Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Upcycle a Soap Bottle Into An Owl

Have I got a fun project to share with you from a few years ago! Handcrafted owls continue to be very popular and I still love making them! I plan on making a few for Christmas and was revisiting some of the ones I made a number of years ago. For this owl, I was inspired from one I saw at World Market which is no longer available.  I love recycling bottles and  thought this would be a fun project to do featuring an owl made out of a recycled liquid soap bottle. 

To make, you will need:

  • Liquid soap bottle - empty and clean
  • Burlap
  • Aileen's Extra Tacky Glue
  • Cotton twine
  • Pinecone scales and twigs
  • Floral twine wrapped wire





1.  Using an empty liquid soap bottle (shaped somewhat like an owl), I removed the labels and cut off the screw top with a hot knife. I used the large refill size but the smaller size is the same shape.

2.  Glued burlap onto the bottle with Aileen's Extra Tacky Glue.

3.  For the eyes I used cotton twine from the dollar store and made them like I did here.

4.  To cover the hole in the top of the bottle I cut out a square piece of burlap and glued it on with the pointed edge between the eyes. Then glue twigs into the shape of a "v" between and above the eyes.

5.  Make sure the pointed edge of the burlap is centered before gluing on the back and  gently creased the two edges that are to the left and right of the owl's head.

6.  Use a glue gun to add pinecone scales to the sides of the owl.

7.   Overlap the pinecone scales from the bottom to the top sides. 

8.  Add twigs (for tail) to the back bottom of the owl.  I used more scales here to cover the top of the twigs. If you want, you can completely cover any remaining areas of the owl with twigs or with any natural fibersThe options are endless.

9.  Use three pieces of floral twine wrapped wire glued together to make each of the owl's feet.

 10.  Add a large pinecone scale between the lower portion of the eyes for the beak.

                                                                  

And it's done!  Quite simple and easy to make!  



Now, for my inspiration:

                                     Theirs                                                 Mine

An adorable owl perched on a leaf filled grapevine hung with jute twine! 





This precious owl vine swag can be hung on the wall or tied to a front door.  What a great fall accessory and a wonderful way to greet friends and family for the holidays.

Take a little time to enjoy!












10 comments:

  1. Oh Gail, how cute is this owl! I just love him and he looks adorable on the branch. You are amazing, my friend.

    Hugs to you!

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  2. Gail, your owl is so cute. What a fun project. Yours looks better than the inspiration....

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  3. Gail that has to be the cutest little Owl I have ever seen. No one would have guessed it had humble beginnings as a soap bottle.

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  4. He is just so cute Gail and I must say I prefer your little owl to the one from Home market. Theirs seems a bit lost in amongst all those branches.

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  5. This is so adorable. Your version is much better. The owl has more presence.

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  6. Wow, great craft. Love your version so much better! Visiting from Sweet Inspiration party.

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  7. Your owl is so adorable! I love his face and bright colors and pine cone scales. I pinned this idea--thanks so much.

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  8. You made the cutest owl and thanks for sharing at our Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

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  9. Gail,
    LOVE this!! So cute!! Thanks for sharing such a great project!! Pinned and shared on FB, my friend!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  10. very cute, I had to come see how you used the soap bottle

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