Are you looking for some great repurposed glass ideas? I love repurposing glassware. If you don’t have a stash of glass items, they are readily available at every thrift store and yard sale for cheap prices! I have made many garden topiaries, loving each one more than the one before. They can be very addicting. If you decide to make one, you will forever be looking at glassware a different way. You’ll imagine it stacked with other pieces. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
But repurposed glass is not limited to garden topiaries, read on for so many ideas to inspire you to make something for yourself, or even for someone you love!
In a hurry? Click any image to PIN it for LATER.
Repurposed Bottle Ideas
If you are a wine lover, and have some pretty bottles, why not make some Wine Bottle Solar Lights? The fairy solar lights make this a very easy project. Do you have a special bottle of wine or champagne? This project doesn't modify the bottle at all.
Mason Jar Luminaries are so fun to make! You can jazz them up as much as you like. Prefer something simpler? You can do that too! That's the best part of DIY repurposed glass ideas. YOU do YOU!
Easy Image Transfer & Decoupage on Wine Bottles & Mason Jars make great gift ideas, or craft show projects.
I have great tips for painting glass jars and bottles with a paint sprayer.
Upcycle Plates and Saucers
How to make a Plate Stand with Thrift Store pieces. There are so many orphan plates and dishes at thrift stores, and some are so pretty and unique. You can use a small plate, or a large plate to make this easy project!
Glass Etching Repurposed Glass Ideas
Have you ever done glass etching? Granted, you need to be careful, but the end results can be stunning. This is especially true when you can customize the etching using a hand made stencil.
So, this goes way back to early blogging days, but it's such a clever gift idea. No special tools needed to make this personalized etched baking dish. You will always get your dish back when it has it's name on it, right?
Glassware For the Garden
Here's another oldie but a goodie! I still love making these repurposed glass items for the flower garden. My Glass Totem Tutorial gives you all the information you need. Be warned! Once you start thrift shopping for glassware, you will be hooked! The repurposed glass ideas are endless when you start making these!
Glass Globe Solar Lights
Do you love solar lights as much as I do? They have changed so much over the years, including charging better in shady areas. These ceiling fan globes are readily available at thrift stores and your local ReStore (Habitat for Humanity). Check out my Glass Globe Solar Light Tutorial.
Stacked Plate Dessert Dish
Using more thrift store glass, you can make this easy Stacked Plate Dessert Dish.
More from the archives! Don't you love how simple this repurposed glass dessert plate is? Can you tell how addicting this hobby of collecting glass can be?
How to Drill China for Teacup Lamps
If you have someone who loves collecting teapots and teacups, they may not appreciate the fact that you mangled them to make a Teapot Lamp. However if you just appreciate quirky, fun gifts, this is another awesome repurposed glass idea.
It's not terribly difficult to do if you follow my directions on How to Drill China. I would recommend using a corded drill, or perhaps a drill press. Be sure to begin with a cheap piece you don't mind breaking until you get the hang of it.
How to Paint Glass
In this How To Paint Glass tutorial, you will see that it's not that hard, and if you put on your thinking cap, you will think of all kinds of ways you can use a clear plate to customize your project.
Spray Painting Repurposed Glass Ideas
So, here's another project from the archives. BUT, let me just say this. I still use this project in my kitchen, and it looks just as it did when I painted it. Yes, 10 years later!!! Tips for Spray Painting Glass with Stainless Steel Spray Paint.
With all the wonderful colors of paint, why not use one to Spray Paint Glass a Fun color?
Prefer a simple white decor? Use odd pieces of glassware and spray paint glass white.
Share these repurposed glass ideas on Pinterest!
gail
love all your projects!
I recently found your site and am already a fan! I supply items such as glass etching cream and stencils to crafters and wanted to see if you would test some of my products for free in exchange for feedback. Will you please let me know by email? I will try to come back to this page later to see if you replied in the comments too. These will be shipped directly to you at no cost. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks Eric
I saw your totems and post about them. You are absolutely right...once you make them you find it hard to stop. After making 10 Isaid, "I must quit, where will I put them"? They are fun to put together. I use weldbond glue---what do you use? Please do not post my email... thank you
I use GE Silicone II for windows and doors for my totems. I won't post your email.
gail
Love these ideas- always interested in finding out what I can do with glassware. Helps give me a reason to go to thrift stores and yard sales!! Thanks for gathering all these photos and putting them in one post!
I have always wanted some of these glass totems in my yard every since seeing yours here. I've never made one because of the littles....
I might just have to set some NEW GROUNDS RULES...
...and you could make me sign that says "Stay of the GLASS".... ha hah aha hahaha!
🙂 Patricia
Great projects. Love seeing them all together.
How fabulous! I love every one of these projects!
Cher @ Designs by Studio C
Your Valentine doily plate is one of my favorites!
Another amazing round-up of projects Gail! You are a girl with many talents!
My fave has to be the teapot lamp...but all projects are amazing as always!
Wow, you've done some wonderful projects with glass - I really liked your garden topiarys, beautiful!