How to Cut and Recycle Glass Bottles


A bottle cutter is a great tool that can convert many glass objects found around the home into works of art. Bottle cutters allow artists and craft persons easily to cut and reuse glass bottles and glass jars. There is a plethora of arty objects that can be made from recycled bottles and jars.

Glass, by nature, has a beauty to it that when incorporated into crafts or art can become quite stunning. A few items such as flower vases, sun catchers, and wind chimes are easy to make and even easy to sell, which could make your craft into a small business.

More intricate projects might include turning a bottle into a lamp. Cut glass can also be used to make jewellery, or even items that can be used around your home. The possibilities are only limited by the imagination of the artist.

Easy to Make Projects:




The bottom of bottles makes perfect little votive holders. Perhaps one of the simplest designs is to cut the bottom third off a bottle and then the top third off a bottle of the same colour, but that is wider than the original bottle and make a candle lamp. Simply put the candle in the smaller bottle and place the larger bottle over the top of the smaller bottle.

Bottles come in all shapes, colours and sizes. Some are thin and difficult to work with and not strong enough to be used in a finished product.  Avoid this type of bottle. Wine bottles are both easy to cut and make beautiful finished products.  Most pickle, sauce and condiment jars are an excellent choice.

Bottle or jar cutting requires three very simple steps.

These steps are:

  1. Score the bottle or jar.
  2. Separate the two piece using heat from a candle and cold from an ice cube.
  3. The last step is to polish the sharp edges so that they are safe to use.


Cut glass Uses

The simplicity of the bottle cutting process makes this an easy craft for everyone. The benefits of taking up bottle art are that used bottles are free. They also have the added benefit of coming in many different colours, shapes, and sizes. This means that starting the craft is fairly inexpensive.

If you think about how a wind chime is made, then all you would need are some sticks which can also be free, and some twine or fishing line, which is fairly cheap too. The possibilities, again, are just amazingly plentiful.

Cut glass Decorating

Glass paints are available that are dishwasher safe. Painting requires that the glass be washed in dish soap and water bath, dried, and then painted.

The last step is to bake the painted pieces so that the paint becomes permanent. You can do that in a standard kitchen oven by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Glass slumping

If you have access to a kiln you can even slump the glass, which is the artistic word for melting the glass bottles or pieces, until they begin to sag or slump. This is a process that is similar to other glass working techniques. It does, however, require very high temperatures and should only be attempted in a kiln or profession glass- blowers kiln.

What glass cutter to buy

Of all the glass cutters that are available to consumers, one stands out. This is the G2 Bottle Cutter. For many years this has been the biggest seller on the American market.   

Considering its performance and quality, the G2 is one of the most economical glass cutters.  It is capable of cutting bottles and jars that are under five gallons. This allows the artist to utilize a wide selection of glass objects for their creations. It also features a removable glass cutter which is handy for those times when you need to cut a straight line or a flat object.


The G2 also is equipped with a cutting head that contains six durable blades, which means that this tool lasts longer. It is also made out of recycled aluminium, which makes this a green purchase. To further emphasise the green nature of this tool, the manufacturer sells replacement parts as needed.


By demand we also import 2 other more expensive bottle cutters for those who require a more professional or special purpose unit, the Ephrem and the Armour Bottle and Jar cutters.

Ephrem Bottle Cutter

The Ephrem Kit is the original bottle cutter on the market and still sets the standard. It has a flat design with an expandable platform that is used to adjust the cutting height on the bottle or jar. The vessel sits on rollers and is spun manually over the glass scorer. It is very easy to use and also very stable.


The Ephrem kit contains, the sturdy metal bottle cutter, candle, polishing paper, polishing compound, instructions and project ideas.

The Armour Bottle and Jar Cutter



Stan Alderson

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