Turn an old plastic bottle into a sparkly DIY plastic vase in just a few steps! Follow along with this fun up-cycled bottle craft!

Find a plastic bottle to up-cycle into a vase….

Choosing the right bottle to turn into a vase require more than just liking the shape.

Water bottles are typically made from a type of plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET plastic is commonly used for packaging applications, including beverage containers like water bottles.

It is also widely recyclable, and many water bottles are labeled with a recycling symbol and a number “1” inside it, indicating the plastic type.

While most water bottles are PET plastic they are very, very thin. Other drink bottles tend to be a sturdier version of plastic. Choose a a couple types of containers of different shapes and thicknesses to experiment with, being sure to see that “PET” mark on the bottom.

Collect plastic PET bottles and add heat to create an organic shape DIY plastic vase.

Preparing your plastic bottles….

All plastic bottles will need to be clean, dry, and have all labels and adhesives removed.

Cut the top of the bottle off using a sharp utility knife. Depending on the thickness of the plastic it may be possible to use scissors for this step.

*Please note that an adult should be doing the cutting of the water bottle. Allow kids to help by trimming up any ragged edges of the bottle using scissors.*

Add color to aplastic water bottle and add heat to make a DIY plastic vase.

Add color to your DIY plastic vase….

Some plastic bottles may have a color to them or you may choose to leave your plastic vase clear. If ou choose to add color – now is the time!

Using permanent markers layer color any way you wish. We used large stripes if analogous colors but any designs or composition you or your students wish is fine. Just remember, it may be distorted during the next step.

Up-cycle a PET plastic water bottle into a colorful DIY plastic vase

Changing the shape of your DIY plastic vase….

When PET plastic is exposed to a heat gun or high temperatures, it can undergo several changes depending on the intensity and duration of the heat. PET has a relatively low melting point compared to some other plastics. When heated, it softens and becomes pliable, allowing it to deform or lose its shape. This can be observed as the plastic becoming saggy, bending, or warping under the heat.

We used a mini heat gun like this to add heat to mall areas of the plastic bottle. Lighter weight plastic, such as water bottles, can be easily shaped with just the heat of a standard hair dryer.

Hold the bottle with a pair of heat safe tongs. Point the heat gun, on the lowest setting, at the plastic bottle until you notice it start to warp. Continue turning and melting using the least and lowest amount of heat possible. Your DIY plastic vase is finished when you’re happy with the organic shape you’ve created.

Adults are needed for this project….

Make sure an adult is nearby supervising this plastic vase project for a couple of reasons.

First, as I mentioned above, the plastic bottles can be tricky to cut through.

Secondly, it is important to note that while PET can be heat-formed and reshaped, excessive heat can cause the plastic to degrade, emit fumes, or even ignite if the temperature is too high. It is essential to exercise caution when using a heat gun or applying heat to any plastic material to avoid potential hazards or damage.

While this is a great activity for older kids and teens please do exercise caution and use your own judgement.

Up-cycle a plastic water bottle into a colorful DIY plastic vase.

Finishing your DIY plastic vase….

Planning to use your plastic vase for anything other than decor? Then you may want to add a coat of acrylic sealer to seal up any color you added.

If you didn’t add any color or your vases are just going to add sparkle to your window sill, as mine are, you won’t need to add this extra step!

If you’re looking for more ideas on how to turn an old water bottle into new art check out this weaving project! A water bottle becomes the frame for weaving!

Up-cycle a PET plastic bottle into this DIY plastic vase.

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