With Christmas just around the corner gift pipes, I needed some inexpensive gift ideas for my girlfriends at this special time of year.

As I looked through my stash of crafting supplies, I decided that an empty wine bottle gift pipes, ribbon and bling would do just the trick.

A wine bottle candle would make a perfect addition to a kitchen counter, a dining room buffet, a bedside table, or even next to the tub for candlelight reading while taking a bubble bath.

Several sizes and colors of wine bottle candles make a fantastic table centerpiece or outdoor lighting and bug repellent, when citronella is added.

This is how I did it...

Supplies:

(1) Empty, clean wine bottle with labels removed

(1) Solid Brass Steel Nipple - 1/2" to 3/4" in length, 1/8" IP Thread (assorted 8 pack, found at home improvement store)

(2) Solid Brass Hex Nuts - 1/8" IP Tapped (usually in multiples pack, found at home improvement store)

(1) Zinc Flat Washer - 3/8" Grade 8, 9.5 (usually in multiples pack, found at home improvement store)

100% Cotton piping - fits inside the steel nipple (found at fabric/sewing store)

Complementary ribbon - 2 or more styles gift pipes, depending on design

Other decorative items that can be attached to bottle with hot glue

Small funnel that fits into the opening of the wine bottle

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Glue dots - medium size (found at arts and crafts store)

Lamp oil (found at Walmart or any sports and outdoors store)

Directions:

1 - Using a hot glue gun, decorate the wine bottle with ribbon, decorative paper, and other items to match the recipient's decor or style.

Inspired Note: Keep glue and decor 3/4" away from the top of the bottle, as they are likely flammable. For safety purposes, the bottle does not have to be decorated and it is still beautiful.

2 - Measure the cotton piping to be 3/4" longer than the height of the wine bottle.

3 - Put a piece of tape around the piping, centered on where you are going to make your cut, then cut.

4 - Thread the taped end of the piping through the steel nipple. This will be your wick.

5 - Screw a hex nut onto the bottom half of the nipple.

6 - Place the washer on top of the hex nut.

7 - Screw the second hex nut onto the nipple, on top of the washer and tighten.

8 - Pull your wick through the hex nut until it is 1/8" tall. Take the tape off.

Inspired Note: The wick should not be longer than 1/8" tall to avoid a tall flame.

9 - Using a funnel, fill the bottle half full with water.

10 - Using the funnel, fill the bottle up to the bottom of the neck with lamp oil.

11 - Place glue dots on the rim of the wine bottle opening which will secure the washer.

12 - Insert the piping into the bottle gift pipes, feeding it down until it stops at the washer. Push down lightly to secure the washer to the rim.

13 - Wait 10 minutes for the oil to soak into the wick.

Inspired Note: Let your recipient know that the bottle can very easily tip over, so caution needs to be exercised when transporting and burning.

Wine bottle candles are beautiful lit or unlit.

They are also inexpensive to make and personalize.

Just place in a wine bag and add a tag. You've got the perfect gift for a friend!

If you are interested in a wine bottle candle gift pipes, but don't want to make one, let me know!

Here's to another Inspired Minute!

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