bottle caps are my new favorite thing to craft with I thought I would start off my new blog with a bang and share some inspiration with you. I discovered the fun of using bottle caps to make jewelry and crafts over a year ago. Since then it seems bottle caps are the new rave in the eco crafting world and you can find all kinds of amazing project ideas online. The most basic projects seem to start by gluing images, charms, glitter, etc. onto the back or inside of a bottle cap. From there you can go about anywhere: jewelry, accessories, decorations, and even furniture!

From what I can tell the trend of up-cycling bottle caps started in the back rooms of free spirited crafters like myself and as the movement of ‘being green’ grew popular over the last few years, eco friendly crafts started coming out of the back rooms and into the mainstream. You can now buy bottle caps in bulk from some of your favorite suppliers and other crafters are starting to make printable digital art in 1” circles just for making bottle cap projects. However, in order to maintain bottle cap tradition in the true style of ‘green’ I do not recommend buying your caps in bulk. Instead, ask your friends or local restaurants/bars to save all their bottle caps for you. This way you get vintage looking caps in a variety of colors and styles. If you’re collecting your own caps at home, there are many bottle openers out there that will not damage the integrity of the cap. But don't get too discouraged if you find a little ding or bend because it will just add to that recycled look.

In order to rate the difficulty of projects shown on this blog I’ve created a scale from 1-5; 1 being the easiest and 5 being the most difficult. The ratings are typically shown in number of stars ★ after the title or header of a project.

Stars out of 5:
★=simple basics
★★=pretty straightforward
★★★=somewhat complex
★★★★=ambitious
★★★★★=grueling!

BOTTLE CAP JEWELRY is the most common item made with bottle caps next to magnets. The basis for making jewelry is the basis for making most bottle cap crafts. A lot of people choose to leave the bottle caps in their original form and take advantage of all the neat colors and styles available. However, if you choose to spice your bottle caps up here are a few basic steps:

1) First punch holes where you want your rings or beads to go. This can be done with a drill and small bit (1/16” or 5/64”), with a tool designed for punching metal, or a hammer and nail.
2) Install rings and beads and/or wire to hang your chain, bracelet or earring parts.
3) Using decoupage glue, similar to Mod Podge, adhere your images, charms, glitter, etc. onto the back or inside of the bottle cap and let dry.

At this point you can finish by adding your chain, hooks, etc. or if you choose you can fill the inside of the cap with an epoxy to make your piece more durable. I use a two part epoxy because it emits fewer odors and is more forgiving then acrylics or resins. Here are some great examples of bottle cap jewelry.

Earrings ★


Necklaces & Bracelets ★★













If you want to get really creative you can make more elaborate jewelry such as these avant-garde pieces by designer Yoav Kotik. ★★★



BOTTLE CAP ACCESSORIES & DECORATIONS are also fairly easy projects that make great gifts for friends and family members! To create any of these projects you can start by following the same basic steps as making jewelry.

Key chains & Magnets ★





Holiday Ornaments and Gift Tags ★



Bottle Cap Belt ★★












Picture Frames ★★



Or Mirrors of the more decorative nature! ★★★★










Bags/Totes ★★★









Bouquet of Flowers ★★★


BOTTLE CAP FURNITURE is a trend I believe started with the fraternity boys collecting drinking trophies and making beer pong tables. However, I myself have dreamed of making a bar top out of bottle caps and wine corks someday so I would like to take a moment and pay tribute to all those creative bachelors out there. . .






And last but not least, bottle caps as a piece of art! ★★★★★